Essix Retainers: Cost, Cleaning & Alternatives

Essix retainers are clear, plastic retainers that are removable and customized to fit over teeth. They look similar to clear aligner trays. 

But unlike aligners, retainers don’t move teeth. Instead, they keep teeth in place after orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) is completed.

At about $200 to $500 for a set, Essix retainers are less expensive than traditional retainers. 

Take care of Essix retainers, so you do not have to replace them very often. To clean them, brush them daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste.\ \ If Essix retainers are too fragile for you or don’t work for another reason, there are alternatives, like Hawley retainers.

Essix Retainers: Growing in Popularity

Once you complete orthodontic treatment with braces or clear plastic aligners, you are likely to receive a retainer. This is a device made from metal, plastic, or a combination of these materials. \ \ A retainer will keep your teeth in their new alignment and reduce their risk of moving out of alignment in the future. This means you are less likely to need orthodontic treatment again soon. \ \ Since clear plastic aligners are booming in popularity, with several companies making them more affordable and accessible, the Essix retainer is becoming more common. Like clear plastic aligners, the Essix retainer is a clear plastic device that fits over your teeth. \ \ Unlike plastic aligners, the Essix retainer is not designed to move your teeth into alignment. Instead, its purpose is to help your teeth stay aligned. \ \ You are most likely to get an Essix retainer after orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. After braces, you can opt for this type of retainer instead of another retainer, like a Hawley.

Essix Retainers Compared to Other Types of Retainers

The Essix-style retainer is made from clear plastic or acrylic, so the device is hardly noticeable to others. This means you can wear it at work or to social events. After an initial period of more intensive wear, many people only wear their retainers while they sleep at night. \ \ When you use an at-home clear aligner service, you may get an Essix retainer as part of treatment since these retainers are similar to the trays of clear teeth aligners you receive to realign your bite. Not every company offers a retainer after your orthodontic treatment. Be sure to look at terms and conditions for each company if you want to get this type of retainer as part of your treatment plan.

The Pros & Cons of Essix Retainers

Essix retainers are a popular choice among those looking to keep their corrected smile in place. Compared to the other removable retainer option — the more traditional Hawley retainer — clear plastic retainers have many advantages as well as some drawbacks.

Research on Essix Retainers

• In a 2018 study comparing Essix retainers to the more familiar Hawley retainers (a wire rim with a plastic or acrylic base), researchers found that consumers who wore Essix retainers felt greater benefit from the device, even when the Hawley retainer might be a better option.\ \ For example, the “invisible” nature of the Essix retainer meant that wearers had better self-perception and higher self-esteem. This may have contributed to greater compliance with wearing the retainer consistently compared to the Hawley retainer. The Essix retainer was also more comfortable on the teeth, the wearers reported.
• An earlier study comparing Essix retainers to Begg retainers, which are like Hawley retainers, found that Begg retainers were more effective as part of the post-orthodontic treatment plan, but the difference was not very significant. As with the 2018 study, the 2011 study found that participants preferred Essix retainers for comfort and appearance, and the increased satisfaction could translate to greater compliance with retainer wear.

Cleaning Your Essix Retainer

Since plaque and tartar are more likely to build up with an Essix retainer, be sure to follow instructions for cleaning your Essix retainer. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends these steps:

• Use a retainer bag or box, which you should receive with your retainer. This storage item helps you keep your retainer in a place you will remember.
• Keep the retainer in a cool, dry place, like on a countertop. Getting the Essix retainer warm can cause it to warp.
• Brush your retainer with toothpaste and a toothbrush about once per day, so it stays clean like your teeth.
• Brush and floss your teeth before you put your retainer in, especially if you have just eaten.

A 2013 study on retainer cleaning processes assessed immersing your retainer in a chlorhexidine solution. It found that this was slightly more effective at removing bacteria from the retainer than brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.

It is important that the solution is a chemical used as a potent disinfectant in other procedures. Using a standard mouthwash with an alcohol base would not serve the same purpose. It is easier to simply use your toothpaste and toothbrush to keep your retainer clean.

The Cost of an Essix Retainer

Removable Essix retainers are around the same cost as Hawley retainers, although the true cost can depend on whether your insurance pays for the retainer or not. A standard Hawley retainer, for example, is between $150 and $300 for one retainer, while an Essix retainer is a little less expensive, at $100 to $250 for one retainer.

Essix retainers break and warp more easily than other types of retainers, so you may end up paying more for retainer treatment overall if you accidentally break the retainer. Your dental insurance is not likely to cover the cost of a replacement, so that may need to be paid for entirely out of pocket.

Ask Your Dentist About Essix Retainers

Essix retainers are slightly more fragile than other types of retainers, but they are a good option for many people who want something less visible and more comfortable than traditional retainers. With some over-the-counter dental aligners, you may be able to get an Essix retainer included in the package, so look for details on the company’s website.

References

Teeth Retainer. Cleveland Clinic. Date fetched: January 13, 2022.

What Is an Essix Retainer? Colgate. Date fetched: May 28, 2021.

How to Live Your Best Life With Dental Retainers. ADA Marketplace. Date fetched: May 28, 2021.

How Much Do Retainers Cost? Health.CostHelper. Date fetched: May 28, 2021.

Periodontal Health and Compliance: A Comparison Between Essix and Hawley Retainers. (June 2018). American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Date fetched: January 2, 2023.

Effectiveness and Acceptability of Essix and Begg Retainers: A Prospective Study. (May 2011). Australian Orthodontic Journal. Date fetched: January 2, 2023.

An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Mechanical and Chemical Cleaning of Essix Orthodontic Retainer. (April 2013). Journal of Orthodontics. Date fetched: January 2, 2023.