Clear Retainers
Maintain your new smile and teeth alignment with transparent and discreet clear retainers. Suitable for patients who have just completed orthodontic treatment and want to preserve straight teeth. Best for patients who wish to avoid using traditional metal wire retainers or Hawley retainers.
Clear Retainers Explained
Clear retainers are custom-made transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. They are orthodontic devices that are designed to hold your teeth in their current position after orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners, preventing them from shifting back to their original places.
Clear retainers are worn according to a particular schedule. It usually starts with full-time wear (except when you are eating or brushing) for a certain period then transitions to night-time only wear.
It is crucial to wear the clear retainers as prescribed to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.
If you feel any discomfort or notice changes in how the retainer fits, your dentist or orthodontist should be notified immediately. Regular check-ups are usually scheduled to ensure that your retainer continues to fit properly and your teeth remain in the correct position.
Finishing your orthodontic treatment is not the end of your smile journey! Clear retainers are the next step to preserving your smile.
Benefits of Clear Retainers
The immediate advantages of using clear retainers include:
Discreet appearance with comfortable fit
Clear retainers help you retain your newly aligned set of teeth discreetly.
The clear nature of the retainers ensure that it can be worn for prolonged lengths of time without discomfort or pain. There is no abrasion between your clear retainers and your gums.
Precisely made to fit to your newly aligned set of teeth
Clear retainers are custom-made to fit your newly aligned set of teeth.
This means that they retain your teeth in its best state as long as you adhere to the wearing schedule
Affordable way to maintain your teeth
Clear retainers are relatively affordable in comparison to fixed or metal retainers.
Removable and easy to take in and out
Clear retainers can be entirely removed from your mouth for easy cleaning and during consumption of food and drinks.
Helps with better oral hygiene in comparison to fixed retainers
Clear retainers are generally preferred post-orthodontic treatment because of their removable nature.
Besides being convenient, they also allow you to clean between your teeth properly.
Can act as a nightguard if you have bruxism
If you grind your teeth while sleeping (bruxism), your clear retainers can act as an inexpensive night guard to prevent further wear and tear of your teeth.
Clear Retainers Journey at kohe™ Dental
When you make a set of clear retainers at kohe™ Dental, you can expect complete cost and treatment transparency with no bill shocks.
Our treatment coordinators have been trained to ensure that you are aware of all our dental treatment costs before you enter the dental clinic. Our exclusive partnerships with certain clear aligner brands and dental labs have allowed us to come up with a competitive pricing structure for clear retainers. The reduced costs are passed on as cost savings to patients like yourself.
kohe™ Dental is a remote-first dental clinic. This means that if you are a return customer, you are able to order your clear retainers online and have them delivered to you within 3 working days. Same-day or express orders are possible with an additional fee.
Here is what you can expect when you visit kohe™ Dental for your clear retainers:
3D Teeth Scanning (1st Visit)
If you have decided to make your clear retainers with kohe™ Dental, your first visit will involve a dental consultation with our dentist.
On the same day, X-rays (Lat-Ceph) will be taken along with 3D Scans.
Your oral health condition will be explained to you in detail along with the clear retainers options that we have.
Our dentist will conduct a 3D intraoral scan of your mouth and teeth.
The 3D scan helps capture your teeth accurately so that your clear retainers can be manufactured.
Should you require additional clear retainers in the future, there is no need to head down to kohe™ Dental.
We are able to use the existing scans to produce new clear retainers for you (if your teeth have not shifted from the original position).
You will make the total payment for the retainers on your first visit.
Clear Retainers Fitting and Collection (2nd Visit)
You will be notified to come for your clear retainers fitting and collection.
You can opt for delivery of your clear retainers if this is your 2nd set of clear retainers.
Types of Retainers
There are a few variations of retainers that you might have encountered while looking for retainers.
The following showcases some of the most common retainers used by dentists or orthodontists:
$210 per set or $400 for 3 sets
kohe™ Zendura™ Clear Retainers
kohe™ Zendura™ Clear Retainers are a high-quality clear retainer that is made from Zendura™.
The retainer is removable and made to last. They are also the favourite choice of kohe™ Dental patients who have completed orthodontic treatment.
The retainers take about 7 to 10 days to prepare.
$480 for 3 sets
Angel Aligner Clear Retainers
Angel Aligner clear retainers are personalised to fit your teeth post-orthodontic treatment.
The retainers are comfortable and do not stain easily. They help maintain the alignment of your teeth.
The retainers take about 10 to 14 days to prepare.
If you have taken up Angel Aligner clear aligner treatment with us, your treatment plan includes a set of retainers post-treatment without additional cost.
