By Joanna M.
JS Dental Lab is one of the most recognized names in online custom dental appliances in North America. They're a direct-to-consumer dental lab based in the US with a strong track record — over a decade in business and a well-reviewed product line. They ship to Canada.
NewSmile Canada is a Canadian provider offering custom hard night guards through a home impression kit process, with pricing in Canadian dollars and domestic shipping.
Both target the same buyer: a Canadian with bruxism who wants the quality of a dental clinic night guard without the $400–$800 CAD clinic price. Here's how they compare across the factors that actually matter.
JS Dental Lab prices are listed in US dollars. Their guard lineup ranges from approximately $129–$189 USD.
After currency conversion at current rates, Canadian buyers are typically looking at $175–$260 CAD for JS Dental Lab guards, before any customs duties on US-shipped goods.
NewSmile Canada is priced in Canadian dollars from the start:
At the one-time price, NewSmile's $199 CAD sits within the JS Dental Lab range after conversion — but with the advantage of no currency friction and no cross-border customs exposure. At $139 CAD on subscription, NewSmile is clearly the better value for long-term wearers.
JS Dental Lab's hard night guard is notably 3mm thick — thicker than many competitors' standard hard guards. For heavy grinders with a history of wearing through thinner guards, that additional thickness can extend product life meaningfully. It's one of their most frequently cited differentiators in reviews from heavy bruxism sufferers.
NewSmile Canada's custom hard guard uses the hard acrylic material that dental clinics have used for bruxism management for decades. It holds its geometry under sustained grinding force and typically lasts 3–5 years with proper care. For most bruxism severity levels, NewSmile's hard guard provides equivalent protection.
Both brands use a mail-in impression kit system. Order online, take putty impressions at home (~10–15 minutes), return impressions in the prepaid mailer, receive finished guard by mail.
JS Dental Lab ships the finished guard within approximately 3 business days of receiving impressions. For Canadian customers, add the cross-border transit time — total turnaround is typically 3–4 weeks.
NewSmile Canada ships the finished guard as soon as production is complete. With domestic shipping only, Canadian customers typically receive their guard in a comparable or shorter total timeframe.
NewSmile Canada eliminates all of these variables. Pricing is in CAD, shipping is domestic, and returns stay in Canada.
Daily cleaning is essential. Never use a toothbrush — abrasive bristles scratch acrylic surfaces.
The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner removes 99.9% of bacteria and residue from hard acrylic guards without any scrubbing. Pair with Petal Cleaning Pods for a complete routine. See our night guard cleaning guide.
Custom night guard in Canadian dollars — no conversion, no customs risk
NewSmile Canada's hard acrylic night guard is $199 CAD. Subscribe and save at $139 CAD per replacement.
Yes — JS Dental Lab ships to Canada with free standard shipping. Prices are listed in USD, and Canadian buyers may encounter currency conversion costs and potential customs duties.
JS Dental Lab's hard night guard is 3mm thick — notably thicker than many competitor hard guards, marketed toward heavy grinders who have previously worn through standard-thickness appliances.
JS Dental Lab's 3mm hard guard has a slight edge for very heavy grinders due to its additional thickness. For most people with moderate to severe bruxism, NewSmile Canada's hard acrylic guard offers equivalent protection at a lower all-in cost for Canadians.
NewSmile Canada's subscribe-and-save option at $139 CAD per guard is among the lowest prices for a professionally made custom hard night guard in Canada. See our best night guards comparison.
JS Dental Lab's hard guard typically lasts 3–5 years with daily cleaning, backed by a 1-year warranty covering cracks and breakage.
By Joanna M.
Not all night guards are made equal — and not all online custom guards are made in the same place. Seealine is a Toronto-based dental lab that markets directly to Canadian consumers, positioning itself around the "Made in Canada" angle. NewSmile Canada ships custom guards nationally through a home impression kit process.
