Retainers in New Zealand: Types, Care & Costs

Orthodontic treatment is a huge undertaking in terms of time and money. Yet, few people realize that removing those braces is just one step toward achieving that perfect smile. The real overtime worker for keeping the teeth aligned for life is the retainer. Getting a retainer is an important step, whether you wore braces or used clear aligners, as it ensures that the teeth do not shift back to their original positions.

In this guide, we will discuss how to clean retainers, offer a retainer maintenance guide, and talk about why they are important in your post-braces journey. Additionally, we will share expert tips on commonly asked questions, covering everything from choosing the right type to what to expect regarding retainers cost and care.

What Are Retainers?

A retainer is a dental appliance designed to keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after you’ve finished orthodontic treatment. Made from metal, plastic, or a combination of both, each retainer is custom-crafted to fit the unique alignment of your teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

The term “retainer” comes from the word “retain,” which means to hold something in place, and that’s exactly its job. Even after braces or aligners have done their work, your teeth can naturally begin to shift again. Since bone and gum tissue take time to settle around your new smile, retainers help maintain those results while everything stabilizes.

Types of Retainers after Braces

Once your braces are removed, your orthodontist will recommend a retainer to help maintain your teeth in their new positions. Although all retainers aim to keep your teeth in place, they differ in appearance, comfort, and long-term durability.

Here are the three most common types of retainers:

Hawley Retainers (Removable)

These are one of the oldest and most reliable retainers. They feature a plastic or acrylic base that fits along the roof of your mouth or under your tongue, with a metal wire that wraps around the front of your teeth.

Pros:

• Adjustable wire. Can make small tweaks.
• Sturdy and built to last.
• Simple to clean.

Cons:

• More noticeable than clear retainers.
• It might slightly affect speech at first.

Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix or Vivera)

Clear retainers have grown in popularity, thanks to their nearly invisible design. They resemble clear aligner trays and are made of thin, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth.

Pros:

• Hard to notice when worn.
• Sleek and comfortable.
• Easy to pop in and out.

Cons:

• More fragile, prone to cracking or yellowing.
• It can’t be adjusted once made.
• Heat can distort the shape.

Fixed (Permanent) Retainers

These retainers are thin metal wires that are bonded to the back of your front teeth, typically on the bottom. They stay in your mouth 24/7 and can last for years with the right care.

Pros:

• No risk of forgetting to wear it.
• Continuously maintains tooth alignment.
• Hidden behind teeth.

Cons:

• Difficult to clean, requires special flossing tools.
• It may need repair if it loosens.
• Not a fit for everyone.

Orthodontist Tip: Some people use both kinds, fixed on the bottom and removable on the top teeth, for the best of both worlds.

Removable vs. Fixed Retainers

Deciding between removable and fixed retainers depends on your past orthodontic treatment, habits, and how you care for your teeth.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

Why Retainers Are Important after Braces?

Wearing a retainer might seem like a small step compared to having braces, but it’s one of the most important parts of your orthodontic journey. While it’s exciting to get your braces off, that doesn’t mean your teeth are done moving. If you skip this crucial phase, all that time, effort, and money could go to waste.

Here’s why wearing a retainer matters:

To Prevent Relapse

Relapse happens when teeth begin shifting back toward their old positions. This can occur because of:

• Natural movement over time
• Changes in your jaw as you grow
• Not wearing your retainer as directed

To Stabilize Bone Structure

Your jawbone and gums need time to adapt to the new alignment of your teeth. A retainer gives your body the support it needs to “lock in” those changes permanently.

To Maintain Your Bite

It can take years to correct bite issues such as overbites or underbites. Without a retainer, your bite could gradually return to its previous misaligned state.

To Protect Your Investment

Orthodontic treatment is a major financial investment. Wearing a retainer is a simple, low-cost way to ensure you keep the results you paid for.

To Avoid Repeat Treatment

Even a short lapse in retainer use, just a few months, can cause your teeth to move significantly. Many people who stop wearing their retainers eventually find themselves needing orthodontic treatment all over again.

Pro Tip: Most orthodontists suggest wearing your retainer full-time for the first six months after treatment, and then at night only for the long term.