$550 for 3 sets
OneSmile Retain Clear Retainers
OneSmile Retain clear retainers are used to retain the shape and position of your teeth after your orthodontic treatment.
They are clear retainers that are custom-made to fit to your teeth.
The retainers take about 10 to 14 days to prepare.
$980 for 3 sets
Vivera Clear Retainers
Vivera clear retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth. Vivera aligners are designed to help maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment post clear aligners or braces.
The retainers are made from a durable plastic material that is comfortable while keeping your teeth in their desired positions.
The retainers take about 10 to 14 days to prepare.
$225 for one arch or $450 for both arches
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are traditional removable retainers with a metal wire and an acrylic base.
If you choose to take up Hawley retainers, it will take a maximum of 10 to 14 days to prepare.
Some patients prefer Hawley retainers to traditional fixed wire retainers as they are easy to clean and maintain.
While Hawley retainers are not as comfortable as clear retainers and can even feel and look bulky, they continue to be a popular choice amongst patients.
$320 for one arch or $640 for both arches
Fixed Wire Retainers
Fixed wire retainers come in two different forms – the straight type and the flossable type.
Straight Type: Straight type wire retainers are a thin metal wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth.
The main purpose of straight type retainers is to maintain front teeth alignment. Because of how it is secured (using resin), you might require occasional maintenance.
Straight type retainers take about 7 to 10 days to prepare.
Flossable Type: Flossable type or hygienic fixed wire types are designed to be flossable. They share the same benefits as straight type retainers but can be better for improved oral hygiene.
It takes 7 to 10 days to prepare.
Clear Retainers Cost in Singapore
Most clear retainers cost about $400 – $600 in Singapore.
Clear retainers that are lab-made cost $210 NETT (per set) at kohe™ Dental. Should you wish to purchase a set of 3 clear retainers, the cost per set is $133 or $400 per set of 3.
Besides our lab-made clear retainers, we also offer other clear retainers. You can view the full breakdown of clear retainers and their cost at the following table.
1 Set | 3 Sets | |
---|---|---|
kohe™Zendura™ Clear Retainers | $210 | $400 ($133 per set) |
Angel Aligner Clear Retainers | No single set | $480 ($160 per set) |
Vivera Clear Retainers | No single set | $980 ($326 per set) |
Financing Clear Retainers
If you are thinking of heading to kohe™ Dental for clear retainers, there are a few ways you can finance your treatment.
Catch22™
A payment plan that allows you to get orthodontic and healthcare treatment seamlessly without worrying about your finances. Your payment on your schedule.
All Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks. Get up to 12 months interest-free instalments.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms like Atome to help reduce the upfront expenditure of your dental treatments.
Dental and Corporate Insurance
We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible orthodontic (clear aligner) dental care to you.
Why Should I Do My Clear Retainers at kohe™ Dental?
kohe™ Dental is the first dedicated clear aligner dental clinic in Singapore that focuses on the use of a varying range of invisible braces or clear aligner brands in orthodontic treatment.
Because of our unique focus, we are able to offer affordable and competitive prices for patients like yourself who wish to seek orthodontic treatment.
Completing your clear aligner treatment does not mean that your smile journey has ended! kohe™ Dental makes the next steps in your smile journey more affordable and efficient.
24/7 Treatment Coordinator Support
Our treatment coordinator supports you throughout your entire journey – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have a question about your current treatment plan or experiencing some discomfort from your invisible braces treatment? Our treatment coordinators got your back.
Lab Made Retainers
Our retainers are made in a dental lab that has been chosen for their high-quality and precision.
Whether you are requesting a scallop edge clear retainer or a normal edge clear retainer, our lab delivers them based on your requirements and requests.
Quick Turnaround Time
We understand that time is of the essence.
Our retainers are created and ready for collection within 7 days from your date of appointment or request (for return patients).
Should you require express collection (same day or within 3 days), do let us know so that we can arrange for it.
There is an additional surcharge of $60 for same-day collection. This surcharge is imposed from the dental lab.
Replace Retainers Conveniently
kohe™ Dental maintains all digital records of your teeth to streamline the retainer replacement process.
When replacement becomes necessary due to normal wear or minor damage, you can order new retainers without requiring additional scans or in-clinic visits. This process works out well especially if you have a busy schedule or do frequent travels.
This efficient system allows us to accelerate retainer production using previously captured digital impressions.
We prioritise your convenience while maintaining the precise fit of the original retainer.
Archival Data Library
Dental records, including retainer specifications, are securely stored in a digital database.
This streamlined system allows for quick access when replacement retainers are needed or when we require reference information.