Both aim at the same customer: someone with bruxism who wants to skip the $400–$800 dentist appointment and order a custom guard online. Here's how they actually compare.
Seealine's primary differentiator is domestic fabrication. Their guards are manufactured in their Toronto facility using medical-grade EVA material they describe as BPA-free and hypoallergenic. They cite a turnaround of as fast as 5 business days — faster than many US-based labs that add cross-border shipping time.
For some buyers, domestic production matters: no cross-border customs risk, no currency conversion, no potential delays at the border. If you've ordered from a US provider before and had a package flagged at customs, you'll understand the appeal.
The limitation: Seealine's pricing is not publicly listed. You have to submit contact information to receive their pricing. That's unusual for a consumer product in 2026, and it creates friction that makes comparison shopping harder.
NewSmile Canada's custom hard night guard is priced clearly at $199 CAD, with a $139 CAD subscribe-and-save option. No forms, no waiting for a quote, no hidden currency conversion at checkout.
The guard is a hard acrylic appliance — the material most commonly recommended by dentists for moderate to severe bruxism. It's made from a dental-lab-quality impression kit you complete at home and mail back. Production happens as soon as the lab receives your impressions, and the finished guard ships to your Canadian address.
At $199 CAD, NewSmile's night guard costs less than the typical dental clinic's lab fee alone (usually $400–$800 CAD) and gives you a genuinely custom fit — not a boil-and-bite approximation.
Seealine uses what they call "thermo-adaptive EVA" — a softer, flexible material that molds slightly to the bite. EVA guards are generally more comfortable for first-time wearers and less likely to cause initial jaw soreness. They're a good fit for lighter grinders or people who find hard guards too rigid on the first night.
The tradeoff: EVA guards tend to compress over time under heavy grinding force, and some users find them less durable than hard acrylic for moderate to severe bruxism.
NewSmile's hard acrylic guard is the material dentists have recommended for bruxism for decades. It doesn't compress or deform under grinding force, which means it maintains its protective geometry longer. For moderate to severe grinders, hard acrylic typically offers better long-term tooth protection and a longer product lifespan — usually 3–5 years with proper cleaning.
First-time hard guard wearers occasionally need a 1–2 week adjustment period. That's normal and not a sign of poor fit.
Seealine's decision to withhold pricing behind a contact form deserves direct comment. When you're comparing dental products, knowing the price before you submit personal information is a reasonable expectation. The hidden pricing model isn't unusual for B2B dental suppliers — but it creates friction for direct consumers who just want to know if it fits their budget.
NewSmile Canada's pricing is public: $199 CAD one-time, $139 CAD subscription. You can make an informed decision before entering any personal details. For the price-sensitive Canadian buyer — which is most of us — that transparency matters.
Regardless of whether you choose an EVA or hard acrylic guard, daily cleaning is essential. Never use a toothbrush — abrasive bristles scratch both EVA and acrylic, shortening the guard's life.
The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner is compatible with both guard materials and removes 99.9% of bacteria without contact. Pair with Petal Cleaning Pods for a complete daily clean. See our full night guard cleaning guide.
Custom night guard, clear pricing, ships across Canada
NewSmile Canada's custom hard night guard is $199 CAD — no quote forms, no currency conversion. Get the same material your dentist uses, fabricated from your impressions at home.
Seealine is based in Toronto, Ontario, and manufactures their night guards domestically in Canada using medical-grade EVA material.
Seealine does not publicly list their pricing — you must submit contact information to receive a quote. NewSmile Canada's custom hard night guard is listed publicly at $199 CAD or $139 CAD on a subscription.
For moderate to severe grinding, hard acrylic is generally preferred by dental professionals because it maintains its shape under grinding force and lasts longer. EVA guards are softer and more comfortable initially, making them better suited for light grinders or first-time wearers.
Yes, when they are made from proper dental impressions. Both Seealine and NewSmile use the same materials and processes as dental offices. Dental clinics in Canada typically charge $400–$800 CAD for the same lab-fabricated product.
