August 18, 2025
Table of Content
Why do you need a retainer in the first place?
Let's start here. After months (or even years) of wearing braces or aligners, your teeth are finally straight, but they're not done shifting. Teeth have a sneaky habit of moving back to their original position, especially in the first year after treatment.
That's where retainers come in. They help retain your new smile, preventing your teeth from relapsing and saving you from having to do it all over again.
Don't let your hard-earned smile go to waste.
With Caspersmile Clear Retainers, make your smile last forever.
How much are retainers in the UK on average?
On average, the retainer price in the UK can range anywhere between £60 to £400 per retainer, depending on the type, the provider, and whether you're paying privately or through insurance.
Here's a rough breakdown:
|
Type of Retainer |
Price Range (Private) |
|
Hawley (removable, acrylic with wire) |
£70 - £150 |
|
Essix (clear plastic, removable) |
£60 - £145 |
|
Fixed/Bonded Retainer (wire behind teeth) |
£100 - £400 |
Retainer cost with insurance (private or dental plans)
If you have dental insurance or a private dental plan that includes orthodontic aftercare, you may be covered, at least partially, for retainers. Some plans will:
-
Cover one set of retainers post-treatment
-
Offer partial reimbursement for replacement retainers
-
Include retainers as part of the full orthodontic package
Pro tips
Always check the fine print. Many insurance policies only cover one pair, and only if they're part of your original treatment.
Can you get retainers through the NHS?
Yes, but there's a catch.
If you were eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment (typically under 18 and meeting strict dental criteria), your initial retainer is usually included for free. However:
-
Replacements aren't covered. Lose it, and you'll likely have to pay privately.
-
Adults usually aren't eligible for NHS orthodontic care or retainers, unless it's for medical reasons.
So while it's possible to get free, cheap retainers through the NHS, for most adults in the UK, private retainers are the reality.
Types of retainers and their prices
Let's break it down further. There are three main types of retainers, and each comes with its own price tag, pros, and cons.
Essix retainers (Clear plastic)
-
Cost: £60 - £145 per arch
-
Pros: Virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable
-
Cons: Can wear out over time (needs replacement every 6-12 months)
Hawley retainers (Acrylic & wire)
-
Cost: £70 - £150 per arch
-
Pros: Durable, adjustable by your dentist
-
Cons: Visible wire, less aesthetic
Fixed retainers (Bonded wire)
-
Cost: £100 - £400 per arch
-
Pros: Always in place, great for forgetful wearers
-
Cons: Harder to clean, can break or come loose
Your orthodontist might recommend a combination, like a fixed retainer behind the bottom front teeth plus a removable retainer to wear at night for the upper teeth.
Cost of replacement retainers
Lost your retainer? Cracked it by accident? It happens more often than you'd think, especially with clear or white retainers. Replacement orthodontic retainer pricing is usually:
-
£60 - £145 for Essix retainers
-
£70 - £150 for Hawley retainers
-
£100 - £400 for Fixed retainers
Some private orthodontic clinics offer discounts for additional or replacement retainers if ordered within a certain time after treatment. So, it's worth asking!
How to save on retainers without compromising quality
If you're paying out of pocket, there are still ways to cut costs:
-
Ask for retainers as part of your treatment package. Some providers, including online aligner brands like Caspersmile, include post-treatment retainers in the plan.
-
Buy multiple sets at once. Many providers offer bundle discounts (e.g., buy 2 sets, save 20%).
-
Explore at-home retainer services. Brands like Caspersmile offer custom-fit retainers you can order online, no dental appointments needed. Same quality, less cost.
Caspersmile: Affordable custom retainers delivered to your door
At Caspersmile, we believe a straight smile should stay straight, without breaking the bank.
We offer:
-
Custom-made retainers for your smile
-
Free delivery across the UK
-
No dental visits needed (impression kit included)
-
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Whether you've just completed treatment or need a replacement, we've got you covered, starting from just £129 per set.
How much do retainers really cost in the UK?
To wrap it all up:
-
You can buy retainers from £60 to £400 per arch in the UK
-
NHS may cover the first pair for eligible children, but not adults or replacements
-
Private clinics and at-home brands like Caspersmile offer affordable, high-quality alternatives
-
Your total cost depends on the type, number of sets, and whether you have insurance
Think of retainers as insurance for your smile, a small price to protect the results you worked so hard for.
Call us at +44 20 3872 2812 to learn more about retainers in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
References
Professional, C. C. M. (2025f, June 30). Teeth Retainer. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer
Share This Article
Subscribe our newsletter
By clicking subscribe, you agree to our Privacy Policy and opt in to receive communications from Caspersmile. You can unsubscribe at any time.
