Best Clear Retainers 2025: Affordable, Durable & Dentist-Approved Options
Posted on September 08, 2025• 📖 3 min read
Table of Contents
You’ve invested in straightening your teeth—now it’s time to protect your smile. Clear retainers keep your teeth from shifting, but not all are created equal.
With options ranging from custom retainers and mail-order brands to in-office fittings, how do you pick the best? We reviewed the top clear retainers of 2025 for comfort, durability, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the perfect fit.
How We Selected the Best Clear Retainers
We ranked the best clear retainers based on these key factors:
Orthodontist-approved materials: BPA-free, medical-grade plastics for safety and comfort.
Durability: Retainers that resist cracking or warping for years of reliable use.
Customer feedback: Real reviews on comfort, usability, and longevity.
Value: The ideal balance between price, quality, and long-term performance.
🥇 1. Best Overall: NewSmile Clear Retainers
Type: Custom-fit, BPA-free plastic Price: $149 per set
Why It Wins: NewSmile takes the crown for combining affordability, comfort, and professional quality. Each set is crafted from precise dental impressions for a perfect fit. The slim design makes nightly wear easy, while its durable construction ensures years of protection.
✅ Custom-fit from accurate impressions ✅ Sleek design for comfortable nightly wear ✅ Long-lasting with proper care ✅ More affordable than in-office options
Best For: Anyone finishing aligner treatment or braces who wants a cost-effective, high-quality retainer.
If you’re exploring long-term retainer solutions, you might find this clear aligner review helpful — it breaks down how brands like NewSmile excel in both aligner and retainer care.
🥈 2. Most Durable: Invisalign Vivera Retainers
Type: Dentist-provided retainers Price: $400–$600 (set of 4)
Highlights: Made with a proprietary multilayer material, Vivera retainers are known for their premium durability and long lifespan. Though pricier, they’re ideal for those who value strength and longevity.
✅ Multilayer construction for superior durability ✅ Extended lifespan with proper care ✅ Dispensed by licensed orthodontists
Best For: Patients seeking long-term strength and professional-grade materials.
🥉 3. Best Budget: Sporting Smiles Retainers
Type: Custom mail-order retainers Price: $135 per set
Highlights: For those on a budget, Sporting Smiles offers impressive quality with easy at-home impressions. Their retainers are reliable and customizable, making them one of the most affordable options for post-treatment retention.
✅ Includes at-home impression kit ✅ Competitive pricing without compromising fit ✅ Multiple thickness options
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable solution.
4. Best for Backup Retainers: Remi Retainers
Type: At-home retainer kit Price: $99 per set
Highlights: Remi retainers are lightweight, flexible, and affordable—perfect for keeping a backup set handy. Their comfort-focused design makes them great for travel or emergencies.
✅ Cost-effective backup option ✅ Comfortable, flexible design ✅ Delivered directly to your door
Best For: Travelers or anyone wanting an extra retainer on standby.
5. Best Hybrid Option: Candid Retainers
Type: Hybrid dentist + at-home system Price: $300–$400
Highlights: Candid retainers bridge the gap between at-home convenience and professional oversight. With remote monitoring, you get a tailored fit backed by orthodontist guidance.
✅ Professional oversight with remote support ✅ High-quality materials comparable to in-office retainers ✅ Convenient and personalized
Best For: Users who want professional input without frequent visits.
Comparison Table
Brand
Type
Price
Durability
Best For
NewSmile
Custom-fit
$149
2–3 years
Affordable custom option
Invisalign Vivera
In-office
$400–$600
3–5 years
Premium durability
Sporting Smiles
Mail-order
$135
2 years
Budget-friendly
Remi
Mail-order
$99
1–2 years
Backup retainers
Candid
Hybrid
$300–$400
2–3 years
Remote pro oversight
Key Buying Tips
Wear nightly: Prevent shifting by wearing retainers as directed.
Get a backup: Always have a spare in case one breaks or goes missing.
Clean correctly: Use cool water, mild soap, or retainer tablets—never hot water.
Use a case: Keep your retainers in a ventilated case when not in use.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Skipping wear: Even short breaks can lead to teeth shifting. 🚫 Leaving retainers in heat: Heat can warp the plastic. 🚫 Choosing purely by price: Durability and fit matter just as much as cost.
Final Verdict
For long-term smile protection in 2025, NewSmile Clear Retainers stand out as the most balanced choice—combining comfort, precision, and affordability.
Their custom-fit design ensures your smile stays aligned without breaking the bank. To learn more about how NewSmile supports your smile from aligners to retainers, check out the Everyday Health review mentioned earlier.
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace clear retainers? A: Typically every 1–3 years, depending on wear and maintenance.