Yes. Both Seealine and NewSmile Canada offer home impression kits. No dentist appointment is required.
By Joanna M.
If you grind your teeth at night, you already know that a $25 boil-and-bite from the pharmacy isn’t the answer. Generic guards don’t fit properly, wear out in weeks, and can push your jaw into an unnatural bite position that makes grinding worse.
Custom-fitted night guards — made from impressions of your actual teeth — are what dentists use. You used to need an office visit to get one. Now two direct-to-consumer brands, Pro Teeth Guard and NewSmile Canada, offer the same lab-quality result through a home impression kit. No appointment, no clinic markup.
The question for Canadians: which one actually makes sense when you factor in pricing, currency, and shipping?
NewSmile Canada prices everything in Canadian dollars with no conversion required at checkout: Custom Hard Night Guard: $199 CAD (one-time) or $139 CAD with Subscribe & Save. Pro Teeth Guard’s guard prices start at approximately $169 USD — at current exchange rates, Canadian buyers are looking at approximately $230–$300+ CAD before any applicable customs duties.
Pro Teeth Guard offers four guard types: Soft, Hybrid Dual-Laminate (most popular), Hard, and Ultra-Thin Daytime. NewSmile Canada’s custom night guard is hard acrylic — the material dental clinics use for moderate to severe bruxism, fabricated in a professional dental lab from your home impressions.
Both brands use a mail-in impression kit. Order online, take putty impressions at home, mail back in the prepaid envelope, receive your guard. Pro Teeth Guard ships within 3 business days of receiving impressions. NewSmile ships as soon as production is complete.
Pro Teeth Guard: 1-year warranty + 60-day 110% money-back guarantee with covered return shipping. NewSmile Canada: satisfaction guarantee with subscription access to replacements at the subscription rate.
Never use a toothbrush — abrasive bristles scratch acrylic surfaces. The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner removes 99.9% of bacteria without contact. Pair with Petal Cleaning Pods. See our full night guard cleaning guide.
Canada’s most affordable lab-quality night guard
NewSmile Canada’s custom hard night guard is $199 CAD — priced in Canadian dollars, no currency conversion.
Yes — Pro Teeth Guard advertises free shipping to the US and Canada. However, prices are in USD, and Canadian buyers may face customs duties on US-shipped goods. NewSmile Canada ships domestically in Canadian dollars.
For heavy grinding, a hard acrylic guard is standard — both Pro Teeth Guard’s hard guard and NewSmile Canada’s custom hard guard use comparable lab-grade materials. NewSmile is $199 CAD vs Pro Teeth Guard’s approximately $230–$260 CAD equivalent after currency conversion.
Yes — the same putty impression technology used by dental labs for clinical orders. The guard is fabricated on your actual impression, giving equivalent fit to a clinically sourced custom guard.
A properly fitted custom night guard reduces jaw muscle strain and tooth-on-tooth contact that contributes to TMJ symptoms. See our article on how to choose the best night guard.
Hard acrylic guards typically last 3–5 years with proper daily cleaning. NewSmile Canada’s subscription option is designed for this replacement cycle.
By Joanna M.
If you've just finished orthodontic treatment — or your retainer cracked at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday — you're probably searching for a fast, affordable replacement. This guide breaks down every cost tier, explains what CDCP actually covers, and shows you how Canadians are saving hundreds by ordering retainers online.
| Option | Type | Cost (CAD) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile (mail-order) | Essix clear retainer pair | ~$119–$129 | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| Dental office replacement | Essix or Hawley | $300–$700+ | 1–3 office visits |
| General orthodontist | Essix or bonded | $250–$600 | Appointment + lab time |
| Chain dental clinic | Varies | $200–$450 | 1–2 weeks |
Dental offices factor in chair time, overhead, and lab fees — none of which apply when you order online. A mail-order retainer uses the same dental-grade thermoplastic; the difference is delivery model, not material quality.
