(561) 880-4334
Book Free Consult
Protect your investment in a straight smile with custom-fit retainers designed to keep your teeth in place for life.
An orthodontic retainer is a custom device that holds teeth in place after treatment. Retainers prevent dental relapse — when teeth shift back toward their original position. Most orthodontists recommend lifetime retention, wearing your retainer at night indefinitely. At Zipper Orthodontics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, we offer fixed, clear, and Hawley retainers starting from $150.
An orthodontic retainer is a custom device that holds teeth in place after treatment with braces or clear aligners.
After orthodontic treatment, the bone and soft tissue around your teeth need time to remodel and stabilize. During this period, your teeth are prone to dental relapse — when teeth shift back toward their original position. A retainer holds everything in place while your body adapts, so your results stay put.
Retention is the final and most important phase of orthodontic treatment. Whether you completed treatment in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, or anywhere in South Florida, wearing your retainer as directed is the easiest and most comfortable way to protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best for years to come.
At Zipper Orthodontics, we offer multiple retainer options to fit your lifestyle, including BPA-free retainer materials and 3D-printed precision retainers fabricated from iTero Element digital scans for an exact, comfortable fit. Dr. Zipper will recommend the best retention plan based on your case and orthodontic history.
Most orthodontists recommend lifetime retention to prevent dental relapse.
Here is a typical retainer wear schedule after braces or clear aligners:
Your specific timeline may differ. Some patients need full-time wear longer, while others can transition sooner. Dr. Zipper will create a personalized schedule. The key is consistency — skipping nights can lead to subtle shifts that add up over time. Good oral care habits alongside retainer wear make the process easy and comfortable.
A thin wire is bonded to the back of your lower front teeth, keeping them in place 24/7. Fixed retainers are completely hidden and require zero daily effort — they work while you sleep, eat, and go about your day. They are ideal if you want a set-it-and-forget-it solution. The main thing to know is that flossing requires a floss threader or water flosser, and you will need periodic check-ups to make sure the bond stays intact. Fixed retainers typically last 3 to 5 years before needing replacement.
Clear retainers are thin, transparent trays that snap over your teeth — nearly invisible when worn. They are easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing, making daily care simple. Clear retainers are popular with adults and teens in South Florida who want a discreet option. They are lightweight and comfortable, though they can wear down over time and typically need replacement every 6 to 12 months with regular use. They work well for full-arch retention.
Hawley retainers are the classic removable retainer — made from a molded acrylic base with a metal wire that holds your teeth in position. They are extremely durable, lasting 5 to 10 years with proper care, and can be adjusted over time for a fine-tuned fit. The wire is visible when you smile, but the trade-off is superior durability and easy cleaning. Hawley retainers are a great choice if you want a long-lasting, repairable option.
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right orthodontic retainer for your needs.
| Feature | Fixed (Bonded) | Clear (Essix) | Hawley |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $250–$500 | $150–$300/set | $200–$400 |
| Durability | 3–5 years | 6–12 months | 5–10 years |
| Visibility | Hidden | Nearly invisible | Visible wire |
| Removable? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance | Floss threaders | Easy clean | Easy clean |
| Best For | Lower front teeth | Full arch | Adjustable fit |
Retainer costs at Zipper Orthodontics depend on the type you choose.
Fixed retainers typically range from $250 to $500, clear retainers from $150 to $300 per set, and Hawley retainers from $200 to $400. In many cases, your first set of retainers is included in the overall cost of orthodontic treatment.
For replacement retainers, costs depend on the type and whether we have your digital scan on file (which makes the process faster and easier). We keep pricing straightforward — no hidden fees. We will go over all costs during your visit so you know exactly what to expect.
A retainer costs a fraction of your orthodontic treatment. It is the most affordable way to protect your investment and avoid costly retreatment down the road.
Retainers prevent dental relapse after braces or aligners, keeping your smile straight and your treatment investment protected.
Every retainer is custom-made from your digital scan or impression, ensuring a precise fit that is comfortable and effective for your unique smile.
Modern retainers are lightweight and low-profile. Most patients adjust within a day or two and barely notice they are wearing one.
Choose from fixed, clear, or Hawley retainers — or a combination. We will recommend the best option based on your needs and lifestyle.
Retainers are simple to clean. A quick daily rinse and gentle brushing is all it takes to keep your retainer fresh and hygienic.
A retainer costs a fraction of your orthodontic treatment. It is the most affordable way to protect your investment in your smile.
Taking care of your retainer is easy — and it makes a big difference in how long it lasts.
Follow these simple tips to keep your retainer clean, comfortable, and effective for years to come. Good retainer and braces care habits protect your results.
An orthodontic retainer is a custom device that holds teeth in place after treatment. Without a retainer, dental relapse — when teeth shift back toward their original position — can undo months or years of orthodontic work. Most orthodontists recommend lifetime retention to protect your investment in a straight smile.
Most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first 3 to 6 months after treatment, then transitioning to nighttime-only wear. Most orthodontists recommend lifetime retention — wearing your retainer at night indefinitely to prevent dental relapse. Dr. Zipper will create a personalized retention schedule based on your specific case.
There are three main types: Fixed (bonded) retainers are thin wires bonded behind your teeth that work 24/7. Clear (Essix) retainers are nearly invisible removable trays. Hawley retainers are durable removable retainers with an acrylic base and metal wire. Many patients use a combination for the best long-term results.
Retainer costs at Zipper Orthodontics vary by type. Fixed retainers range from $250 to $500, clear retainers from $150 to $300 per set, and Hawley retainers from $200 to $400. Retainers are often included in the overall cost of orthodontic treatment. For replacement retainers, we will go over all costs during your visit.
Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind your teeth that work 24/7 without any effort on your part. Removable retainers — like clear Essix retainers or Hawley retainers — can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing. Many patients use a combination of both for the best long-term results.
Contact our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office as soon as possible if your retainer breaks or gets lost. Teeth can begin shifting within days without a retainer, leading to dental relapse. We can typically fabricate a replacement retainer quickly, especially if we have your digital scan on file.
Retainers are designed to hold teeth in place, not move them. If your teeth have shifted significantly since your last orthodontic treatment, you may need a short course of clear aligners or braces to re-align them before transitioning back to a retainer. Dr. Zipper can evaluate your situation during a free consultation.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Oral Biology at Temple University.
Our practice uses advanced diagnostic technology including iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanners and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging for precision treatment planning. All materials are BPA-free and biocompatible, with nickel-free wire options available for sensitive patients.
Retainer and retention care at Zipper Orthodontics is led by Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist trained at Cornell University, Nova Southeastern University, and Temple University. With offices in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, we proudly serve families across Palm Beach County.
