For a price-first buyer, ClearRetain and SportingSmiles are currently around $139–$140 for upper + lower sets. SmileSet costs more at $199 but publishes a simple $149 single-arch option and free shipping. The correct purchase depends on whether your teeth are still in the position you want—retainers hold teeth; they are not a substitute for active orthodontic treatment.
iHome Dental
Custom invisible retainer made from at-home impressions; compare fit and remake terms before ordering.
Check iHome Dental retainerWhich provider fits your situation?
| Your priority | Best place to start | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest two-arch price | ClearRetain / SportingSmiles | Both sit near the bottom of our current two-arch price comparison. |
| One arch only | SmileSet | Publishes a simple single-arch option; compare the final price against individual-arch pricing elsewhere. |
| Expect frequent replacements | SportingSmiles / Remi | Both emphasize repeat-order or replacement ecosystems; compare reorder economics, not just the first set. |
| Replacing an Invisalign retainer | Compare timing first | See Invisalign retainer replacement options before creating a retention gap. |
| Old retainer no longer fits | Do not order yet | Figure out why it stopped fitting before locking teeth into a changed position. |
| Teeth visibly shifted | Orthodontic assessment | Compare retainer vs aligners; a retainer is not designed to move teeth back. |
Current online retainer prices
Our current shortlist
1. ClearRetain — lowest two-arch price
ClearRetain's official retainer collection showed an upper + lower set at $139 promotional / $199 regular in our latest update. Its site also sells individual arches and stores digital impressions through its optional “File Your Smile” service. That can matter if you expect repeat replacements.
2. SportingSmiles — straightforward lab-style replacement option
SportingSmiles lists $140 for two custom clear retainers, upper and lower. It also sells single retainers, subscriptions, emergency retainers, and a night-guard/retainer hybrid, which makes it useful for people comparing both routine and emergency replacement options.
3. Remi — strong replacement ecosystem
Remi currently lists custom clear retainers at $149 promotional / $298 reference pricing. It is not the cheapest first purchase, but the same Remi account and replacement ecosystem can be useful for readers who also use its night guards or want recurring reorders. For the provider-specific retainer terms, see our Remi retainer review.
4. SmileSet — stronger convenience positioning, higher price
SmileSet's FAQ lists $199 for both arches and $149 for one arch, with shipping included. Its subscription pricing on single-arch retainers can reduce future replacement cost. This is more expensive upfront than ClearRetain or SportingSmiles, so the value proposition has to come from convenience and fit/remake terms rather than headline price. If you are evaluating its active aligner treatment instead, see our SmileSet clear-aligner review.
Are online retainers good?
Online retainers can be a reasonable replacement route when your teeth are stable, the impression or scan is accurate, and you understand the provider's remake policy. They are a poor substitute for an orthodontic assessment when a retainer no longer fits, teeth have shifted, or your bite has changed. The quality question is therefore less about “online vs office” in the abstract and more about whether the appliance is made for the correct current tooth position.
Calculate the real replacement cost, not just checkout price
For a product you may replace repeatedly, the useful comparison is first order + impression/remake friction + shipping + likely reorder price. A provider that stores a usable model or makes reorders easier can beat a cheaper first purchase if you expect to replace retainers every few years or lose them more than once.
Start with the two lowest two-arch offers
Compare ClearRetain and SportingSmiles on fit/remake terms, shipping and reorder cost before choosing.
Who should not order a replacement retainer online?
If your old retainer no longer fits, your teeth have visibly shifted, your bite feels different, or you have pain or active dental disease, ordering a new retainer from an old position can be the wrong move. Get a dentist or orthodontist to assess the situation before trying to lock in a changed tooth position.
Think beyond the first purchase
Retainers wear out, crack, get lost, or stop fitting over time. A fair comparison should therefore include reorder discounts, stored impressions or scans, subscription options, shipping, and how easy it is to replace the appliance without starting from zero.
Check whether the problem is fit, damage or retainer type
Compare the current price, refund/remake terms, what is included, and the total cost after retainers or replacements. Details can change, so confirm the offer on the provider's site before checkout.
How Dental Verdicts compares products →Sources
- ClearRetain official pricing
- SportingSmiles official pricing
- SmileSet official pricing
- NewSmile official pricing
- Remi official pricing