How much are retainers after braces?

[kellia]

Grrr... got stuck paying an extra $1000 on dd's braces since dh got laid off last year and had to change insurances. Now, we don't have ortho coverage and just found out dd is getting her braces off next month and will need a retainer.

Any clue how much that is going to cost us?

 

[patsal]

All people who have had treatment with braces need a retainer. Teeth shift this is the way to prevent that as much as possible. The first retainer should be part of the treatmetn--we didn't pay separately for it with either child. DS lost his upper once and it was $109 to replace.

 

[HM]

The first retainers are part of our orthodontic treatment fee as well. I think they quoted us $150 for each replacement for my sons. (He got his braces off in January).

 

[goofyboyzmom]

We have never paid for a retainer. It should be part of the process because your teeth will shift immediately if not contained. Usually you get it 1-2 days after braces come off because they mold the teeth immediately the braces come off. There is a charge they inform you off for replacements, though. Be careful!

 

[Green Tea]

Yep. Included in the fee.

 

[msmayor]

To echo the other posters, the initial (and hopefully ONLY) retainer should be included in the total fee for the braces.

Generally, they will charge you for a new one if the old one is lost or breaks.

 

[brenalexacamp]

always included in the fee- read your treatment letter--if she loses them or the dog eats them- extra few hundred dollar fee.

 

[kellia]

Thanks so much!! I thought they said there would be an addition fee "if" she needed one, which is why I was surprised when they said she would need one since her teeth weren't that bad to begin with. Good to know that even if we do have to pay it will "only" be another couple hundred. We've put $4000 into that kid's mouth in the past year or so, I didn't want to put much more in there!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

My first one was included. If I lose it or break it, I have to pay for the next one.

 

[J&J'sMOM]

My son's retainer was included also!

 

[Goofyzgurl]

I just got my braces off yesterday!!!! ! The retainers were included in the fee but if I lost it, the replacement would be $175

 

[Feeln'Froggy]

I had to purchase the retainer for my daughter because she did not need a full course of treatment, just 6 brackets and the wire for about six months to straighten things out, it was only $200.00. Son needed the whole kit and caboodle and the retainer was part of the initial fee.

 

[ceecee]

Our first two are covered in the initial fee. If you loose more than two they cost $150.00.

 

[Inigo]

My daughter had regular braces, but her ortho decided that invisiligns would work as retainers for her once the wires and brackets were off.

I had to buy a replacement for the top invisilign, and it would have been $30 if I had needed to pay for it.

I really like the invisiligns as retainers. It doesn't look like she has a retainer in, and I can enjoy the view of what my money (and insurance) paid for since we can see the teeth. The money was so worth it!

 

[luvtogo12]

As others have stated, the first set is part of the fee.

DD broke hers and we had to pay $275.00 just for the uppers!!!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

If I lost my upper and lower retainers, I think it's over $400 to replace them. But there is no way I would ever allow my teeth to go crooked again, so I would just pay it. I been out of braces for 2 years now and still wear my retainers just about every night. I have to wear mine forever to keep my teeth straight, since my case was very severe. I will never be "out of retainers" - I have to always have some sort of retainer for life.

My retainers were included in the original $6000 I paid for my braces.

 

[MrsPete]

Echoing what others have said: EVERYONE who wears braces follows them up with a retainer, so it's included in the cost of treatment.

Two hints:

If your orthodontist doesn't give you a little plastic case in which to carry the retainer, go buy one at Walmart -- it'll cost $1. Teach your child NEVER to wrap a retainer in a paper napkin while he's eating. Over the years I've had several students suddenly cry out in class, "MY RETAINER! Please, may I go back to the cafeteria?" They usually do not find them. It's an expensive mistake that could've been spared with a bright-colored case. No one forgets a bright colored case, but it's very easy to throw away a napkin.

Wear that retainer FOREVER. I wore mine for about two years and figured I'd "done enough". My teeth have shifted a bit, and I wish I'd kept wearing it.

 

[christa112]

My son need an expander which cost more than your child's braces and there is still a chance he will need braces But the good thing is the retainer was included in the price

 

[LIFERBABE]

I am an adult with braces. last year when I had my braces off, I was offered retainer insurance for $50 a year. I took it, but I didnt wear my retainer as prescribed. When I did try to wear it, it was tight and uncomfortable because my teeth shifted so I wore it even less.

A year later, I am back in braces as a Re-Treat. I went back to my Ortho and told her that after my re-treat, I want permanent retainers installed, upper and lower. The cost of my retreat and permanent retainer is $750 with insurance.
Most will not even tell you about perm. retainers. I did initially inquire but was discouraged because of the difficulty to clean around them. The tech in my Dentist office has them and she told me that no matter what, I should get them, but I thought I would be more diligent in wearing the retainer. She even showed me hers, a wire at the base of her teeth under the tongue. We have our teeth cleaned twice a year and use Sonicare's and Waterpiks, so I know that cleaning will not be a problem.

I consider it a lesson learned and will ensure both my boys receive permanent retainers off the bat. Retainers are for life. If you do not wear them, your teeth will move. I completely understand why permanent retainers are not promoted. You dont need replacement insurance, replacements or re-treats if you have a permanent. All you need is good oral hygiene to clean your teeth properly.

 

[mrsklamc]

A friend's ten year old just got measured for braces and they told her that instead of a retainer, they will be severing whatever tissue between the teeth hold the 'memory' of how they were, so no retainer needed.