Do I need a retainer after clear aligners as well as braces?

Retention is usually considered lifelong. Most clinicians recommend full-time wear for several months after treatment, then switching to nights-only wear indefinitely. How quickly teeth move without retainers varies between individuals, so following your clinician's specific guidance is important. Teeth continue to shift slightly throughout life, including in people who never had braces, so the aim of long-term retainer wear is to stop the small movements that would otherwise undo the result. A fixed bonded retainer, if you have one, works around the clock without any effort.

Privately, a removable clear (Essix) retainer typically costs £80–£150 per arch, a Hawley retainer £150–£250 and a fixed bonded retainer £150–£350 per arch. Invisalign's Vivera retainers are usually £300–£500 for a set. A standard retainer is normally provided as part of NHS orthodontic treatment. Replacement retainers usually cost more than the originals if new impressions or a scan are required, and a lost fixed retainer needs a visit to be rebonded. Some practices include a first set of retainers in the treatment fee and charge only for replacements, so check what your quote covers.