CUSTOM ORTHODONTIC RETENTION
Retainer
An Essix retainer, Hawley retainer or bonded permanent retainer keeps your teeth in their new position after braces or clear aligners — preventing relapse and protecting your smile.
From €175
Digital scan, no impressions
4 Irish clinics
Why patients choose a retainer
Just finished braces or aligners
Lost or broken previous retainer
Front teeth starting to shift again
Protecting veneers, bonding or crowns
Want a spare back-up retainer
PATIENT STORIES
What Our Patients Say
RECOGNISED EXCELLENCE
Award-winning dental & denture care in Ireland
Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist 2026
Best Mobile Dental & Denture Services Provider 2026
Irish Enterprise Awards 2026
Business All-Star 8 Years
Best In Class Denture & Dental Care 2023
Irish Dentistry Awards 2020
All-Ireland Business Awards 2019
Inspiring Awards
Business All-Star 2018
Business All Stars 2018
Irish Dentistry Awards 2016
Best Dental Laboratory 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2010
CX Awards 2026 Finalist – Best CX in Healthcare
Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist 2026
Best Mobile Dental & Denture Services Provider 2026
Irish Enterprise Awards 2026
Business All-Star 8 Years
Best In Class Denture & Dental Care 2023
Irish Dentistry Awards 2020
All-Ireland Business Awards 2019
Inspiring Awards
Business All-Star 2018
Business All Stars 2018
Irish Dentistry Awards 2016
Best Dental Laboratory 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2010
CX Awards 2026 Finalist – Best CX in Healthcare
Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist 2026
Best Mobile Dental & Denture Services Provider 2026
Irish Enterprise Awards 2026
Business All-Star 8 Years
Best In Class Denture & Dental Care 2023
Irish Dentistry Awards 2020
All-Ireland Business Awards 2019
Inspiring Awards
Business All-Star 2018
Business All Stars 2018
Irish Dentistry Awards 2016
Best Dental Laboratory 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2012
ActionCOACH Award 2010
CX Awards 2026 Finalist – Best CX in Healthcare
4.9 ★★★★★
Google reviews · DentalTech clinics
Google reviews · DentalTech clinics
We make dental care affordable
We accept VHI and DeCare dental insurance
We accept PRSI for Oral Exam and Scale & Polish
We don’t accept Medical Cards
We accept PRSI for Oral Exam and Scale & Polish
We don’t accept Medical Cards
Pay in 3 with Klarna
Split your treatment into 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna — quick approval at checkout.
Available at Our Clinics
• Dublin South — Terenure
• Dublin North — Swords
• Wexford
• Waterford
• Dublin North — Swords
• Wexford
• Waterford
OVERVIEW
What is a dental retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to hold your teeth in their new, straight position. Retainers after braces or clear aligners are essential — without one, teeth naturally drift back, especially in the first 12 months.
Retainers come in two main forms. A removable retainer can be a clear Essix retainer (thin transparent plastic) or a traditional Hawley retainer (acrylic plate with a visible front wire). A fixed retainer — also called a bonded retainer or permanent retainer — is a fine wire bonded discreetly behind the front teeth. Many patients combine a clear retainer at night with a permanent retainer behind the front teeth for maximum stability.
At DentalTech we use a comfortable digital scan instead of messy impressions, and an Irish dental lab makes your retainer to fit precisely.
When you need a retainer
Just finished braces or clear aligners. The first 12 months after orthodontics are when teeth are most likely to relapse — a retainer prevents this.
Lost or broken your previous retainer. Without a retainer in place teeth start to shift within weeks. We can scan and replace yours quickly.
Noticed minor relapse or shifting. If your front teeth are starting to crowd or rotate again, a new retainer can hold and stabilise your bite.
Had veneers, crowns or bonding placed. A retainer protects new dental work and prevents bite changes that could chip restorations.
Mild grinding alongside alignment concerns. A hard retainer can also act as a light night-time bite splint for mild bruxism.
Want a back-up retainer. We recommend keeping a spare — losing your only retainer is the most common cause of relapse.
TYPES OF RETAINER
Essix, Hawley or fixed bonded retainer?
Four retainer styles — clear Essix, hard Vivera-style, traditional Hawley and a fixed permanent retainer — to match your lifestyle, budget and orthodontic history.
Essix Clear Retainer
Thin, transparent and removable Essix retainer — virtually invisible. The most popular clear retainer for daytime and night-time wear after aligners.
Hard Vivera-Style Retainer
Durable, premium-grade clear retainer. Long-lasting and recommended for night-time wear and mild grinders.
Hawley Retainer
Traditional acrylic plate with a front wire. Hard-wearing, adjustable and ideal for patients who want a robust removable option.
Fixed / Bonded Permanent Retainer
A bonded retainer (also called a fixed or permanent retainer) — a fine wire discreetly bonded behind the front teeth for worry-free, 24/7 retention.
BENEFITS
Keep your smile straight for life
A custom retainer is the simplest, most cost-effective way to protect your orthodontic investment.
Locks In Your Result
Stops teeth drifting back after braces or aligners — protecting the smile you’ve invested in.
Custom-Fit & Discreet
Made from precise digital scans. Clear retainers are virtually invisible; fixed wires sit hidden behind the teeth.
Comfortable to Wear
Slim, smooth and lightweight — most patients adapt within a few nights of removable wear.
Protects Long-Term Investment
A retainer is essential after orthodontic treatment, veneers, bonding or implants to keep alignment stable.
Fast 2-Visit Process
Digital scan and fit in two short appointments, usually within 1–2 weeks.
Calm, Judgement-Free Care
Friendly Irish clinics with clear advice on how to wear and look after your retainer.
