Retainer Price: How Much Are Retainers in Canada?
The retainer price in Canada can be anywhere from $150 to $800 per arch.
A retainer is an oral device normally personalized after the braces are removed. Usually, after wearing braces, the teeth shift to a new position. The role of a retainer is to maintain that position.
If a professional prescribes a retainer, you may have to wear it all your life.
This guide will help you learn the retainer price for different types and the factors that affect the cost.
Read More: How Much Are Braces in Ontario: A Detailed Breakdown of the Cost of Braces in Ontario
Types of Retainers
Hawley retainers, clear plastic retainers, and permanent retainers are the three basic categories that you will find.
Each has a unique role, and the retainer price for each is also different. So, let's discuss the retainer price by looking at the common types.
Also, if you are thinking about "how much does a removable retainer cost?" you first need to know the options you have.
Invisalign, Vivera, Essix, and Hawley are all removable retainers. Orthodontists often advise these to preserve the shape of the top teeth.
On the other hand, fixed, permanent, or bonded retainers are used for the lower teeth or are a good choice for young children.
Now that you know the basics, let's move on to the retainer price.
How Much Are Retainers In Canada
1.Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers have an acrylic plate and metal wire construction and are long-lasting and adjustable.
Usually, the retainer price for this ranges from $150 to $300+ per set. They offer good long-term value since, with proper maintenance, they can survive five to ten years.
Your Hawley retainer is most likely partially reimbursed if your dental insurance provides two-step orthodontic treatment.
To be sure about the retainer price, it's a good idea to confirm with your insurance provider in advance.
2.Clear Retainers
Essix, Invisalign, and Vivera retainers provide transparency over Hawley retainers. Hawley has an acrylic construction with metal wires. Alternatively, clear retainers usually have a clear plastic body.
Essix sets range in price from $100 to $300, whereas Vivera sets cost $800 to $1500 for a set of four upper and four lower teeth. These must be replaced every six months to three years, depending on wear.
The retainer price for Invisalign in Canada starts from $2,000 and may reach up to $9,000, depending on the needs of the patient.
One advantage of Invisalign is that you can obtain replacement retainers by calling your dentist instead of going in person.
To learn more about the cost of Invisalign, read our guide.
3.Permanent Retainer
The retainer price for this type in Canada is around $250 to $600 per arch. These are secured with wire around the rear teeth. Even though they last for many years, changes needed over time eventually raise their overall cost.
Durability of Teeth Retainers
Retainers made of wire or metal typically survive longer than plastic ones.
Metal can last for many years; however, plastic ones are supposed to last only six to twelve months.
For the first six months following the removal of braces, an orthodontist may advise patients to wear their retainers constantly, around the clock, to achieve optimum outcomes.
You don't have to wear a retainer for the rest of your life after six months because you can wear it three to five times a week.
8 Factors Influencing the Retainer Price
The retainer price may vary depending on a number of factors.
Being aware of these factors will enable you to choose the best course of action for you.
So, let's consider them:
1.Retainer Type
The kind you select will have a big impact on the retainer price, as you may have noticed above.
Permanent retainers are typically the most expensive option because they require much work to adhere to your teeth.
Essix retainers, on the other hand, are typically less expensive but may require more frequent replacement.
2.Location of the Clinic
Where you reside has a big impact on the overall retainer price. The orthodontic retainer price is typically greater in larger cities or places with a higher cost of living.
Clinics in smaller towns or places with lower living costs can be more cost-effective if you don't want to pay a hefty retainer price.
3.Expertise of an Orthodontist
More experienced or specially trained orthodontists will charge more for their services. Hence, in such cases, you can expect an increased retainer price.
Working with a more experienced orthodontist can be worth the additional expense, as there are higher chances of better outcomes and fewer difficulties.
The orthodontist will carry out the following steps that will add additional expenses to the retainer price:
Firstly, the orthodontist examines your teeth and bite, takes pictures and dental x-rays, and talks about your dental history with you. The orthodontist uses this information to develop a thorough diagnostic of your condition and design a customized treatment plan that will produce the intended outcomes.
