RetainersAfterBraces:Types,Cost,andHowLongtoWearThem

After braces or aligners, everyone needs a retainer to keep teeth from drifting back, and some retainer wear continues for life. Bloom offers three types, clear, bonded (permanent), and Hawley, and a full retainer set costs $400 to $600. Comprehensive treatment at Bloom includes your first set.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explains that teeth tend to return toward their original positions once braces come off, because nothing is holding them. Retainers give the bone and gums time to settle around the new positions and then keep the teeth in place.

The Three Types

Type	What it is	Removable?	Good to know
Clear retainer	A thin plastic tray shaped to your teeth	Yes	Nearly invisible. Can warp in heat
Bonded (permanent) retainer	A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth	No	Works around the clock. Needs extra care when flossing
Hawley retainer	A wire across the front teeth set in an acrylic base	Yes	Durable and adjustable

The AAO notes that clear retainers can also guard against grinding at night, bonded retainers cannot be lost and provide continuous support, and Hawley retainers sit on the roof of the mouth or behind the lower front teeth. Your orthodontist recommends a type based on how your teeth moved and your habits.

How Long to Wear a Retainer

The AAO says retainers are needed to some degree for the rest of your life. Your orthodontist sets how many hours a day to wear it, and the AAO notes that this changes with the stage after treatment. If a removable retainer starts to feel tight, the AAO says your teeth may have shifted slightly and you may need to wear it more.

A 2023 Cochrane review of 47 trials on retention found that the evidence comparing retainer types is low certainty. In practice, the retainer you wear consistently is the one that works.

Retainer Cost at Bloom

A full retainer set at Bloom costs $400 to $600, or $200 to $300 per arch, depending on the type. Comprehensive treatment at Bloom, braces or clear aligners, includes your first set of retainers. Your treatment plan lists what your fee covers before you start.

Caring for Your Retainer

The AAO recommends:

• Brushing a removable retainer gently with a soft toothbrush and water every day
• Avoiding hot water, alcohol, and bleach, which can damage it
• Keeping it in its case whenever it is out of your mouth
• Calling your orthodontist if it no longer fits the way it did

Retainers at Bloom

Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who plan retention at our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices. We go over wear time and care when your braces or aligners come off. Learn more about treatment on our metal braces page or clear aligners page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a retainer at Bloom?

A full set costs $400 to $600, or $200 to $300 per arch, depending on the type. Comprehensive braces and clear aligner treatment includes your first set.

Which retainer is best?

It depends on your case. Clear retainers are discreet, bonded retainers work around the clock, and Hawley retainers are durable. Your orthodontist recommends one.

Do I have to wear a retainer forever?

The AAO says some retainer wear is needed for life to keep teeth from moving.

What if I lose my retainer?

Call the office so we can make a replacement before your teeth shift.

Sources

• American Association of Orthodontists, Will I Need to Wear Retainers?
• American Association of Orthodontists, Retainers
• Martin C, Littlewood SJ, Millett DT, et al. Retention procedures for stabilising tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023.
• Bloom retainer fee and types (Dr. Thao Vu, 2026-10-28)

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Finishing treatment soon or need a new retainer? Book a visit at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.