Lost your retainer? We've got you.
Dogs, napkins, cafeteria trays, PCS moves. Retainers disappear. Call any Smile 4 Less office, we'll take a quick scan, and you'll have a new one in a few days. You do not have to have been our patient.
Why you shouldn't wait
Teeth start drifting within days of losing a retainer, and the longer you go, the less likely a new retainer will fit without some correction first. If you lost yours this week, a replacement is simple. If it's been a few months, we may need a short round of aligners to bring things back before we make a new retainer. Either way, calling sooner is cheaper and easier.
How replacement works
- Call or book online. Tell us what kind of retainer you had, if you know.
- Quick visit. We check the fit of your teeth and take a digital scan. No goopy impressions. About 20 minutes.
- Pick up in a few days. We call when it's ready and make sure it fits before you leave.
Not a Smile 4 Less patient? Doesn't matter. Moved to El Paso from another state, finished treatment across the border, had braces 15 years ago with a doctor who's retired: we make retainers for all of the above.
Types of replacement retainers
Clear retainers
Thin, clear, nearly invisible trays. The most popular replacement. Easy to clean, easy to wear at night.
Hawley retainers
The classic acrylic-and-wire style. Durable, adjustable, and long-lasting. Good if you've cracked clear retainers before.
Permanent (bonded) retainers
A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. If yours came loose or broke, we can re-bond or replace it. More about permanent retainers.
How much does a replacement retainer cost?
It depends on the type, and we'd rather give you a straight answer over the phone than a vague range on a website. Clear retainers are generally the most affordable; permanent retainers involve a bit more chair time. Call your closest office and ask. Current Smile 4 Less patients should also ask about their treatment plan, since some plans include a replacement.
Most dental insurance plans do not cover retainer replacement after treatment. HSA and FSA funds can be used.
Retainer repair vs. replacement
A cracked clear retainer usually needs replacing (the crack spreads). A Hawley retainer with a bent wire can often be adjusted or repaired. A loose permanent retainer can usually be re-bonded. Bring what you have and we'll tell you which.
Keep the next one longer
- Case, always. Never a napkin.
- Cool water only. Hot water warps plastic.
- Keep it away from pets. Dogs love retainers.
- Wear it every night. A retainer that's in your mouth is hard to lose.
Retainer replacement FAQ
How fast can I get a new retainer?
Usually within a few business days of your scan. Call and we'll tell you the current turnaround.
Can I get a retainer if I wasn't your patient?
Yes. We see plenty of people who moved to El Paso or finished treatment elsewhere.
My teeth already shifted. Can you still make a retainer?
If the shift is small, yes. If it's more than that, a short round of clear aligners can bring the teeth back first. We'll tell you at the visit.
Do you need my old retainer?
No. We scan your teeth and make a new one from that. If you have the old one, bring it anyway; it helps.
Can I get a spare?
Yes, and it's a good idea. Ask when you pick up.
Find your closest office
Open until 7:30pm so treatment fits around school, work, and everything else.