How to Clean Retainers: Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your retainers clean is just as important as brushing your teeth. Bacteria, plaque, and food debris can build up quickly, especially if you wear your retainer all day. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to clean retainers effectively.

For Removable Retainers: Daily Routine

Step 1: Rinse Immediately after Removal

As soon as you take out your retainer, rinse it under lukewarm water to remove saliva and loose debris.

Step 2: Use a Soft Toothbrush

Gently brush your retainer using a toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth). Avoid toothpaste as it may be too abrasive.

Step 3: Use Mild Soap or Cleaner

Apply a small amount of unscented liquid soap or non-alcoholic mouthwash to clean. You can also use specialized retainer cleaning foams.

Step 4: Soak Weekly

Use retainer-cleaning tablets, a denture cleaner, or a DIY solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Soak for 15–30 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

After soaking, rinse thoroughly under clean water to remove any chemical residue.

For Fixed Retainers: Daily Routine

• Floss daily using a floss threader to clean under the wire.
• Brush carefully around the retainer area with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use an interdental brush to dislodge debris from between teeth.
• Consider a water flosser for ease and effectiveness.

Cost of Retainers in New Zealand

Understanding the retainers' cost in New Zealand is important when budgeting for orthodontic aftercare. Prices vary depending on the type of retainer, the orthodontist’s fees, materials used, and whether the device is a replacement or part of your original treatment plan.

Average Price Breakdown in New Zealand (2025)

How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?

A question orthodontists hear all the time is:

“How long do I need to wear my retainer?”

The reality is, it differs for everyone. Your age, the initial severity of your misalignment, and how your teeth adjust after treatment all influence the outcome. That said, there are some common guidelines you can follow:

Phase 1: Full-Time Wear (First 3–6 Months)

Right after your braces come off, your teeth are still adjusting. The surrounding bone and gum tissues are soft and need time to firm up. This is when your teeth are most likely to shift back out of place.

How long to wear it:

Wear your retainer 20–22 hours a day, take it out only for meals and when brushing your teeth.

Phase 2: Night-Time Wear (Next 6–12 Months)

As your teeth begin to stabilize, your orthodontist will likely reduce your wear time. You’ll move to wearing it just at night.

How long to wear it:

About 8–10 hours a night while you sleep.

Phase 3: Long-Term Maintenance (Indefinitely)

To keep your smile looking great long-term, many orthodontists suggest you continue nighttime wear for life. Yes—for life.

Introducing Smilepath Retainers: Your Partner in a Lifetime of Smiles

Smilepath offers clear, custom-made retainers crafted to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. Made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic, they offer a sleek, nearly invisible look combined with everyday comfort and lasting durability.

To keep your retainer fresh and crystal clear, Smilepath also offers a gentle yet effective Aligner Cleaner & Whitener, specially formulated for all orthodontic devices, including retainers, aligners, and mouth guards.

Why Choose Smilepath?

Prevent Relapse

They help stop your teeth from moving back to their pre-treatment positions.

Comfortable & Custom-Fit

Every retainer is tailored to your unique dental structure for a perfect, irritation-free fit.

Nearly Invisible Design

You can wear them during the day or night without anyone noticing.

Affordable Pricing

Smilepath offers premium retainers at a much lower price than most traditional dental clinics.

Quick, Hassle-Free Delivery

Skip the office visit, just order online and get your retainers shipped straight to your door.

Who Are They For?

• Anyone completing orthodontic treatment (aligners or braces)
• People who’ve lost or broken a previous retainer
• Current Smilepath users looking to maintain their smile

How to Order?

Let’s break it down so you know exactly how it works.

Why Retainers Matter for Life?

Wrapping up your orthodontic treatment is a big achievement, but keeping your smile in place is just as important. Retainers play a vital role in holding your teeth steady, preventing them from shifting, and avoiding the need for expensive retreatments down the road.

To make maintaining your smile easier and more convenient, Smilepath Retainers offer a smart solution. Whether you’ve just completed treatment, lost your old retainer, or want an invisible solution, Smilepath Retainers make it simple. With easy online ordering and budget-friendly bundle options, keeping your teeth aligned has never been more convenient.

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