PATIENT REVIEWS
Rated 4.9 ★ by hundreds of patients
Real feedback from patients across our four Irish clinics.
“From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel completely at ease. Honest pricing, no upsell, and the result was beyond what I expected.”
Sarah O’Brien
Dublin · Verified Google Review
Dublin · Verified Google Review
“I had been putting off treatment for years. The dentist explained every step and the Klarna option made it genuinely affordable. Wish I’d come sooner.”
Michael Walsh
Wexford · Verified Google Review
Wexford · Verified Google Review
“Truly a 5-star experience. Modern clinic, friendly staff, and a result I’m proud to smile with again. Highly recommend DentalTech.”
Aoife Murphy
Waterford · Verified Google Review
Waterford · Verified Google Review
PRICING
Retainer cost in Ireland
Transparent pricing — confirmed in writing after your consultation. Pay in 3 with Klarna.
Retainer Consultation
€60
Bite assessment, digital scan plan and written quote — fee redeemable against treatment.
Clear (Essix) Retainer
3× €58.33 with Klarna
or €175
Discreet, removable clear Essix retainer per arch — ideal after braces or aligners.
Hard Vivera-Style Retainer
3× €131.67 with Klarna
or €395
Durable hard retainer for one arch — long-lasting and great for night-time wear.
Fixed Lingual Wire Retainer
3× €98.33 with Klarna
or €295
Thin wire bonded behind your front teeth — invisible, permanent and worry-free.
TREATMENT JOURNEY
Your retainer, step-by-step
From consultation to fit appointment in just 1–2 weeks — calm, comfortable and clearly explained.
01
Consultation & Bite Check
We assess your teeth, bite and orthodontic history, and recommend the right retainer type for you.
02
Digital Scan
A quick, comfortable 3D scan of your upper and lower teeth — no messy impressions.
03
Custom Lab Fabrication
Your retainer is made by an Irish dental lab to fit your teeth precisely.
04
Fit Appointment
We fit and adjust the retainer, check comfort and explain how to wear, clean and store it.
05
Aftercare & Reviews
Routine check-ups to monitor stability and replace the retainer when worn.
CARE & CLEANING
Looking after your retainer
Simple daily and weekly care will keep your retainer hygienic and extend its lifespan.
Do
Rinse with cool water after every wear
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap
Soak weekly in a denture or retainer cleaning tablet
Always store in the ventilated case provided
Don't
Don’t use hot water — it warps clear retainers
Don’t use whitening or abrasive toothpaste on it
Don’t wrap it in tissue — it ends up in the bin
Don’t ignore cracks or poor fit — book a review
RETAINER CARE
How to look after your retainer
Teeth slowly try to return to their original position for life — wearing your retainer as instructed is the only way to keep your braces or aligner result long-term.
Wear it as prescribed
Most patients wear retainers full-time for 6 months, then nightly for life. Stopping after a year usually means teeth shift back.
Clean it daily
Brush gently with cool water and unscented soap. Toothpaste can scratch the plastic and trap bacteria.
Soak weekly
A 15-minute soak in retainer cleaning tablets (Retainer Brite, Polident) once a week keeps it clear and odour-free.
Keep it cool
Never use hot water, dishwashers or boiling — heat warps clear retainers permanently and ruins the fit.
Always use the case
Most lost retainers end up in tissues or napkins. Keep the case in your bag and use it every time you eat.
Replace every 1-2 years
Clear retainers wear out gradually. Replacement at €145 each is far cheaper than re-doing aligner treatment.
FAQS
Retainer questions
Everything you need to know about retainers, retention and aftercare.
How much does a retainer cost in Ireland?
At DentalTech, a clear (Essix) retainer is €175 per arch, a hard Vivera-style retainer is €395 per arch and a fixed lingual wire retainer is €295. All are available in 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna. A consultation with digital scan plan is €60 and is redeemable against your treatment.
What is a dental retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to hold your teeth in their new, straight position. Retainers after braces or clear aligners are essential — without one, teeth naturally drift back, especially in the first 12 months.
Do I need a retainer after braces or Invisalign?
Yes — every orthodontic treatment must be followed by a retainer. Without one, teeth gradually drift back towards their original position, especially in the first 12 months after treatment.
How long do I have to wear my retainer?
For best results, retainers should be worn long-term. Typically full-time for the first few months, then nightly only. Your dentist will tailor the schedule to your case.
Clear vs fixed retainer — which is better?
Clear retainers are removable and discreet — ideal for night-time wear. Fixed wire retainers sit permanently behind the front teeth — perfect for patients who don’t want to remember to wear one. Many patients combine both for the best stability.
How long does a retainer last?
Clear retainers typically last 1–3 years, hard retainers 3–5 years and fixed wire retainers 5–10+ years with good care. We check the fit at every dental check-up and replace it when worn or damaged.
How do I clean my retainer?
Rinse with cool water after wearing and brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Once a week, soak in a denture or retainer cleaning tablet. Avoid hot water, abrasive toothpaste and direct sunlight — all can warp or discolour the retainer.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact us as soon as possible — teeth can start to shift within weeks. We can scan and replace your retainer quickly to prevent relapse.
Can I eat with my retainer in?
No — always remove your removable retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water. Fixed wire retainers stay in but should be cleaned carefully around with floss threaders.
Is the cost of a retainer covered by PRSI or insurance?
PRSI does not cover retainers directly, but eligible PAYE workers receive a free annual examination. Many VHI and DeCare dental plans contribute towards orthodontic retainers. 20% Med 2 tax relief is available — we provide a Med 2 receipt automatically.
Lock in your straight smile
Book a retainer consultation at your nearest DentalTech clinic — Dublin, Wexford or Waterford.