Q: Can I wear my aligners as retainers? A: Not ideal—aligners move teeth, while retainers hold them in place.
Q: What’s the difference between Essix and Vivera retainers? A: Vivera retainers are stronger and made from a proprietary multilayer material, often sold in sets of four.
Table of Contents
You’ve invested in straightening your teeth—now it’s time to protect your smile. Clear retainers keep your teeth from shifting, but not all are created equal.
With options ranging from custom retainers and mail-order brands to in-office fittings, how do you pick the best? We reviewed the top clear retainers of 2025 for comfort, durability, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the perfect fit.
How We Selected the Best Clear Retainers
We ranked the best clear retainers based on these key factors:
Orthodontist-approved materials: BPA-free, medical-grade plastics for safety and comfort.
Durability: Retainers that resist cracking or warping for years of reliable use.
Customer feedback: Real reviews on comfort, usability, and longevity.
Value: The ideal balance between price, quality, and long-term performance.
🥇 1. Best Overall: NewSmile Clear Retainers
Type: Custom-fit, BPA-free plastic Price: $149 per set
Why It Wins: NewSmile takes the crown for combining affordability, comfort, and professional quality. Each set is crafted from precise dental impressions for a perfect fit. The slim design makes nightly wear easy, while its durable construction ensures years of protection.
✅ Custom-fit from accurate impressions ✅ Sleek design for comfortable nightly wear ✅ Long-lasting with proper care ✅ More affordable than in-office options
Best For: Anyone finishing aligner treatment or braces who wants a cost-effective, high-quality retainer.
If you’re exploring long-term retainer solutions, you might find this clear aligner review helpful — it breaks down how brands like NewSmile excel in both aligner and retainer care.
🥈 2. Most Durable: Invisalign Vivera Retainers
Type: Dentist-provided retainers Price: $400–$600 (set of 4)
Highlights: Made with a proprietary multilayer material, Vivera retainers are known for their premium durability and long lifespan. Though pricier, they’re ideal for those who value strength and longevity.
✅ Multilayer construction for superior durability ✅ Extended lifespan with proper care ✅ Dispensed by licensed orthodontists
Best For: Patients seeking long-term strength and professional-grade materials.
🥉 3. Best Budget: Sporting Smiles Retainers
Type: Custom mail-order retainers Price: $135 per set
Highlights: For those on a budget, Sporting Smiles offers impressive quality with easy at-home impressions. Their retainers are reliable and customizable, making them one of the most affordable options for post-treatment retention.
✅ Includes at-home impression kit ✅ Competitive pricing without compromising fit ✅ Multiple thickness options
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable solution.
4. Best for Backup Retainers: Remi Retainers
Type: At-home retainer kit Price: $99 per set
Highlights: Remi retainers are lightweight, flexible, and affordable—perfect for keeping a backup set handy. Their comfort-focused design makes them great for travel or emergencies.
✅ Cost-effective backup option ✅ Comfortable, flexible design ✅ Delivered directly to your door
Best For: Travelers or anyone wanting an extra retainer on standby.
5. Best Hybrid Option: Candid Retainers
Type: Hybrid dentist + at-home system Price: $300–$400
Highlights: Candid retainers bridge the gap between at-home convenience and professional oversight. With remote monitoring, you get a tailored fit backed by orthodontist guidance.
✅ Professional oversight with remote support ✅ High-quality materials comparable to in-office retainers ✅ Convenient and personalized
Best For: Users who want professional input without frequent visits.
Comparison Table
Brand
Type
Price
Durability
Best For
NewSmile
Custom-fit
$149
2–3 years
Affordable custom option
Invisalign Vivera
In-office
$400–$600
3–5 years
Premium durability
Sporting Smiles
Mail-order
$135
2 years
Budget-friendly
Remi
Mail-order
$99
1–2 years
Backup retainers
Candid
Hybrid
$300–$400
2–3 years
Remote pro oversight
Key Buying Tips
Wear nightly: Prevent shifting by wearing retainers as directed.
Get a backup: Always have a spare in case one breaks or goes missing.
Clean correctly: Use cool water, mild soap, or retainer tablets—never hot water.
Use a case: Keep your retainers in a ventilated case when not in use.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Skipping wear: Even short breaks can lead to teeth shifting. 🚫 Leaving retainers in heat: Heat can warp the plastic. 🚫 Choosing purely by price: Durability and fit matter just as much as cost.
Final Verdict
For long-term smile protection in 2025, NewSmile Clear Retainers stand out as the most balanced choice—combining comfort, precision, and affordability.
Their custom-fit design ensures your smile stays aligned without breaking the bank. To learn more about how NewSmile supports your smile from aligners to retainers, check out the Everyday Health review mentioned earlier.
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace clear retainers? A: Typically every 1–3 years, depending on wear and maintenance.