Most Canadians need both an upper and lower retainer. Dental offices typically price per arch ($150–$350 each), so a full set can reach $300–$700 CAD. NewSmile prices its pair as a single unit, so you're getting both arches for ~$119–$129.
The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) launched in 2024 to help eligible Canadians afford preventive and restorative dental care. However, retainers are not a covered benefit under CDCP.
CDCP focuses on: examinations and X-rays, cleanings and scaling, fillings and extractions, and some denture services. Orthodontic appliances — including retainers — fall outside CDCP's scope.
Some employer group benefits include an orthodontic lifetime maximum (commonly $1,500–$3,000 CAD) that may cover a portion. Post-treatment replacement retainers are often excluded or subject to a waiting period. Check your plan's benefit booklet for exact language.
Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offered through Canadian employers typically do cover dental appliances including retainers as eligible medical expenses. Keep your NewSmile invoice — it works as a receipt for HSA reimbursement claims.
The most popular option post-Invisalign or clear aligner treatment. Thin, nearly invisible, and removable for eating and cleaning. These are what NewSmile makes. Average lifespan: 1–3 years with proper care.
The classic metal wire + acrylic plate. More durable than Essix but bulkier and more visible. Typically only available through dental offices in Canada.
A thin wire glued behind your front teeth. Permanent unless removed by a dentist. Cannot be replaced at home — requires professional removal and re-bonding.
Yes — for maintenance retainers. If your teeth have shifted significantly, see an orthodontist before ordering a retainer, as a retainer holds your current position rather than correcting movement.
The biggest hidden cost of retainers is replacement frequency. Never use a manual toothbrush on your retainer — bristles scratch the surface and create micro-grooves where bacteria thrive. The right approach:
Also keep retainers away from heat, store in a hard case, and rinse immediately after removing.
Get a Custom Retainer Pair for ~$119–$129 CAD — No Dentist Visit Needed
NewSmile's at-home impression kit delivers dental-grade Essix retainers to your door. No appointments, no waiting rooms — just a precise fit made from your own impressions. Ships as soon as production is complete.
Retainers in Canada range from ~$119–$129 CAD for a mail-order pair to $300–$700 CAD at a dental office. The cost depends on the retainer type and whether you use a dentist or orthodontist.
No. The Canada Dental Care Plan does not cover orthodontic retainers. CDCP covers preventive and restorative procedures like cleanings, fillings, and extractions — not post-orthodontic maintenance appliances.
Yes. Mail-order retainer services like NewSmile allow you to take impressions at home and have custom retainers fabricated and shipped to you. This is appropriate for maintenance retainers when your teeth haven't significantly shifted.
Most Essix retainers last 1–3 years with proper care. Using an ultrasonic cleaner instead of a toothbrush significantly extends lifespan.
Some employer group benefits cover retainers under an orthodontic lifetime maximum. CDCP does not. HSA and FSA accounts typically do cover dental appliances — save your invoice for reimbursement.
The most affordable option is a mail-order custom retainer pair, starting at approximately $119–$129 CAD.
See also: How Much Does a Night Guard Cost in Canada? | Retainer vs. Night Guard: Do You Need Both?
By Joanna M.
Dental costs in Canada are among the highest per-procedure in the developed world, and replacement retainers are no exception. A single set of Essix retainers from an orthodontist or general dentist typically costs $300–$600 CAD.
The direct-to-consumer retainer market now serves all Canadian provinces and territories. You order online, receive an impression kit by mail, complete it at home in about 15 minutes, and return it using the included pre-paid envelope. Your custom retainers are fabricated and shipped directly to your door.
If your teeth have shifted noticeably, a passive appliance will not correct that movement — retreatment would be needed. If you clench or grind your teeth, a retainer is the wrong appliance. A custom night guard is designed for bruxism; a clear retainer will crack prematurely under heavy grinding.
