Retainers, explained properly.
A retainer is what keeps teeth straight after braces or aligners finish. There are two main types, removable retainers you take in and out and fixed wires bonded behind the teeth, and most people should plan on night time wear for the long term. Here is how they work, what they cost in New Zealand, and what to do when one needs replacing.
Specialist orthodontist · No referral needed
Just want the price? What a retainer costs in NZ, including replacements and lost retainers.
Removable and fixed, and when each makes sense
Every retainer does the same job, holding teeth exactly where treatment finished. The right type depends on your teeth, your habits and how treatment was done.
Clear removable retainers
Thin, transparent and moulded to your teeth, similar in look to a clear aligner. Easy to clean and nearly invisible, worn full time at first and then at night.
Hawley retainers
The traditional wire and acrylic plate. Durable, adjustable and easy to repair, a proven option that has held smiles straight for generations.
Fixed bonded retainers
A fine wire bonded behind the front teeth that works around the clock without you thinking about it. Often paired with a removable retainer at night for full protection.
Already wearing retainers? Our guide to caring for your retainers covers cleaning, storage and travel. Lost yours? Here is what to do about a lost or broken retainer.
Straight teeth are kept, not just made
Frequently asked questions
What does a retainer do?
A retainer holds your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. Teeth naturally want to drift back towards where they started, especially in the first months after braces or aligners come off, and a retainer is what protects the result you invested in.
What types of retainer are there?
There are two main families. Removable retainers include clear Essix style retainers that fit over the teeth and traditional Hawley retainers made of wire and acrylic. Fixed or bonded retainers are a thin wire glued behind the front teeth that stays in place permanently. Many patients have a combination, and we recommend the right setup for your case.
How long do you need to wear a retainer?
For as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. Most people wear removable retainers full time at first, then nights only. Teeth can drift at any age, so some night time wear long term is the safest habit. Your orthodontist will give you a schedule for your case.
How much do retainers cost in NZ?
If you are treated at Milk Orthodontics, your retainers and aftercare are included in your all inclusive treatment fee, and replacements are complimentary in the first year if one breaks or wears out. Lost retainers are quoted before anything is made. For people treated elsewhere, three sets of clear removable retainers cost $595 for one arch or $895 for both.
Can I get a retainer without having braces first?
Yes. If you are happy with your teeth as they are and want to keep them that way, we can make a retainer to hold their current position after a quick assessment. A retainer holds teeth still, it does not straighten them, so if movement is needed we will talk you through the options honestly.
Can you replace a retainer that was made somewhere else?
Yes, removable ones. We make clear removable retainers for people who had treatment at another clinic or overseas. We do not fit, repair or replace fixed wires for people treated at another practice. See our replacement retainer service for how it works.
Need a retainer sorted?
Whether your retainer needs replacing, checking or making for the first time, we will sort it quickly, even if your treatment was somewhere else. Start with our replacement service or a free Smile Assessment with our Treatment Coordinator.