Retainers for Life Program
The Wright Center For Orthodontics
One of the most common questions we hear after orthodontic treatment is:
“How long do I have to wear my retainers?”
The answer is simple: as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.
Just like the rest of your body, your teeth can naturally change over time.
Wearing your retainers at night, as instructed, is the best way to protect the beautiful smile you worked so hard for.
Because Life Happens
With normal wear and care, retainers can last for years. But let’s be honest — most patients end up needing a replacement at some point.
Retainers and appliances get lost at school, left behind on vacation, accidentally thrown away in the school trash, misplaced during a move, cracked, worn out, or chewed by your favorite four-legged friend.
Lost it. Tossed it. Cracked it. Dog chewed it. We’ve heard it all.
Program Fee
The enrollment fee for the Retainers for Life Program is $795.
Once enrolled, patients may receive up to 2 replacement retainers per year for retainers that are lost or broken. A small deductible applies for each retainer or qualifying orthodontic appliance that needs to be replaced.
Retainer or Appliance Type Regular Replacement Fee Retainers for Life Deductible
- Essix Retainer $325 each $49 each
- Hawley Retainer $350 each $74 each
- Removable Expander $375 each $99 each
- Spring Hawley Retainer $650 each $149 each
- Lost Your Retainer? Call Us ASAP!
If your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fitting properly, please call our office as soon as possible. Teeth can sometimes shift quickly when retainers are not being worn, so the sooner you reach out, the better we can help protect your smile.
Whether it was lost, tossed, cracked, left behind, thrown away in the school trash, or chewed by your favorite four-legged friend, our team is here to help you get back on track.
Digital Scans, No Goopy Impressions
We will store your digital scan on file to make future replacement retainers easier.
If a new scan is needed, we can quickly take one using our 3Shape TRIOS digital scanner — no messy impressions needed.
Easy to Add During Treatment
If the Retainers for Life Program fee is paid at the start of treatment and you have selected a payment option, the fee may be spread out over the time you are paying for orthodontic treatment.
This can make the program even more affordable and may also help cover qualifying removable appliances used during treatment.
Common Reasons You May Need a Replacement
Common Reason Example
- Lost or misplaced Retainer cannot be found at home, school, or work
- Lost at school Left in a lunch area, classroom, locker, or backpack
- Thrown away in the school trash Wrapped in a napkin and accidentally tossed
- Left behind on vacation Forgotten in a hotel, rental, or travel bag
- Cracked, broken, or worn out Normal wear, accidental damage, or breakage
- Damaged by pets Chewed by your favorite four-legged friend
- Worn down from grinding Night grinding can wear retainers or appliances down
- Replaced after dental work Dental changes may require a new retainer
- Program Benefits
- Benefit Description
- Protects your smile Helps maintain your orthodontic results long-term
- Peace of mind Helpful if a retainer is lost, broken, or damaged
- Reduced deductible Replacement retainers and qualifying appliances are available at a reduced deductible
- Helps prevent shifting Replacing retainers quickly can help keep teeth from moving
- Digital scan on file Makes future replacement easier and more convenient
- No goopy impressions If a new scan is needed, we use our 3Shape TRIOS digital scanner
- Great for busy families Helpful for patients who grind, travel, play sports, or have pets
- FSA/HSA eligible The program is eligible for FSA/HSA funds
- Protect Your Smile for Life
Your smile is an investment, and retainers are the key to keeping it beautiful. Our Retainers for Life Program gives you peace of mind when life happens.
Ask our team about enrolling in the Retainers for Life Program at your next visit.
Smiles, done the Wright way — and kept that way.
Please Note
The Retainers for Life Program fee must be paid before any retainers or appliances are lost or broken.
The Retainers for Life Program does not cover retainers that no longer fit due to not wearing them as instructed. If teeth have shifted because retainers were not worn properly, additional treatment or fees may apply.
For Hawley retainers, broken plastic and broken front wires are covered.
Broken back wires on Hawley retainers are not covered if the retainer still fits and functions normally. In most cases, if only the back wire is broken and the retainer still fits properly, a new retainer is not needed.