All major online brands use Essix-style thermoplastic. Choose 0.030" (standard, comfortable nightly wear) or 0.040" (thicker, better durability for those with a history of cracking retainers).
The kit ships Canada-wide. Mix the putty, press over your teeth, hold for 60–90 seconds, return in the prepaid Canada Post envelope. The lab reviews your impressions and ships finished retainers within 10–14 business days of approval.
Clear retainers worn nightly typically last 12–18 months. If you replace them annually, a subscription plan from NewSmile saves money on each replacement cycle.
| Brand | Price (CAD, approx.) | Subscription? | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile | See current price → | Yes | 2–3 weeks |
| AlignerCo.ca | ~$125 CAD per set | No | 3–4 weeks |
| Retainers for Life Canada | ~$150–$200 CAD per set | No | 2–3 weeks |
| Private dentist | $300–$600 CAD per set | No | 1–2 weeks |
A well-fabricated Essix retainer will snap firmly over your teeth — firm enough that you notice it, loose enough that it doesn't cause pain. Some tightness on the first night is normal.
Most people adapt within one to two weeks. Increased saliva production is common and resolves on its own. If you consistently wake with jaw or facial muscle soreness, that pattern points to nocturnal grinding — the right solution is a custom night guard, not a thicker retainer.
See NewSmile's Canadian retainer plans
NewSmile ships custom retainers across Canada with a subscription option that makes annual replacement affordable. Impression kit included, free shipping.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not currently cover replacement retainers from direct-to-consumer online providers. Supplemental employer dental plans may have remaining orthodontic benefit. HSA funds are generally eligible for dental appliances — confirm with your plan administrator before purchasing.
From order date to delivery: typically three to four weeks, including kit shipping, lab fabrication (10–14 business days), and return shipping to your address.
No. The CDCP does not cover replacement retainers from direct-to-consumer providers. Supplemental employer plans may have remaining orthodontic benefit.
A retainer maintains tooth position after orthodontic treatment. A night guard absorbs the force of grinding and clenching. Using a retainer as a night guard substitute will cause it to crack quickly.
Every 12–18 months with nightly use, or sooner if you notice discolouration, cracks, or a looser fit.
By Joanna M.
If your dentist has recommended a custom night guard for bruxism, you need to know the real cost — and whether any of it is covered. This 2026 guide breaks down every price tier for Canadian buyers, explains the CDCP exclusion, and shows how to get a dentist-quality guard for a fraction of the clinic price.
When a dentist makes your night guard, they take in-office impressions, send to a certified lab, and fit-check the finished guard. With no coverage: $400–$800 CAD. Hard acrylic guards (most durable for heavy grinders) sit at the higher end.
NewSmile’s custom night guard starts at $129 CAD (soft) and $169 CAD (dual-layer) — fabricated by a dental lab from your at-home impressions, with no dentist visit required. Your kit ships as soon as production is complete.
Pharmacy guards are inexpensive but not custom-made to your bite. Not a permanent fix for genuine bruxism.
No. The CDCP does not cover custom night guards or occlusal splints as of September 2025. The programme covers exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and certain denture services — not removable appliances for bruxism. This makes online custom night guards particularly relevant for CDCP-eligible Canadians.
Health Spending Accounts in Canada follow CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit guidelines. A custom night guard for bruxism is generally an eligible medical expense. Keep your NewSmile receipt and any written dental recommendation.
The most effective cleaning method is the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner with Petal Cleaning Pods. A five-minute daily cycle removes bacteria without abrasive scrubbing that degrades the material over time.
Clinic-made: $400–$800 CAD. Online (NewSmile): $129–$169 CAD. OTC pharmacy: $20–$40 CAD — not custom-fitted.
No. As of September 2025, the Canada Dental Care Plan does not cover custom night guards or occlusal splints.
