By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you've finished braces or Invisalign and you're shopping for replacement retainers online, you've probably come across both NewSmile and Sporting Smiles. They're two of the most visible brands in the DTC retainer space — but they're not identical. Here's a straight comparison so you can decide which is right for you.
Company Overview
Sporting Smiles
Sporting Smiles launched in 2009, making them one of the earliest DTC dental appliance companies in the US. They've served over one million customers and focus primarily on retainers, night guards, and sports mouth guards. Their brand is built on a long track record and strong customer reviews.
NewSmile
NewSmile is a newer DTC dental brand built around at-home impressions and a full oral care ecosystem — including custom clear retainers, night guards, extra-thick retainers, and a cleaning accessory line via their sister brand Petal. Their dental professionals review every case before fabrication.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NewSmile | Sporting Smiles |
|---|---|---|
| Standard retainer price | $129/set (upper + lower) | ~$147/set |
| Subscription price | $99/set every 6 months | Available (varies) |
| Fit guarantee | 30-day perfect fit guarantee | Refit policy available |
| Materials | BPA-free dental-grade thermoplastic | Essix Plus / Essix Clear (1mm) |
| Impression process | At-home kit with prepaid return | At-home kit with prepaid return |
| Night guards | Yes — custom, from impressions | Yes — multiple types |
| Extra-thick option | Yes (2mm) — for grinders | Night guard retainer combo |
| HSA/FSA eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Oral care accessories | Yes — Petal cleaner, pods, whitening | Limited |
| In business since | Recent DTC launch | 2009 |
Impression Process — How Different Are They?
Both brands use the same fundamental approach: you order online, receive an at-home impression kit with putty trays, take your own impressions, and mail them back with a prepaid label. The dental lab then creates custom-fit retainers from your molds.
The difference is in the review process. NewSmile includes a dental professional review of your impressions and photos before fabrication begins. This catch-step reduces the likelihood of a poorly fitting retainer reaching your door.
Price: Does NewSmile Win?
On subscription pricing, NewSmile's $99/set every 6 months is competitive for the market. Since the American Association of Orthodontists recommends replacing clear retainers every 6–12 months, anyone who follows that cadence will save significantly on subscription vs. one-time purchases.
Sporting Smiles' one-time pricing is in a similar range, and they have a long-standing reputation for value. Neither brand is overpriced for what they deliver vs. a dentist visit ($300–$600+ per set at an office).
Night Guards: An Important Differentiator
If you need both a retainer and a night guard — which is common for bruxism patients who also completed orthodontic treatment — NewSmile's product range covers both with a single impression process. Their custom night guard and extra-thick retainers are both sourced from the same impression, making it practical to order both at once.
Sporting Smiles also offers night guards and a hybrid "night guard retainer" product. This is a legitimate option for light grinders who need dual function — but as discussed in our night guard vs retainer guide, true dual-function appliances are a compromise.
Who Should Choose Each Brand?
Choose NewSmile if you:
- Want the lower subscription price for 6-month replacements
- Also need a night guard and want to source both from one brand
- Want a 30-day fit guarantee with a clear escalation path
- Grind lightly and want an extra-thick retainer as a dual-purpose option
- Want access to retainer cleaning accessories (ultrasonic cleaner, cleaning pods)
Choose Sporting Smiles if you:
- Prioritize brand history and track record (17+ years in business)
- Have used them before and know their fit works for you
- Want the specific 1.5mm "night guard retainer" hybrid product they're known for
Ready to get custom clear retainers without the dentist markup?
NewSmile ships a custom Essix retainer set from a home impression kit — includes upper and lower. 30-day fit guarantee. HSA/FSA eligible.
FAQ
Is NewSmile or Sporting Smiles better?
Both are legitimate options. NewSmile offers a lower subscription price and a broader product range. Sporting Smiles has a longer track record. For most post-orthodontic patients replacing retainers every 6 months, NewSmile's subscription pricing delivers better long-term value.
How much do NewSmile retainers cost vs Sporting Smiles?
NewSmile retainers start at $129/set (one-time) or $99/set on subscription. Sporting Smiles pricing is in a similar range. Both are significantly less than a dental office replacement ($300–$600+).
Does Sporting Smiles offer a fit guarantee?
Sporting Smiles has a refit policy for customers. NewSmile offers a 30-day perfect fit guarantee — if the retainer doesn't fit when you receive it, they remake it at no cost.
Which brand is better for bruxism?
If you grind your teeth, a dedicated night guard is safer than a standard retainer. Both brands offer custom night guards. NewSmile's extra-thick retainer is an option for light grinders who want one appliance, but moderate to severe grinders should get a proper night guard.
