How much do plastic (Essex) retainers cost to replace?

Question

I have one on the top and one on the bottom, and I was supposed to wear them for one month, but I lost them after only a week and a half. I'm getting a metal (Hawley) retainer in about two weeks, and I was wondering how much it will cost to replace the Essex retainers.

Answer 1

Both types of retainers will cost about the same amount of money to replace (around $200-250 per set).

BUT...it depends on your orthodontist. Hawley retainers are typically made by outside labs, so you have the lab fee PLUS your orthodontist's fee contributing to the price.

Some orthodontists have a machine in their offices that makes Essix retainers. This can help keep the cost down because there is no "middleman" involved in the retainer's fabrication.

The bottom line is: you really need to ask your orthodontist. The cost can vary, depending on where they get their retainers made.