Q: Can I wear my aligners as retainers? A: Not ideal—aligners move teeth, while retainers hold them in place.
Q: What’s the difference between Essix and Vivera retainers? A: Vivera retainers are stronger and made from a proprietary multilayer material, often sold in sets of four.
Best Clear Retainers 2025: Affordable, Durable & Dentist-Approved Options
Table of Contents
You’ve invested in straightening your teeth—now it’s time to protect your smile. Clear retainers keep your teeth from shifting, but not all are created equal.
With options ranging from custom retainers and mail-order brands to in-office fittings, how do you pick the best? We reviewed the top clear retainers of 2025 for comfort, durability, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the perfect fit.
How We Selected the Best Clear Retainers
We ranked the best clear retainers based on these key factors:
Orthodontist-approved materials: BPA-free, medical-grade plastics for safety and comfort.
Durability: Retainers that resist cracking or warping for years of reliable use.
Customer feedback: Real reviews on comfort, usability, and longevity.
Value: The ideal balance between price, quality, and long-term performance.
🥇 1. Best Overall: NewSmile Clear Retainers
Type: Custom-fit, BPA-free plastic
Price: $149 per set
Why It Wins:
NewSmile takes the crown for combining affordability, comfort, and professional quality. Each set is crafted from precise dental impressions for a perfect fit. The slim design makes nightly wear easy, while its durable construction ensures years of protection.
✅ Custom-fit from accurate impressions
✅ Sleek design for comfortable nightly wear
✅ Long-lasting with proper care
✅ More affordable than in-office options
Best For: Anyone finishing aligner treatment or braces who wants a cost-effective, high-quality retainer.
If you’re exploring long-term retainer solutions, you might find this clear aligner review helpful — it breaks down how brands like NewSmile excel in both aligner and retainer care.
🥈 2. Most Durable: Invisalign Vivera Retainers
Type: Dentist-provided retainers
Price: $400–$600 (set of 4)
Highlights:
Made with a proprietary multilayer material, Vivera retainers are known for their premium durability and long lifespan. Though pricier, they’re ideal for those who value strength and longevity.
✅ Multilayer construction for superior durability
✅ Extended lifespan with proper care
✅ Dispensed by licensed orthodontists
Best For: Patients seeking long-term strength and professional-grade materials.
🥉 3. Best Budget: Sporting Smiles Retainers
Type: Custom mail-order retainers
Price: $135 per set
Highlights:
For those on a budget, Sporting Smiles offers impressive quality with easy at-home impressions. Their retainers are reliable and customizable, making them one of the most affordable options for post-treatment retention.
✅ Includes at-home impression kit
✅ Competitive pricing without compromising fit
✅ Multiple thickness options
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable solution.
4. Best for Backup Retainers: Remi Retainers
Type: At-home retainer kit
Price: $99 per set
Highlights:
Remi retainers are lightweight, flexible, and affordable—perfect for keeping a backup set handy. Their comfort-focused design makes them great for travel or emergencies.
✅ Cost-effective backup option
✅ Comfortable, flexible design
✅ Delivered directly to your door
Best For: Travelers or anyone wanting an extra retainer on standby.
5. Best Hybrid Option: Candid Retainers
Type: Hybrid dentist + at-home system
Price: $300–$400
Highlights:
Candid retainers bridge the gap between at-home convenience and professional oversight. With remote monitoring, you get a tailored fit backed by orthodontist guidance.
✅ Professional oversight with remote support
✅ High-quality materials comparable to in-office retainers
✅ Convenient and personalized
Best For: Users who want professional input without frequent visits.
Comparison Table
Key Buying Tips
Wear nightly: Prevent shifting by wearing retainers as directed.
Get a backup: Always have a spare in case one breaks or goes missing.
Clean correctly: Use cool water, mild soap, or retainer tablets—never hot water.
Use a case: Keep your retainers in a ventilated case when not in use.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Skipping wear: Even short breaks can lead to teeth shifting.
🚫 Leaving retainers in heat: Heat can warp the plastic.
🚫 Choosing purely by price: Durability and fit matter just as much as cost.
Final Verdict
For long-term smile protection in 2025, NewSmile Clear Retainers stand out as the most balanced choice—combining comfort, precision, and affordability.
Their custom-fit design ensures your smile stays aligned without breaking the bank.
To learn more about how NewSmile supports your smile from aligners to retainers, check out the Everyday Health review mentioned earlier.
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace clear retainers?
A: Typically every 1–3 years, depending on wear and maintenance.
Q: Can I wear my aligners as retainers?
A: Not ideal—aligners move teeth, while retainers hold them in place.
Q: What’s the difference between Essix and Vivera retainers?