Some employer group plans cover custom night guards under an appliances benefit. Contact your insurer and ask specifically about lab-fabricated appliances not made in a clinic setting.
Custom dental appliances for medically recognised conditions are generally eligible under the CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit. Retain your receipt and confirm with your accountant.
With daily ultrasonic cleaning and proper storage, a quality custom night guard typically lasts one to three years for moderate grinders.
By Joanna M.
If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard is the most effective way to protect your enamel and ease jaw tension. Clinic-made guards in Canada cost $400–$800 CAD or more — two online brands compete for that gap: NewSmile and ALIGNERCO. This breakdown compares them honestly for Canadian buyers.
NewSmile offers soft ($129 CAD) and dual-layer ($169 CAD). ALIGNERCO similarly offers soft, hard, and dual-layer options. Where brands differentiate is lab quality control, bite calibration accuracy, and impression process.
Custom dental appliances in Canada fall under Health Canada's medical device regulatory framework. Devices sold to Canadians should comply with the Medical Devices Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.
NewSmile: impression kit ships as soon as production is complete. Take impressions at home, return via prepaid Canada Post. ALIGNERCO uses a similar impression kit model but impressions mail to a US-based lab, adding cross-border handling time.
Avoid manual toothbrush scrubbing. Use the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner with Petal Cleaning Pods for daily cleaning without abrasion.
ALIGNERCO ships to Canada from the United States. Orders may be subject to cross-border shipping delays and potential import duties not disclosed at checkout.
With proper cleaning and storage, a quality custom night guard typically lasts one to three years for moderate grinders.
Custom dental appliances for medically recognised conditions like bruxism are generally eligible under CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit guidelines. Retain your receipt and any dental recommendation.
By Joanna M.
Once orthodontic treatment ends, most Canadian patients are sent home with a retainer and told to wear it indefinitely. When it's time to replace one, Canadians in 2026 have more options than ever — including mail-in services that cost a fraction of what a dental office charges.
1. Orthodontist or dentist office: $300–$700+ CAD per set, rarely covered by provincial dental plans.
2. Mail-in retainer services: $99–$250 CAD depending on the provider. No clinic visits required.
3. Boil-and-bite pharmacy retainers: $20–$50 CAD. Not custom — a short-term stopgap only.
NewSmile retainer Canada: $99 CAD per set (upper and lower). Impression kit arrives by mail, you take impressions at home, ship back in a prepaid envelope, retainer is fabricated and shipped as soon as production is complete. Ships to all Canadian provinces and territories.
Gumshoe Dental is a Canadian-positioned mail-in dental product company. Like NewSmile, it offers retainers and night guards through an at-home impression process. Pricing varies — check current pricing at the time of your order. Availability across all provinces should be verified before ordering.
For Canadians who want a custom clear retainer online, NewSmile offers the lowest CAD price at $99 per set with nationwide shipping and no dental visit.
Dental office retainers typically cost $300–$700+ CAD per set. Mail-in services like NewSmile cost $99 CAD. Pharmacy boil-and-bite options cost $20–$50 but are not custom-fit.
No. If your teeth are stable and you're simply replacing a worn or lost retainer, a mail-in service like NewSmile allows you to complete the entire process from home.
By Joanna M.
If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or your partner tells you that you grind your teeth at night, you likely have bruxism. The most effective non-prescription solution is a custom-fit night guard. The problem most Canadians face is that dental-office night guards are expensive.
| Source | Approx. Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Dental office (standard) | $400–$900+ |
| Simply Night Guards (US-based, ships to CA) | ~$200–$350 CAD (with exchange + duties) |
| NewSmile Canada | $99 CAD |
One factor Canadians ordering from US-based services often overlook: USD pricing, import fees, and customs duties. A $150 USD guard can land closer to $250–$300 CAD after exchange rate and cross-border costs. NewSmile night guard Canada is priced, processed, and shipped in CAD with no cross-border complications.