The comprehensive digital archive maintains your detailed oral health histories, original tooth positions, and treatment specifications.
This system not only expedites the retainer replacement process but also helps ensure precise, personalised fit for future dental appliances.
Digital record keeping eliminates the need for new impressions in the event you need a new retainer. This helps you save time and accelerates the clear retainer production process.
Affordable Cost
All services and products offered at kohe™ Dental have been benchmarked for affordability.
We ensure that the cost of our services and products are affordable and cost-friendly.
Authentic and Premium Materials
All materials and supplies used at kohe™ Dental are authentic and high-quality.
Our suppliers and partners have been diligently vetted to ensure that none of their supplies or equipment fall short of both the clinician and patient expectations.
Dental retainers are fabricated using materials that meet strict Health and Safety Administration (HSA) standards and requirements.
These materials undergo rigorous testing and have proven safety records in dental applications.
Each type of retainer, from clear removable options to permanent bonded varieties, is constructed from medical-grade components specifically chosen for their durability and biocompatibility.
The materials demonstrate excellent longevity when properly maintained and have been extensively studied for oral use.
Their composition ensures optimal performance while maintaining patient safety.
Precision Fit with Enhanced Detail
kohe™ Dental uses advanced 3D scanning technology to create precise digital impressions of your teeth.
These digital scans capture intricate details of tooth structure and alignment with exceptional accuracy.
The scanning process eliminates traditional impression materials while providing enhanced detail for retainer fabrication.
Digital measurements ensure each retainer is custom-fitted to the unique contours of individual teeth patterns. The computer-aided design process allows for precise adjustments and modifications before production begins.
This technology produces retainers that fit more comfortably and maintain tooth position more effectively than traditionally manufactured alternatives. The digital workflow reduces potential errors and improves the overall quality of the final product.
These precise measurements and manufacturing processes result in retainers that provide optimal tooth stability and patient comfort.
No Dental Moulds
kohe™ Dental uses a 3D digital intraoral scanner to document and take 3D images of your mouth without a dental mould.
This method is clean, fast and efficient. There is no need for messy dental moulds for dental impressions.
Your teeth is scanned on the same day as the consultation and sent immediately to the dental lab for production.
Clear Retainers: Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about clear retainers.
Do clear retainers straighten your teeth?
Clear retainers do not straighten your teeth. They do not apply consistent and steady force needed to move your teeth like clear aligners do. What they do is retain the shape and appearance of your newly aligned teeth, thus the name retainers.
Retainers also help prevent your teeth from damage caused by bruxism. However, it will do absolutely nothing for shifting your teeth into the right position.
If you have a teeth relapse after years of not wearing your retainers, I would caution against using clear retainers to re-straighten your teeth. While it might seem a good idea to force your teeth into your clear retainers to realign them back to their original perfect form, it really is not. This is also not the not the function and purpose of these orthodontic devices.
Can I use my last clear aligner set as my retainer?
No you should not be using your last set of clear aligners as your retainer. While it might seem like your final set of clear aligners is perfect to help you retain your new smile, you should not be using it as retainers.
Your clear aligners are made to help push and exert force on your teeth to your desired position. Your retainers, on the other hand, maintain that position. While the final set of clear aligners are the optimal position, it does not serve to retain and maintain it.
Clear aligners generally have a softer material than retainers do. The material can warp and wear out with prolonged usage. This is detrimental to maintaining the shape of your smile.
If your dentist or orthodontist does not offer a set of retainers post-treatment, it is possible to wear your final set of clear aligners till you receive your retainers. Wearing your clear aligners for retention for a short or temporary amount of time is fine.
How long do I have to wear on my retainers?
It is generally advisable to wear on your retainers for an extended amount of time (at least 22 hours) for at least 6 months after your orthodontic treatment. This is because your newly shifted teeth can easily fall back into its old position without retention support.
You can gradually reduce the number of hours you wear your retainers after 6 months. Some patients I see wear their retainers only at night as they find it more convenient.
If possible, please follow the advice of your attending dentist or orthodontist as they will know what is best for you based on your treatment with them.
Will my clear retainers turn yellow or stain?
It is entirely possible for your clear retainers to turn yellow or stain with time. Clear retainers are susceptible to discolouration and staining if they are exposed to coffee, tea, wine or coloured beverages regularly.
Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to accumulate, creating a biofilm that causes yellowing. Tobacco use significantly accelerates discolouration. Environmental factors such as prolonged sun exposure can also affect the clarity of clear retainers.
The porous nature of the retainer material makes it prone to absorbing pigments from food and drinks. Even with diligent care, some gradual discolouration is normal over time due to ageing of the material and mineral deposits from saliva.
