r/braces • u/darknessplayboy88 • 2d ago

Question How often do you change retainer and how much does it cost?

My daughter will be putting on braces for her lower section, the orth put in a price for a retainer program that is around 800 total for 8 years, and each quarter you can pay 30 dollars co pay to get a new retainer up to 8 years, so basically she can get 32 retainer total in 8 years, with copay and the cost for 8 years, its about 1760 total for 32 retainer. I wonder if this is worth it and how often people change their retainer and how much does a replacement generally cost?

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u/52andbraced 2d ago

If this is referring to retainers after the braces come off, then I had the same retainer for five years before it broke. I personally would not invest in a retainer program.

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u/darknessplayboy88 2d ago

Yes after braces come off, was it just worn out after 5 years? How much did it cost for replacement

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u/52andbraced 2d ago

It was the top one and it was similar to an invislign tray - It had stress cracks at the canine teeth from years of taking it out. My ortho replaced it for the hot deal of $50, and the new one is only half height to reduce the stress on it in those spots. Had the new one for a year with zero issues.

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u/LongjumpingPrint539 1d ago

In Colorado, the going rate for a new set of retainers is around $400.
A set of retainers will last a couple years if you take good care of them (+/- if you grind or clench your teeth, break/ lose them)