The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner uses ultrasonic vibration to remove biofilm without abrasive risk. Store your guard in a ventilated case, away from direct heat.
Through a dental office, custom night guards in Canada typically cost $400–$900+ CAD. Mail-in options like NewSmile cost $99 CAD.
A night guard protects your teeth from the damage caused by bruxism — it does not eliminate the grinding behaviour itself.
By Joanna M.
If you've finished orthodontic treatment, a retainer isn't optional. The question most Canadians face isn't whether to get a retainer, it's where to get one without paying clinic prices. Two names that come up often are Retainers For Life and NewSmile.
Retainers For Life is a Canadian-focused program that partners with dental offices to provide ongoing retainer replacements. The key limitation: Retainers For Life requires you to work through a participating dental clinic. Pricing depends on the individual clinic, availability is concentrated in larger urban centres — patients in rural or suburban areas may have no nearby providers.
NewSmile retainer Canada takes a fully mail-in approach. The cost is $99 CAD per set — top and bottom. The process: order the impression kit, take impressions at home, ship back in the prepaid mailer, receive your retainers as soon as production is complete. No appointment required.
| Feature | Retainers For Life | NewSmile |
|---|---|---|
| Price (CAD) | Varies by clinic | $99 CAD per set |
| In-person visit required | Yes | No — fully mail-in |
| Available across Canada | Participating clinics only | Ships nationwide |
Custom retainers from a dental office typically cost $300–$700+ CAD per set. Mail-in options like NewSmile cost $99 CAD per set and are shipped directly to your home.
Yes. Mail-in retainer services allow you to take impressions at home and receive a custom retainer by mail. NewSmile retainer Canada ships to all provinces.
Yes. NewSmile ships impression kits and completed retainers to all Canadian provinces and territories. Orders are shipped as soon as production is complete.
A Hawley retainer is a removable wire-and-acrylic orthodontic device that keeps teeth in position after treatment. It lasts 5–10 years, costs from $99/pair via NewSmile Canada, and can be adjusted by a dentist—making it the most durable removable retainer available in Canada in 2026.
Written by Joanna Marie Macute, Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Hawley retainers have been a standard part of orthodontic post-treatment care since the 1920s. In Canada, they are available through orthodontists in private practice, dental schools, and increasingly through at-home services like NewSmile. If you have recently completed aligner or braces treatment, or need a replacement retainer, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.
A Hawley retainer has two components: an acrylic plate that rests against the roof of the mouth (or along the lower gum line), and a thin stainless steel wire (labial bow) that runs across the front surfaces of your teeth. Unlike clear plastic retainers, the metal wire can be adjusted by a dentist if minor corrections are needed over time.
The cost of a Hawley retainer in Canada depends on whether you use a private orthodontist, a dental school, or an at-home service:
| Provider Type | Single Arch | Both Arches |
|---|---|---|
| NewSmile Canada | From $99 | From $149 |
| Private orthodontist | $200–$400 | $350–$700 |
| Dental school clinic | $100–$200 | $200–$350 |
NewSmile Canada offers dental-lab-quality Hawley retainers shipped as soon as production is complete. You take impressions at home or use a digital scan, and your retainer arrives within days—with no office visits required. Order your custom Canadian retainer here.
For most Canadian patients who have completed aligner or braces treatment, a clear retainer is the more popular choice. However, if you require adjustability or have had issues with clear retainers warping, a Hawley retainer is the better long-term investment. View all NewSmile Canada retainer options.
For the most thorough clean, use an ultrasonic cleaner—high-frequency sound waves remove plaque and bacteria from the wire and acrylic without brushing. Never use abrasive toothpaste or alcohol-containing mouthwash, as both degrade the acrylic over time.
A well-maintained Hawley retainer typically lasts 5 to 10 years in Canada's climate. Factors that shorten lifespan include leaving it in a hot car (especially in summer), not cleaning it daily, or bending the wire through improper storage. If your retainer no longer fits snugly or the wire sits away from your front teeth, replace it promptly—teeth can shift within 2–3 months. Order a replacement from NewSmile Canada today.
