Dental Retainers Explained: Types, Cost and Keeping Your Smile Straight

You’ve put in the time — months of braces or Invisalign — and your teeth look fantastic. So here’s the part people don’t always hear until the end: without a retainer, teeth naturally try to drift back towards where they started. Retainers are how you protect that investment for life. Here’s a straightforward guide to the types of dental retainers, what they cost, and how to get a replacement — wherever you’re based in South East London.

Why do you need a retainer after braces or Invisalign?

Teeth aren’t set in concrete. They’re held in place by fibres and bone that need time to settle after treatment, and even then they have a lifelong tendency to shift — a process called relapse. A retainer holds your newly straightened teeth in position while everything stabilises, and keeps them there long-term.

Skipping retainers is the single most common reason people end up needing teeth straightening a second time. In other words: retainers aren’t an optional extra — they’re the final, essential step of any orthodontic treatment.

Types of retainer

There are two broad categories — fixed and removable — and a few options within each.

Fixed (permanent) retainers

A fixed or permanent retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, out of sight. Because it’s always in place, there’s nothing to remember to wear, which makes it a reliable choice for the lower front teeth in particular. It stays put for years and simply needs good cleaning around the wire.

Clear removable retainers (Essix)

A clear retainer — often called an Essix retainer — is a transparent, custom-made tray that fits snugly over your teeth, much like an Invisalign aligner. It’s discreet and easy to take out for eating and cleaning, and is usually worn at night once your teeth have settled.

Vivera retainers

Vivera retainers are Invisalign’s premium clear retainer, made from a stronger, more durable material and supplied as a set. If you’ve straightened your teeth with Invisalign, they’re a natural, hard-wearing way to protect the result.

Many people use a combination — for example, a fixed retainer behind the front teeth plus a clear retainer worn at night for extra security.

How long do you have to wear a retainer?

For removable retainers, most people wear them full-time for a short initial period, then switch to nights only. The honest answer, though, is that to keep your teeth perfectly straight, some form of retention is recommended indefinitely — a clear retainer a few nights a week is a small price to pay for a smile that lasts. Fixed retainers can happily stay in place for many years.

How much do retainers cost?

Retainer cost depends on the type and whether you need one or both arches. As a general UK guide, a single removable clear retainer typically starts from around £80–£150, with fixed retainers and premium Vivera sets costing more. Sets and combinations are priced accordingly.

At Smile Up Dental we’ll give you a clear price for exactly what you need. If you’ve just finished treatment with us, retainers are built into your aftercare so your result is protected from day one.

Looking after your retainer

A little care goes a long way:

• Clean removable retainers daily with a soft brush and cool (never hot) water — heat can warp them.
• Always store them in their case, never wrapped in a tissue where they get thrown away.
• Keep them away from pets, who love to chew them.
• Brush and floss thoroughly around a fixed retainer to keep the area healthy.

Lost or broken your retainer? You can get a new one

Retainers get lost, cracked or left behind in hotel rooms — it happens all the time. The important thing is not to leave a gap, because teeth can start shifting within weeks. The good news: you don’t have to go back to wherever you had your original treatment. We can take a fresh scan and make you a new retainer, even if your braces or aligners were done elsewhere.

If your teeth have already moved a little since your retainer went missing, we’ll let you know your options honestly at your appointment.

Retainers at Smile Up Dental

Whether you’re finishing treatment, protecting a long-ago result, or need a replacement, Smile Up Dental provides fixed and clear retainers for adults across Lewisham, Greenwich, Deptford and the surrounding areas — including Blackheath, Brockley, Ladywell and Dulwich.

Book an appointment or call our friendly team on 0203 411 1550, and we’ll help you keep your smile exactly where it should be.

Frequently asked questions

How much are retainers?
It depends on the type. A single clear retainer typically starts from around £80–£150, with fixed and premium Vivera retainers costing more. You’ll get a clear price at your appointment.

What’s the difference between a fixed and a removable retainer?
A fixed retainer is a discreet wire bonded permanently behind your teeth; a removable clear retainer is a transparent tray you wear (usually at night) and take out to eat and clean. Many people use both.

How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Full-time for a short period after treatment, then nights only — and some night-time wear is recommended long-term to prevent your teeth drifting back.

Can I get a new retainer if I had my braces somewhere else?
Yes. You don’t need to return to your original provider — we can scan your teeth and make a replacement retainer for you.