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Clear retainers and clear aligners look almost identical. Both are transparent plastic trays that fit over the teeth. But they serve completely different purposes, and using one when you need the other won't get you the result you're after.
Here's a plain-language explanation of the difference between retainers and clear aligners, and how to figure out which one you actually need.
What Is a Retainer?
A retainer is a passive dental appliance designed to hold teeth in their current position. After orthodontic treatment, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward where they were before. A retainer prevents this by sitting snugly against the teeth and resisting those drifting forces.
Retainers do not move teeth. They maintain the position that was achieved through orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer will not straighten crooked teeth or close gaps. It will simply keep teeth where they already are.
Retainers are typically worn nightly on an ongoing basis after completing aligner or braces treatment. Most people replace their clear retainers every 12 months or so.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are an active orthodontic treatment. They're a series of custom-made trays, each one slightly different from the last, that gradually move teeth into a new position over time. Each set of aligners applies gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth, nudging them incrementally toward the planned end position.
Treatment is mapped out in advance using 3D imaging. Before starting, you can see a simulation of exactly how your teeth will move at each stage and what the final result will look like. Treatment typically takes anywhere from 3 months for mild cases to 18 months or more for complex ones.
Clear aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning teeth.
Key Differences
Purpose
Retainers maintain tooth position. Clear aligners change tooth position. This is the fundamental distinction and everything else flows from it.
How They Work
Retainers are static. They hold a fixed position. Clear aligners are progressive. Each new set in the series applies slightly different force to continue moving the teeth toward the planned end result.
When You Use Them
Clear aligners are used during active treatment to move teeth. Retainers are used after treatment is complete to maintain the result. In most cases, you use aligners first and then transition to retainers once treatment is finished.
How They Look
Both are made from clear thermoplastic material and fit over the teeth as custom-made trays. They look very similar to the untrained eye, which is why the confusion is so common.
Cost
Clear aligner treatment is priced as a full treatment course. Jawology's treatment starts from $1,945. Retainers are significantly less expensive as a standalone product. Jawology's custom clear retainers start from $149 per set.
Which One Do You Need?
You Need a Retainer If:
- You have recently completed orthodontic treatment and need to maintain your results
- Your teeth are in the position you want them to be and you just want to keep them there
- You previously had treatment and your retainer is lost, broken or worn out
- Your teeth have shifted very slightly after a short lapse in retainer wear and you want to stabilise them
You Need Clear Aligners If:
- Your teeth are crooked, crowded or spaced and you want to straighten them
- You have a bite issue such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite
- Your teeth have shifted significantly after a long period without wearing a retainer
- You've never had orthodontic treatment and want to improve your smile
Can You Use Both?
Yes, and in most cases you will. The standard path through orthodontic treatment is to complete your aligner treatment first, then transition to wearing retainers to maintain the result.
At Jawology, once your clear aligner treatment is complete your dental team will advise on the appropriate retainer schedule. Custom retainers can be ordered through Jawology at that stage, made from impressions of your post-treatment tooth position.
Some people who've had previous treatment and only need a retainer to maintain stability also order retainers through Jawology without needing to go through a full aligner treatment course first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a retainer to straighten my teeth instead of aligners?
No. Retainers hold teeth in position, they don't move them. If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, clear aligners or braces are the appropriate treatment. A retainer will not straighten teeth regardless of how long you wear it.
Do clear aligners come with retainers?
At the end of aligner treatment, retainers are typically recommended to maintain the results. At Jawology, post-treatment retainers can be ordered once your aligner treatment is complete. Your dental team will advise on timing and the appropriate retainer schedule for your case.
Are retainers and aligners made from the same material?
Both are made from clear thermoplastic material, though the specific material and thickness can differ. Clear aligner trays are generally engineered to apply specific forces to move teeth, while retainer material is designed to hold position passively. Jawology's retainers are made from Zendura-FLX, a premium dental-grade material.
How much do retainers cost compared to clear aligners?
Clear aligner treatment with Jawology starts from $1,945 for a full treatment course. Custom clear retainers start from $149 per set. Retainers are a significantly lower cost ongoing maintenance product compared to the one-time investment of a treatment course.
Can I order a retainer without having had aligner treatment?
Yes. Jawology's custom retainers are available to anyone who needs them, whether they completed treatment with Jawology, with another provider, or with traditional braces. You take impressions of your current tooth position and your retainers are made to fit accordingly.
How do I know if I need aligners or a retainer?
If your teeth are where you want them to be and you want to keep them there, you need a retainer. If your teeth are not where you want them to be and you want to move them, you need aligners. If you're unsure, Jawology's free suitability assessment is a good starting point.
Not Sure Which One You Need?
Take our free 2-minute assessment and find out whether clear aligners or a retainer is right for your situation.
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