A 2023 Cochrane review found that inconsistent retainer wear is the single biggest predictor of tooth relapse after orthodontic treatment. NewSmile Canada customers receive a personalised wear schedule with every retainer.
Many Canadian dental insurance plans cover orthodontic retainers as part of a broader orthodontic benefit. Coverage typically requires a diagnosis code and may be subject to a lifetime maximum. Check your plan's orthodontic benefit—NewSmile Canada can provide itemised receipts for insurance claims.
Yes. NewSmile Canada provides dental-lab-quality Hawley retainers through an at-home process: you take impressions or book a scan, submit them, and receive your custom retainer by mail. This eliminates waiting for an appointment and is significantly lower cost than a private orthodontist in Canada.
Signs of poor fit: the wire sits away from your front teeth, the acrylic plate rocks when pressed with your tongue, or it feels noticeably looser than when new. Replace promptly to prevent tooth movement.
No. Always remove your Hawley retainer before eating. Food particles trapped under the acrylic accelerate bacterial growth, and chewing forces can bend or crack the wire.
See how NewSmile stacks up against the top custom night guard and retainer brands serving Canada. All brands below ship to Canadian addresses.
AlignerCo Canada
vs NewSmileAlignerCo Canada is one of the few dental guard brands with a dedicated .ca domain, CAD pricing, and free domestic shipping across Canada. Night guards run $199–$210 CAD and retainers $175 CAD. NewSmile is also Canadian-owned and operated, and differentiates with a subscription model, HSA/FSA eligibility, and a 30-day fit guarantee with free remake.
Pro Teeth Guard
vs NewSmilePro Teeth Guard ships free to Canada and is one of the most-reviewed US brands that actively targets Canadian customers. Guards are priced in USD ($169.99–$209.99 single arch), with a 4–5 week total turnaround for Canada. Customers pay in USD at checkout and may face customs delays. NewSmile prices in CAD with no currency conversion friction, ships faster, and includes a pair rather than a single arch.
Chomper Labs
vs NewSmileChomper Labs ships to Canada but with paid shipping (not free) and USD pricing only. Their guards run $129–$159 USD per single arch. Their standout feature is a 100-day risk-free return policy. NewSmile competes with CAD pricing, free Canadian shipping, pair pricing, and subscription options that Chomper Labs doesn’t offer.
Sporting Smiles
vs NewSmileSporting Smiles has a dedicated “Canadian Mouthguard” product page but the Canadian customer experience is notably inconvenient — no free shipping, no prepaid return label, and USD pricing. Their Canadian guard runs $185 USD and return shipping is the customer’s cost. NewSmile’s Canadian-first model eliminates all of this friction.
| Feature | NewSmile (Canada) | Typical Competitor Serving Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Price (pair — upper + lower) | $139 CAD subscription · $199 CAD one-time | $199–$250+ CAD equivalent (often USD, single arch only) |
| Subscription option | Yes — $139 CAD/set every 6 months, pause or cancel anytime | No subscription available from Canadian-shipping competitors |
| Canadian pricing | Yes — priced in CAD at checkout | Most US brands price in USD; customers absorb exchange rate |
| Material safety | BPA-free · MMA-free · acrylic-free · latex-free · phthalate-free | Varies; most claim BPA-free, fewer specify all material exclusions |
| Impression process | At-home impression kit with free prepaid return | At-home kit; US-only prepaid labels for many brands |
| Trial / return policy | 30-Day Perfect Fit Guarantee (free remake) | Varies; 45 days to 100 days for US-based brands |
| Shipping to Canada | Free, tracked | Free to Canada (some brands); paid or no-free-return for CA customers |
| HSA / FSA eligible | Yes (where applicable) | Varies by brand |