A: Vivera retainers are stronger and made from a proprietary multilayer material, often sold in sets of four.
Table of Contents
You’ve invested in straightening your teeth—now it’s time to protect your smile. Clear retainers keep your teeth from shifting, but not all are created equal.
With options ranging from custom retainers and mail-order brands to in-office fittings, how do you pick the best? We reviewed the top clear retainers of 2025 for comfort, durability, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the perfect fit.
How We Selected the Best Clear Retainers
We ranked the best clear retainers based on these key factors:
Orthodontist-approved materials: BPA-free, medical-grade plastics for safety and comfort.
Durability: Retainers that resist cracking or warping for years of reliable use.
Customer feedback: Real reviews on comfort, usability, and longevity.
Value: The ideal balance between price, quality, and long-term performance.
🥇 1. Best Overall: NewSmile Clear Retainers
Type: Custom-fit, BPA-free plastic
Price: $149 per set
Why It Wins:
NewSmile takes the crown for combining affordability, comfort, and professional quality. Each set is crafted from precise dental impressions for a perfect fit. The slim design makes nightly wear easy, while its durable construction ensures years of protection.
✅ Custom-fit from accurate impressions
✅ Sleek design for comfortable nightly wear
✅ Long-lasting with proper care
✅ More affordable than in-office options
Best For: Anyone finishing aligner treatment or braces who wants a cost-effective, high-quality retainer.
If you’re exploring long-term retainer solutions, you might find this clear aligner review helpful — it breaks down how brands like NewSmile excel in both aligner and retainer care.
🥈 2. Most Durable: Invisalign Vivera Retainers
Type: Dentist-provided retainers
Price: $400–$600 (set of 4)
Highlights:
Made with a proprietary multilayer material, Vivera retainers are known for their premium durability and long lifespan. Though pricier, they’re ideal for those who value strength and longevity.
✅ Multilayer construction for superior durability
✅ Extended lifespan with proper care
✅ Dispensed by licensed orthodontists
Best For: Patients seeking long-term strength and professional-grade materials.
🥉 3. Best Budget: Sporting Smiles Retainers
Type: Custom mail-order retainers
Price: $135 per set
Highlights:
For those on a budget, Sporting Smiles offers impressive quality with easy at-home impressions. Their retainers are reliable and customizable, making them one of the most affordable options for post-treatment retention.
✅ Includes at-home impression kit
✅ Competitive pricing without compromising fit
✅ Multiple thickness options
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable solution.
4. Best for Backup Retainers: Remi Retainers
Type: At-home retainer kit
Price: $99 per set
Highlights:
Remi retainers are lightweight, flexible, and affordable—perfect for keeping a backup set handy. Their comfort-focused design makes them great for travel or emergencies.
✅ Cost-effective backup option
✅ Comfortable, flexible design
✅ Delivered directly to your door
Best For: Travelers or anyone wanting an extra retainer on standby.
5. Best Hybrid Option: Candid Retainers
Type: Hybrid dentist + at-home system
Price: $300–$400
Highlights:
Candid retainers bridge the gap between at-home convenience and professional oversight. With remote monitoring, you get a tailored fit backed by orthodontist guidance.
✅ Professional oversight with remote support
✅ High-quality materials comparable to in-office retainers
✅ Convenient and personalized
Best For: Users who want professional input without frequent visits.
Comparison Table
Key Buying Tips
Wear nightly: Prevent shifting by wearing retainers as directed.
Get a backup: Always have a spare in case one breaks or goes missing.
Clean correctly: Use cool water, mild soap, or retainer tablets—never hot water.
Use a case: Keep your retainers in a ventilated case when not in use.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
🚫 Skipping wear: Even short breaks can lead to teeth shifting.
🚫 Leaving retainers in heat: Heat can warp the plastic.
🚫 Choosing purely by price: Durability and fit matter just as much as cost.
Final Verdict
For long-term smile protection in 2025, NewSmile Clear Retainers stand out as the most balanced choice—combining comfort, precision, and affordability.
Their custom-fit design ensures your smile stays aligned without breaking the bank.
To learn more about how NewSmile supports your smile from aligners to retainers, check out the Everyday Health review mentioned earlier.
FAQ
Q: How often should I replace clear retainers?
A: Typically every 1–3 years, depending on wear and maintenance.
Q: Can I wear my aligners as retainers?
A: Not ideal—aligners move teeth, while retainers hold them in place.
Q: What’s the difference between Essix and Vivera retainers?
A: Vivera retainers are stronger and made from a proprietary multilayer material, often sold in sets of four.
Read This Next
Is Your Retainer Fitting Right? 5 Signs
Overjet Correction: Can Retainers Help?
Do Clear Retainers Mess with Your Speech? Here’s What to Expect