Custom-made clear and Hawley retainers to protect your orthodontic results. Lightweight, comfortable and worn only at night. From just £200 per arch at our South Kensington clinic. Essential after any teeth-straightening treatment.
Essix Retainer
From £200
Per arch
Hawley Retainer
From £250
Per arch
Orthodontic Retention
Removable retainers are custom-made dental appliances worn after orthodontic treatment to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions. Without retainers, teeth will gradually shift back towards their original alignment — a process known as orthodontic relapse. Retainers are an essential part of any teeth-straightening journey.
At Dental Clinic London, we offer two types of removable retainer: Essix (clear) retainers — thin, transparent trays that are virtually invisible — and Hawley retainers — durable acrylic and wire appliances that are adjustable and long-lasting.
After an initial settling period of full-time wear (usually 3–6 months post-treatment), removable retainers are typically worn only at night whilst you sleep. They are easy to clean, comfortable, and do not interfere with your daily life.
Removable retainers can be used on their own or alongside fixed retainers for maximum protection. Our Pro Aligners Smart Align and Ultimate Align plans include two sets of free retainers.
Retainer Options
Essix retainers are thin, transparent, vacuum-formed trays that fit precisely over your teeth. They are virtually invisible when worn and are the most popular type of removable retainer. Made from durable clear plastic, they provide effective retention whilst being discreet and comfortable.
Hawley retainers are made from acrylic (which sits against the palate or behind the lower teeth) with a thin metal wire that runs along the front of the teeth. They are highly durable, adjustable, and can last many years with proper care. The acrylic plate can be personalised with colours or designs.
Advantages
Simply remove your retainer and brush it with a soft toothbrush and water (or retainer cleaning solution). You can also brush and floss your teeth normally without any obstructions — maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
Modern removable retainers are lightweight and custom-made to fit your teeth precisely. Most patients find them comfortable and quickly adapt to wearing them. Essix retainers are particularly discreet and barely noticeable.
If you lose or damage your removable retainer, we can fabricate a replacement from your existing dental records or a new scan. Replacement retainers start from £150. We recommend keeping a spare set.
After an initial settling period (usually full-time for 3–6 months post-treatment), removable retainers are typically worn only at night whilst you sleep. This means they do not interfere with your daily life, eating or speaking.
Unlike fixed retainers, removable retainers are not bonded to your teeth. This can be an advantage for patients who prefer not to have anything permanently attached, or who find fixed retainers difficult to clean around.
Removable retainers are a cost-effective way to protect your orthodontic results. From just £200 per arch for Essix retainers and £250 for Hawley retainers. Our Smart and Ultimate aligner plans include two sets free.
Transparent Pricing
| Essix Retainer (per arch)Clear, vacuum-formed — virtually invisible | From £200 |
| Essix Retainer (both arches)Upper and lower clear retainers | From £350 |
| Hawley Retainer (per arch)Acrylic & wire — adjustable, highly durable | From £250 |
| Hawley Retainer (both arches)Upper and lower Hawley retainers | From £450 |
| Replacement RetainerNew retainer from existing record — lost or damaged | From £150 |
| Retainer Check-upAssessment of retainer fit & oral health | From £30 |
Pricing subject to clinical assessment. Smart Align and Ultimate Align plans include 2 × free retainers.
Common Questions
Meet Your Dentists
All retainer fabrication and fitting at Dental Clinic London is supervised by GDC-registered dentists with extensive orthodontic experience.
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Dentist
GDC: 229601
Patient Reviews
Registered · Regulated · Trusted
Our South Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). All marketing materials comply with ASA / CAP advertising standards.
CQC Regulated
South Kensington clinic
GDC Registered
All clinicians
ASA / CAP Compliant
Advertising standards
CQC Provider: Medical and Dental Limited · Registration No. 1-20629579981
Don't let orthodontic relapse undo your results. Book an appointment for custom removable retainers — comfortable, discreet and essential for lifelong retention.