Retainer Costs After Braces and Invisalign
In London, a replacement removable retainer typically costs £110 to £145 per arch, and upper and lower bonded (fixed) retainers cost about £450 to £500, while branded aligner-style retainer sets supplied in multiples cost more. Many orthodontic quotes include the first set of retainers, so check before you pay twice.
| Retainer type | What it is | Typical London price | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear removable (Essix-style) | Thin clear plastic tray worn at night | £110–£145 per arch | 1–3 years with care |
| Branded aligner retainers (such as Vivera) | Thicker clear trays, often supplied in sets of several | £300–£600 per set | Each tray 1–2 years |
| Hawley retainer | Acrylic plate with a wire across the front teeth | £150–£300 per arch | Several years; adjustable |
| Bonded (fixed) retainer | Thin wire bonded behind the front teeth | £250–£300 per arch; £450–£500 upper and lower | Many years, with checks |
| Bonded wire repair | Rebonding a loose section | £60–£150 | Varies |
| Retainer review appointment | Check of fit, wear and wires | Often included in year one | Annual |
Across the UK, prices are similar or slightly lower outside London. At Orthodontists London we include retainers in our written treatment fee where possible and tell you up front what replacements will cost.
Why do you need a retainer after braces or Invisalign?
Teeth are held in bone by elastic fibres that take months to settle after they have been moved. Until they do, the teeth tend to spring back towards where they started. On top of that, teeth keep shifting slightly throughout life, whether or not you have had orthodontic treatment. Lower front teeth in particular tend to crowd with age.
A retainer holds the teeth where treatment left them. Without one, some relapse is likely, and many people who had braces as teenagers and stopped wearing retainers come back as adults for a second round of treatment. Retainers are far cheaper than re-treatment.
Compare typical fees for every treatment, in central and outer London, in our London Invisalign and braces price index.
What are the types of retainer?
Clear removable retainers are thin vacuum-formed plastic trays, similar to aligners. They are nearly invisible, comfortable and cheap to replace. They can crack or wear through, especially if you grind your teeth at night.
Branded aligner retainers such as Vivera are made from thicker, more durable plastic and are often supplied as a set, so you have spares. They cost more per set but each tray tends to last longer.
Hawley retainers are acrylic plates that sit against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth, with a wire across the front. They are tough and can be adjusted, but they are more visible and some people find them bulkier.
Bonded retainers are thin wires fixed behind the front teeth. You cannot forget to wear them, and they are invisible from the front. They need careful cleaning with floss threaders or interdental brushes, and the bond can occasionally fail, so they need checking. Many orthodontists combine a bonded wire with a removable retainer worn at night as a backup.
How much do retainers cost in the UK?
Most UK practices charge in the same broad ranges as London. Removable clear retainers generally cost around £100 to £150 per arch, Hawley retainers £150 to £300, and bonded retainers £200 to £300 per arch. Central London practices tend to sit at the top of these ranges. The figures above for London cover both central and outer practices.
Are retainers included in the cost of braces or Invisalign?
Often, but not always. Some practices include a set of retainers and a year of retention checks in the treatment fee. Others list retainers as an extra. When comparing quotes, ask:
- Which retainers are included at the end of treatment, upper and lower?
- Is a bonded retainer included, or only removable ones?
- How many retention checks are included, and for how long?
- What do replacements cost?
- Is there a retainer plan that covers replacements for a monthly fee?
Our guides to Invisalign cost in the UK and how much braces cost explain what else a full quote should include.
How long do you have to wear a retainer?
Long term. The usual advice is to wear removable retainers every night for at least the first year after treatment. After that, many orthodontists recommend continuing several nights a week indefinitely. If your retainer starts to feel tight after a night without it, that is a sign your teeth are moving and you need to wear it more often.
Bonded retainers stay in place for as long as they are needed and healthy, which for many people is many years. They should be checked regularly by your dentist or orthodontist.
Next step
Talk to a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Request a consultationHow long do retainers last?
| Retainer | Typical lifespan | Signs it needs replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Clear removable | 1–3 years | Cracks, holes, cloudiness, loose fit |
| Branded aligner retainer | 1–2 years per tray | Wear, splits, poor fit |
| Hawley | Several years | Cracked acrylic, bent or loose wire |
| Bonded wire | Many years | Loose section, broken wire, tooth movement |
Grinding, chewing on retainers, heat and poor cleaning shorten their life. Keep removable retainers in their case when they are out of your mouth, as many are lost wrapped in a napkin.
What if you lose or break your retainer?
Contact us as soon as you can. Teeth can start to move within days, so the sooner a replacement is made, the less chance of relapse. If you have a recent scan, a replacement clear retainer can often be made without a new appointment for impressions. If your teeth have already moved slightly, a new retainer may not fit, and short aligner treatment may be needed first.
If a bonded wire comes loose, do not try to remove it or bend it back yourself. Keep wearing any removable retainer you have, and book an appointment to have it rebonded or replaced.
How do you look after a retainer?
- Brush removable retainers gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, or clear unscented soap. Avoid toothpaste, which scratches the plastic.
- Never use hot water, which can warp clear retainers.
- Take retainers out before eating and drinking anything other than water.
- Clean around bonded wires every day with floss threaders or small interdental brushes.
- Bring your retainers to check-ups so we can look at the fit.
Our guide to cleaning Invisalign aligners covers clear plastic appliances in more detail, and the same rules apply to clear retainers.
Can you get retainers without having had treatment with us?
Yes. If you had braces elsewhere and need replacement retainers, we can examine your teeth, take a scan and make new retainers. If your teeth have moved, we will explain your options, from simply holding them where they are now to a short course of aligners to bring them back.
Get a retainer or treatment quote
Whether you need replacement retainers or are planning treatment and want to know the full cost, including retention, we can help. Request a consultation through our online form and we will be in touch.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a retainer cost in London?
How much are Invisalign retainers?
Do I have to wear my retainer forever?
Is a fixed or removable retainer better?
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Related guides
Next step
Talk to a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Request a consultation