How much do invisible aligners cost?

NewSmile aligners start at $1,799, with 0% interest monthly plans available. All aligners are Licensed by Health Canada, ensuring top safety and quality standards.

How long does treatment take?

Most smiles are complete in 4–6 months, depending on your case. Each aligner set is worn for about two weeks before switching to the next one.

Are NewSmile aligners safe?

Yes — our aligners are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free, and Licensed by Health Canada for your peace of mind.

How do I wear and care for my aligners?

Wear aligners for 22 hours per day for daytime aligners, or 10 continuous hours for nighttime aligners. Remove only to eat, drink (except water), or brush your teeth. Clean daily with mild soap and a soft brush — never hot water.

Yes! Most dental plans that include orthodontic coverage will reimburse part of your aligner cost. We’ll provide everything you need to submit your claim.

Do you offer whitening?

Yes — our peroxide-free whitening foam brightens your smile gently without causing sensitivity, and it’s safe to use during or after treatment.

How much are replacement retainers?

Replacement retainers cost $199 per set (upper and lower), or you can save with a subscription plan. We recommend replacing every 6 months to prevent orthodontic relapse.

Retainers 101: A Complete Guide After Braces Treatment

Quick Answer: 🦷 Retainers are essential after braces or aligners. They prevent teeth from shifting, maintain your bite, and protect your orthodontic investment when worn consistently.

“Wearing my retainer every night keeps my smile straight and my teeth healthy. It’s a small habit with big results!” 😁

🦷 Retainers: Everything You Need to Know

Finishing orthodontic treatment is exciting, but maintaining your perfect smile requires continued care. Retainers play a key role in keeping teeth aligned and preventing relapse. This guide will walk you through retainer types, proper use, maintenance tips, and why consistency matters. 💡

✨ What Are Retainers and Why You Need Them

Retainers are custom dental devices designed to hold your teeth in their corrected positions after braces or aligners. Teeth and the surrounding bone need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth may shift back to their original positions, undoing months or years of orthodontic work (AAO – Retainers).

✔ Purpose: Keeps teeth straight, maintains bite, and prevents crowding.
✔ Who benefits: Anyone completing orthodontic treatment, including braces or clear aligners. 🌟

🦷 Types of Retainers

Choosing the right retainer depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preference. The three main types are:

1. Fixed Retainers

Bonded to the back of teeth for continuous support.
No need for removal—works 24/7.
Ideal for long-term retention, especially lower front teeth.
Requires careful oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup (AAO – Fixed Retainers).

2. Hawley Retainers

Made from a metal wire and acrylic base.
Durable and adjustable, allowing minor tooth movement if needed.
Removable for meals and cleaning.
Long-lasting with proper care and storage.

3. Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix)

Made from transparent, flexible plastic.
Virtually invisible for discreet wear.
Comfortable and easy to wear.
Effective for maintaining teeth alignment but may wear faster than Hawley retainers.

⏰ How to Wear Your Retainer

🕐 Initial Phase: Full-time wear (20–22 hours/day) is often recommended for the first few months.
🌙 Maintenance Phase: Transition to nighttime wear as directed by your orthodontist.
✅ Consistency Matters: Skipping wear can allow teeth to drift and may compromise your orthodontic results (NCBI – Compliance with Retainer Wear).

🛠 Retainer Care Tips

🪥 Clean Daily: Rinse with lukewarm water and use a soft toothbrush with mild soap. Avoid toothpaste with abrasives that can scratch retainers.
🔥 Avoid Heat: Do not expose your retainer to hot water, direct sunlight, or car dashboards.
💼 Store Safely: Keep your retainer in its protective case when not in use to prevent damage and contamination.
🦷 Regular Check-Ups: Visit your orthodontist to ensure proper fit and long-term effectiveness.
⚠️ Mind Habits: Avoid chewing gum or biting hard objects while wearing a removable retainer.

❌ What to Do if Your Retainer Is Lost or Broken

If your retainer is damaged or misplaced, contact your orthodontist immediately. Prompt replacement prevents unwanted shifting and preserves alignment (AAO – Retainer Replacement).

💡 Common Retainer Problems & Solutions

Warped retainer: Caused by heat. Soak in lukewarm water; replace if necessary.
Discomfort: Mild pressure is normal; persistent pain may require orthodontic adjustment.
Stains or odors: Clean daily and occasionally soak in retainer cleaning solution.
Lost retainer: Always carry a case; replace promptly.

🌟 Why Consistency Is Key

Consistent retainer use prevents teeth from drifting, avoids relapse, and protects the investment in your orthodontic treatment. Even small shifts can impact bite, oral function, and aesthetics (NCBI – Retainer Compliance).

💬 FAQs — Retainers

❓ How long should I wear my retainer each day? Full-time for the first few months, then nighttime only.
❓ Can I eat with my retainer in? Removable retainers should be taken out before meals; fixed retainers remain in place but avoid sticky/hard foods.
❓ How do I clean my retainer? Daily rinse and soft brushing; occasional soak in cleaning solution recommended.
❓ What if my retainer feels uncomfortable? Mild pressure is normal; persistent pain requires orthodontist adjustment.
❓ How often should I replace my retainer? Plastic retainers: 1–2 years; Hawley retainers: longer with proper care.

💭 Final Thoughts

Retainers are essential to maintain your orthodontic results and protect your smile. Choosing the right type, wearing it consistently, and caring for it properly ensures your teeth remain aligned for years. 🦷✨

Need a new retainer? Check out NewSmile retainers for new customers to keep your smile healthy and aligned.