Best Extra Thick Retainers of 2025: Maximum Protection for Your Smile
If you grind your teeth at night or want maximum durability, extra thick clear retainers may be the right choice for you.
Unlike standard retainers, these are designed with added thickness to withstand heavy pressure—offering long-lasting protection against wear, cracks, and unwanted shifting. Here’s our guide to the best extra thick clear retainers of 2025, compared by comfort, durability, and value.
Why Choose Extra Thick Retainers?
Extra thick clear retainers provide added security and longevity that standard retainers can't match. They are an excellent investment for anyone serious about protecting their smile.
- Durability: Thicker retainers resist cracks and breakage from daily use or grinding.
- Heavy grinding protection: They are ideal for bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ sufferers, providing a protective barrier.
- Long-term stability: Their rigid structure ensures teeth stay aligned after braces or aligners.
- Cost-effective: Because they last longer, you’ll save money over time on replacements.
Top 5 Extra Thick Retainers of 2025
🥇 1. Best Overall: NewSmile Extra Thick Retainers
Type: Custom, thick clear retainers (3mm)
Price: $159 per set
Why It Wins:
The NewSmile Extra Thick Retainers take our top spot for their perfect blend of durability, comfort, and value. Made with high-grade, 3mm material, they are designed specifically for heavy teeth grinders. Despite the added thickness, their custom fit makes them surprisingly slim and comfortable for nightly wear. They are also significantly more affordable than similar in-office options.
- Made with durable, high-grade material
- Designed for heavy teeth grinders
- Slim enough for comfort despite added thickness
- Ships directly to your door with an impression kit
Best For: Nighttime grinders who want reliable, long-term retention
👉 Order Your Extra Thick Set Here
🥈 2. Most Durable: Invisalign Vivera Extra Strength
Type: Multi-layer retainers provided in-office
Price: $500–$700 (set of 4)
Highlights:
As the most established brand, Invisalign's Vivera retainers are known for their premium multilayer construction. They are provided through an orthodontist or dentist, ensuring professional supervision. While they are a higher-cost option, they include multiple sets for extended use and are considered the most durable option on the market.
- Premium multilayer construction
- Lasts longer than most clear retainers
- Includes multiple sets for extended use
Best For: Patients who want premium, dentist-supervised durability
🥉 3. Best Budget: Sporting Smiles Extra Thick Retainers
Type: At-home impression kit retainers (3mm option available)
Price: $145 per set
Highlights:
Sporting Smiles offers a fantastic value for those on a budget. Their extra thick retainers are made from an at-home impression kit, providing a custom fit without the in-office price. They are a reliable and affordable replacement option that provides the strength needed for grinders.
- Affordable replacement option
- Thick design for grinders and long wearers
- Easy mail-order process
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who need strength without the price tag
4. Best for TMJ Relief: ProTeethGuard Hard Retainers
Type: Dual-layer with thicker outer shell
Price: $200–$250
Highlights:
ProTeethGuard is a top choice for those with TMJ pain who also grind their teeth. Its unique dual-layer design features a cushioned inner layer to relieve jaw stress and a rigid outer shell to prevent teeth from shifting, offering a superior balance of comfort and protection.
- Cushioned inner layer reduces jaw stress
- Rigid outer shell prevents shifting
- Dentist-quality at-home model
Best For: People with TMJ pain who need extra support
5. Best Hybrid Option: Candid Pro Retainers
Type: Hybrid mail-order + dentist oversight
Price: $350–$450
Highlights:
Candid Pro offers a great middle ground between an at-home and in-office solution. Your treatment is guided by a dental professional, ensuring accuracy and a high-quality product. The retainers are durable and are conveniently delivered to your home after your treatment is complete.
- Professional monitoring included
- Durable construction
- Convenient delivery to your home
Best For: Those who want dentist involvement but prefer at-home convenience
Comparison Table
| Brand | Type | Price | Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile | Custom-fit | $159 | 3mm | Heavy grinders, affordable |
| Invisalign Vivera | In-office | $500–700 | Multi-layer | Premium durability |
| Sporting Smiles | Mail-order | $145 | 3mm | Budget-friendly option |
| ProTeethGuard | Dual-layer | $200–250 | 3mm+ | TMJ relief + grinding |
| Candid Pro | Hybrid | $350–450 | Thick clear | Dentist-supervised option |
Key Buying Tips
- Grind your teeth at night? Choose retainers with a thickness of at least 3mm for maximum durability.
- Prefer comfort? Look for dual-layer options that balance cushioning with strength, especially for TMJ pain.
- Want the longest lifespan? Multilayer retainers like Invisalign Vivera are known to last the longest.
- Budget-conscious? Brands like NewSmile and Sporting Smiles provide excellent value for a custom-fit, thick retainer.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Choosing thin retainers if you’re a heavy grinder: They will quickly wear out, crack, or even break, requiring frequent and costly replacements.
🚫 Using a sports mouthguard instead: Sports mouthguards are too bulky for daily retention and can actually cause teeth to shift.
🚫 Skipping a backup set: Once your thick retainer cracks, the risk of your teeth shifting back increases quickly. Always have a backup on hand.
Final Verdict
For most people in 2025, the NewSmile Extra Thick Retainers are the best option. They provide a custom-made fit, are comfortable despite the added thickness, and are significantly more affordable than most in-office alternatives. They offer the perfect balance of durability and value for a protected, long-lasting smile.
If you’d like to explore how extra thick retainers fit into overall smile care, you can check out this NewSmile review to learn more about their aligners and retainers.
FAQ
Q: Who should get extra thick retainers?
A: Extra thick retainers are recommended for heavy teeth grinders (bruxism), people with TMJ pain, or anyone who wants a more durable, longer-lasting retainer.
Q: Do extra thick retainers feel bulky?
A: While they are slightly thicker than standard retainers, a custom-fit design ensures they are still comfortable for nightly wear. You'll likely adjust to the feel within a few nights.
Q: How long do they last?
A: With proper care and nightly use, extra thick retainers typically last 2–3 years or even longer. They are designed to withstand more wear and tear than standard retainers, which usually last 1–2 years.
