Written by Joanna M., Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
You can order a custom replacement retainer online from NewSmile without visiting a dentist. An at-home impression kit ships free to anywhere in Canada, and your new custom-fitted retainer arrives at your door in about 2–3 weeks — all for a fraction of what a Canadian dental office would charge.
If you have lost, broken, or worn out your retainer, you are not alone. It happens to thousands of Canadians every year, and every day you go without one is a day your teeth can start shifting back toward their old positions. The good news: replacing your retainer in Canada is easier and more affordable than ever.
Whether you finished orthodontic treatment with braces, Invisalign, or at-home aligners years ago, you need a retainer that fits your teeth now — not the way they were when treatment ended. That is exactly what NewSmile delivers.
"My orthodontist in Winnipeg wanted $400 for a single retainer. I ordered from NewSmile and got two sets for less than that, and they fit perfectly." — Verified NewSmile Canada customer
Teeth are not fixed in place like fence posts in concrete. They are held in your jawbone by a network of ligaments and fibres that retain a "memory" of where your teeth used to be. Without a retainer applying gentle pressure, your teeth will begin to drift — a process orthodontists call relapse.
Research published in the European Journal of Orthodontics shows that measurable tooth movement can begin within just a few weeks of stopping retainer wear. The longer you wait, the worse the relapse, and the more expensive it becomes to fix.
Bottom line: if your retainer is lost, cracked, warped, or simply worn out, replace it as soon as possible.
You can walk into any Canadian dental clinic and ask for a new retainer. They will take impressions or a digital scan and have a retainer fabricated for you. The process works, but it comes with some significant downsides:
NewSmile's replacement retainer service eliminates the dental office entirely. Here is how it compares:
"The whole process was so easy. I took my impressions on a Sunday night, mailed them Monday morning, and had my retainers in hand within three weeks. No dentist appointment, no hassle." — Verified NewSmile Canada customer
| Option | Cost (CAD) | Turnaround | Dental Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewSmile (Online) | From $95/set | ~2–3 weeks | No |
| Canadian Dental Office | $200–$600 | 1–4 weeks | Yes (1–2 visits) |
| Orthodontist (Specialist) | $300–$600 | 1–3 weeks | Yes |
Because retainers wear out over time, NewSmile offers subscription plans that send you fresh retainers on a regular schedule. This ensures you always have a retainer that fits properly and keeps your teeth in alignment — without having to remember to reorder.
Subscription plans are especially popular with Canadians who want to set it and forget it. You choose the frequency, and new retainers show up at your door automatically.
In general, provincial health plans across Canada do not cover retainers. Programs like OHIP (Ontario), MSP (British Columbia), Alberta Health Care, and RAMQ (Quebec) are focused on medical — not dental — care, and retainers are considered an orthodontic device.
That said, if you have private dental insurance through an employer, your plan may cover part or all of a replacement retainer, especially if it falls under your orthodontic or major restorative benefit. NewSmile provides itemized receipts that you can submit for reimbursement.
The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), launched in 2024, provides some coverage for eligible Canadians with household incomes under $90,000 — but orthodontic retainers are not currently included in the covered services list. Keep an eye on future updates as the program expands.
These are the most popular type — thin, transparent trays that fit snugly over your teeth. They are nearly invisible when worn and comfortable for most people. This is the type NewSmile provides.
The classic wire-and-acrylic retainer your parents probably wore. They are durable and adjustable but more visible and bulkier. Only available through a dental office.
A thin wire glued behind your front teeth. These stay in place permanently but can break or debond, requiring a dental visit to repair. They also make flossing more challenging.
If your retainer no longer fits because your teeth have shifted significantly, you may need clear aligner treatment to move them back before getting a new retainer.
Proper care extends the life of any retainer. The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner is the most effective way to keep your retainer fresh and free from bacteria. Pair it with Petal Cleaning Pods for a thorough daily clean.
Avoid these common mistakes that destroy retainers prematurely:
Absolutely. NewSmile retainers are based on new impressions of your teeth as they are right now. It does not matter where you had your original treatment — Invisalign, braces, another aligner brand, or even SmileDirectClub before they closed.
With proper care, a clear retainer typically lasts 6–12 months of regular nightly wear. Heavy grinders may need to replace them more frequently. That is why many customers choose a subscription plan.
Yes. Standard shipping to all Canadian provinces and territories is free.
If the shift is minor, a new retainer based on fresh impressions may gently guide your teeth back. If the shift is significant, you may benefit from a round of clear aligner treatment first. Take the free smile assessment to find out.
Many Canadian Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) and Personal Spending Accounts (PSAs) cover orthodontic retainers. Check with your plan administrator. Visit the HSA eligibility page for more details.
