Clear Retainer
Maintain Your Hard to Get Smile with Clear Retainers | Types of Clear Retainers | How Often Should I Wear My Clear Retainer? | How to Wear Retainers: Inserting and Removing Your Clear Retainer | How to Clean Your Retainers? | Pros & Cons of Clear Retainer | Clear Retainers Cost | Orthodontic Experts Offers Orthodontics at Many Locations
Clear retainers are nearly invisible retainers and have become increasingly popular in recent years, as the technology has dramatically improved. They are made from clear plastic, and they are custom-fitted for your mouth.
Braces helps you get a beautiful smile, but the retainer maintains it while encouraging better oral hygiene long after its use goes away. Retainers guide and maintain the position and alignment of teeth to create an attractive smile, At Orthodontic Experts your orthodontist helps you choose the best type of retainers based on what you needed braces for and any conditions you might have. You may be given only one type, or you may receive a removable clear retainer for your top teeth and a permanent retainer for your bottom teeth. Your orthodontist might recommend a clear retainer as the final stage in a course of orthodontic treatment, or as a complete alternative to braces.
Clear Retainers are removable retainers that are made entirely of transparent plastic, which makes them less noticeable than traditional wire retainers. They encourage good dental hygiene; you can take out your retainer when you want to brush and floss your teeth and clean the retainer yourself at the same time.
There are many types of brands for clear retainers including, Zendura Retainer, Essix Retainer and Vivera Retainer.
Right after you get your braces removed, you will be required to wear it the whole time except while having meals. After a year or so you can limit it to overnight regularly. In consideration of the fact that some cases can be different, your orthodontist can specify distinct instructions.
The clear retainers are easy to use:
- First, make sure that you are holding the retainer correctly. The arch should be outwards.
- Secondly, place it into your mouth in alignment with the jaw.
- Thirdly, do not bite on the retainer. It does seem like an easier way, but it can damage the retainer.
- Fourthly, push the retainer on your molars, teeth at the end of the jaw, with the help of the tip of your thumbs.
- Lastly, push up the rest of the retainer. It will automatically set into place, and you will be comfortable.
If you wear a retainer, you must be concerned how to care for it. Retainers sit inside the mouth and against the teeth, so it quickly accumulates bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Just like brushing your teeth every day, it’s important to clean your retainer every day.

Essix retainers can be removed from your mouth for daily cleaning. You can clean your clear plastic retainer by following these steps:
- Clean your retainer when you remove it from your mouth, while it’s still wet. This will help you to clean off any debris before it hardens.
- Brush your retainer with lukewarm water after each meal. It’s good to brush your teeth as well after meal.
- For a deeper clean, mix lukewarm water with mild dish soap and use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to gently scrub away plaque and other debris from clear retainers.
- You can also use a cotton swab to get into the deepest grooves and ridges on clear plastic retainers.
The clear retainers are custom made to each consumer, so they find it more comfortable than other options. It is not visible during photography, and they can be easily removed as well. They are supposed to be removed while eating, therefore you can enjoy your meals.
Even though they are specifically made, the presence of material between the two jaws can unnoticeably impact the bite. They are more expensive and prone to wear down when the user clenches their jaw.
Essix Clear retainers cost between $100–$250 for one and $200–$500 for two. These retainers are made from a vacuum-sealed clear plastic that is less noticeable. Vivera retainers are made by Invisalign and cost from $300–$750. These costs can vary as well.
If you have crowded teeth and you’re not sure whether you need braces or a retainer, bring them in to Orthodontic Experts for a no-cost orthodontic consultation. We have experienced and qualified orthodontists in our convenient locations throughout Illinois who are ready to assist you and give you a great smile.
Visit for a no-cost consultation at a nearby location or give us a call today to find out more about Clear retainers and orthodontics.
This information contained on this website is for the purposes of learning more about the different treatment options.