Then, they move your teeth into their proper locations while attentively observing each tooth's movement using an orthodontic appliance, such as braces or clear aligners. A tooth extraction or other further intervention may be required during treatment.
The orthodontist will give you a retainer device to maintain the results after treatment. Retention is the most crucial aspect of care since the progress obtained after the treatment would only be maintained with adequate retention.
With all these steps, the retainer price will increase significantly.
4.Number of Retainers
The number of sets and arches used in the treatment will increase the retainer price.
You may need more than one set of retainers during your treatment. In the same vein, replacing lost or damaged retainers will cost more.
5.Replacement Costs
Because retainers are not unbreakable, you can eventually require a replacement.
Here is the retainer price that you may have to pay during replacement:
Removable retainers: It usually costs $150 to $300 to replace a single removable retainer, such as an Essix or Hawley.
Permanent retainers: Depending on the difficulty of the repair, rebonding a permanent retainer that breaks or comes free will cost anywhere from $100 to $250.
By keeping your retainer in good shape, you can reduce the need for replacements and related expenses.
6.Getting a Custom Fit
The retainer price in Canada for the ones that match the particular shapes of your teeth will be higher.
While certain off-the-shelf solutions are available, typically at a reduced cost, most retainers are custom-made to accommodate your tooth alignment.
Nonetheless, investing in a properly fitting solution is worthwhile because custom retainers are much more successful at preserving your dental results.
7.Choosing the Material
Furthermore, the material can affect the retainer price. For instance, clear plastic retainers are more costly than conventional metal ones.
To find the greatest choice for your unique needs and financial situation, go over each aspect with your orthodontist.
Remember that purchasing high-quality retainers can help you preserve the outcomes of your orthodontic treatment over time.
8.Follow-Up Care for the Retainer
Taking good care of your retainers can help them last longer, which may reduce the need for replacement and related expenses.
To avoid damage and preserve your retainers' effectiveness, adhere to your orthodontist's cleaning and storage recommendations.
You can save money over time by properly caring for your retainers by preventing needless replacement costs.
Options For Paying the Retainer Price
Here is how you can pay the retainer price:
1.Payment Plans
To help spread out the retainer price over time, a lot of orthodontic offices provide flexible payment plans.
During your consultation, find out what financing alternatives are available. For patients who may not be able to pay the entire price upfront, this can help make the cost of retainers more accessible and manageable.
To get flexible financing options, you can check out KWC Dental.
2.Insurance Coverage
The retainer price may occasionally be partially covered by dental insurance, particularly if they are considered medically necessary to keep your teeth from moving.
Determining what kind of orthodontic retainer coverage your insurance company offers is a good idea.
3.Examine Retainer Price From Various Providers
To compare the retainer price, get estimates from several orthodontic professionals. To make an informed choice, consider reputation, experience, and other services.
This will guarantee high-quality care at a fair cost and help you find the best value for your money.
Also Read: Are Permanent Retainers Bad For You: A Detailed Guide by Our Dentists in Ontario
FAQs
Does insurance cover the retainer price?
Retainers may be covered by certain dental insurance plans, particularly if they are a component of orthodontic treatment.
Do fixed and removable retainers have different prices?
Indeed. Removable retainers typically cost less than fixed retainers due to installation costs.
Is replacement cost more than the typical retainer price?
Generally speaking, replacement retainers are just as expensive as the original. However, certain clinics may give you a discount.
Is it possible to purchase a retainer online for less money?
Cheaper retainers might be available online, but speaking with your orthodontist is important to ensure they fit and are safe.
Contact KWC Dental for the Best Retainers in Canada
This was our retainer price guide for Canada.
The cost to place or replace permanent retainers ranges from $150 to $500. The total braces cost may include implanting a fixed or bonded retainer.
Furthermore, the cost of having your Hawley retainer fitted and purchased by your orthodontist will be higher than that of your dentist.
Dentists and orthodontists may charge different dental professional fees. Both can offer retainers, but their fees may be higher because orthodontists are experts in tooth alignment.
To learn more about the best option for maintaining the alignment of new teeth, contact us today!