What to do if your retainer is lost or broken

Replacing a lost or broken retainer

If your retainer is lost or broken, the most important thing to do is act quickly and contact your orthodontist or dental practice as soon as possible. Teeth can begin to shift within days without a retainer in place, and the longer you wait, the greater the risk of unwanted movement.

For removable Essix retainers, replacement is straightforward. Your provider will take a new impression or digital scan of your teeth and make a new tray. Most practices can turn this around within a few days. Some offer emergency replacement services for urgent cases.

Replacement Essix retainers typically cost between £50 and £150 per arch for private patients. Some providers offer a set of two retainers at a discounted rate so you have a backup. It is worth asking about this when you first receive your retainers.

Fixed bonded retainers can debond if a section of wire comes loose. This should also be addressed promptly. If the wire comes away, your teeth may shift in the affected area before the repair is made. Contact your provider, and avoid hard or sticky foods in the meantime.

If you have moved away from your original provider, a new practice can make a replacement retainer from a new impression. It may take slightly longer if they need to assess your bite and document your records from scratch, so having a copy of your original treatment records is helpful.

Planning for replacement before it happens is the most practical approach. Ask your provider at the end of active treatment what the replacement cost is, how quickly a replacement can be provided, and whether there is an emergency service available. Knowing this in advance means you can act immediately if needed.