If discolouration of your clear retainers bothers you, you might want to have a few spare clear retainers on hand to replace your existing ones.
Can I wear my clear retainers all day?
Yes you can wear your clear retainers all day but you probably should not. During the initial retention phase, your dentist or orthodontist will typically recommend full-time wear for 3 to 6 months to stabilise your tooth position.
After this period, you can transition to night time wear only. Full-time wear beyond the initial period can increase the risk of bacterial buildup, bad breath, and tooth decay if proper hygiene is not maintained.
The retainers can interfere with speech and saliva production when worn continuously. Extended daytime wear also exposes the retainers to more potential damage and increases the frequency of removal and reinsertion, which can lead to faster wear.
How do I clean my retainers?
Cleaning your retainers is pretty easy!
I generally recommend daily cleaning with gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser. You can also use antimicrobial soap or a specialised retainer cleaner.
If possible, try staying away from cleaning your clear retainers with toothpaste as toothpaste can be more abrasive.
Soaking in denture cleaner or retainer tablets helps remove deeper stains and kills bacteria. Ultrasonic cleaners provide thorough cleaning without damaging the material. Vinegar solutions can help remove calcium deposits.
After cleaning, retainers should be thoroughly rinsed with cool water and dried before storage. Regular deep cleaning prevents odour development and extends the lifespan of the retainers.
Can I eat or drink with my clear retainers on?
While you can eat and drink with your clear retainers on, it is not recommended to do so. There are multiple risks that you should be aware of when consuming food or beverages while wearing your clear retainers.
Hot drinks can warp the plastic material, altering the fit. Acidic beverages can become trapped between the retainer and teeth, increasing decay risk. Coloured drinks can stain both the retainer and teeth.
Chewing forces can create stress points in the retainer, leading to cracks or breaks. Food particles can become lodged under the retainer, promoting bacterial growth and bad breath.
For the sake of prolonging the longevity of your clear retainers and your oral health, your clear retainers should be removed for all meals and snacks. Your teeth should also be brushed before re-inserting them.
Can I use my retainers to treat my teeth relapse?
Clear retainers serve a maintenance function rather than an orthodontic correction role. You should not be using your retainers to treat teeth relapse.
When teeth shift from their corrected positions, the retainers cannot actively move them back. Attempting to use ill-fitting retainers can cause tooth pain, root damage, and periodontal problems.
Minor shifts might be correctable with new retainers, but significant relapse requires professional orthodontic intervention.
Some dentists or orthodontists offer affordable clear aligner treatment for minor relapses. Regular retainer wear prevents the need for retreatment by maintaining tooth position.
How long do clear retainers last?
The lifespan of your clear retainers depends on multiple factors such as the material used for your clear retainer, as well as your usage habits.
Material quality affects durability, with premium materials lasting longer. Grinding habits can wear down the plastic faster. Proper cleaning and storage practices significantly impact longevity. Temperature exposure, such as hot drinks or car storage, can warp the material. Physical stress from removal and insertion affects structural integrity.
Signs of wear include cloudiness, rough edges, loose fit, and visible cracks. Most patients need replacement every 1-3 years, though some may last longer with excellent care.
What should I do if I lose or break my clear retainers?
If you have lost or broken your clear retainers, there is no need to panic!
You can simply drop us a message to make a new set if you have visited us previously for your clear retainers or orthodontic work.
If you are a new patient, we will need to take digital scans of your teeth before proceeding with a new set of clear retainers.
Lost or broken retainers require prompt professional attention. Teeth can begin shifting within days without retention.
Multiple sets of retainers can be ordered simultaneously as backups. The replacement process typically takes 1-2 weeks, during which time teeth may shift slightly.
Can I use my retainers if I have not worn them for more than 6 months?
If you have not worn your retainers for more than 6 months, there is a possibility that your teeth might not fit into your clear retainers.
Attempting to wear retainers after a long break can result in pretty disastrous consequences. Forced insertion of ill-fitting retainers can damage tooth enamel, irritate your gums and cause root resorption. The pressure from misfit retainers may crack teeth or cause nerve damage.
If your retainers are no longer fitting, you might want to consider visiting a dentist or orthodontist to have an orthodontic evaluation to assess whether your tooth position has changed.
Treatment options might include new retainers for minor shifts or comprehensive orthodontic treatment for significant changes.
Prevention through consistent wear remains the best approach.
Can I use my corporate benefits to pay for clear retainers?
Yes it is possible to use your corporate benefits to pay for your clear retainers.
If you wish to use your corporate benefits, simply let us know when booking an appointment for your clear retainers.