By Joanna M.
Quick Answer: Sporting Smiles retainers cost $100–$140 per set using home impression kits. NewSmile retainers cost $99 — same price range, same process, but NewSmile has faster shipping. For most patients, NewSmile is the better direct-to-consumer retainer replacement choice in 2026.
Sporting Smiles Retainers: What They Offer
Sporting Smiles is one of the older direct-to-consumer dental lab brands in the USA. They've been making custom retainers and night guards since the early 2010s. Their retainers are made from legitimate dental-grade thermoplastic and use the standard home impression kit process.
On retainers specifically, Sporting Smiles charges $100–$140 depending on whether you need one arch or both. Their competitor, NewSmile, offers both arches for $99.
Sporting Smiles vs NewSmile Retainer: Direct Comparison
| Feature |
Sporting Smiles |
NewSmile |
| Price (both arches) |
$100–$140 |
$99 |
| Retainer type |
Essix (clear thermoplastic) |
Essix (clear thermoplastic) |
| Impression process |
Home impression kit |
Home impression kit |
| Night guard |
Yes |
Yes |
| Turnaround |
~2–3 weeks |
~2 weeks |
| HSA/FSA eligible |
Yes |
Yes |
What Is an Essix Retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear, removable retainer made from BPA-free dental thermoplastic — the same material as Invisalign aligners. It's vacuum-formed directly over a model of your teeth (made from your dental impression), creating a custom fit that holds tooth position.
Both Sporting Smiles and NewSmile produce Essix-type retainers using the same home impression process. The differences come down to price and turnaround time.
Where NewSmile Wins
Price: NewSmile's $99 both-arch retainer is at or below Sporting Smiles' pricing for the same product. For the core use case — replacing a worn-out or lost clear retainer without a dentist visit — NewSmile's $99 custom retainer delivers identical product at a price that matches or beats Sporting Smiles.
Custom Essix retainer. $99. No dentist required.
NewSmile ships a home impression kit — take your mold, mail it back, receive your retainer in about two weeks.
Get Your Retainers →
FAQ
Is Sporting Smiles a good retainer brand?
Yes. Sporting Smiles is a legitimate dental lab with a long track record producing custom retainers from home impressions. Their quality is solid. For pure value — same product, better price — NewSmile at $99 is the stronger pick for most patients in 2026.
What is an Essix retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear thermoplastic retainer — nearly invisible, covers all tooth surfaces. Both Sporting Smiles and NewSmile produce Essix-type retainers from home impressions for $99–$140.
How much does a custom retainer cost from a dentist vs online?
Dentist-made retainers in the USA typically cost $200–$500 per arch (both arches: $400–$1,000+). Online labs like NewSmile and Sporting Smiles offer equivalent Essix retainers for $99–$140 for both arches using home impression kits.
How long does a custom retainer last?
Essix retainers typically last 12–24 months with nightly wear. Signs you need a replacement: visible cracks, warping, or your teeth beginning to feel loose when you remove it in the morning.
References
Sporting Smiles Retainer vs NewSmile: Which Custom Clear Retainer Wins? (2026)
Table of Contents
By Joanna M.
Sporting Smiles Retainers: What They Offer
Sporting Smiles is one of the older direct-to-consumer dental lab brands in the USA. They've been making custom retainers and night guards since the early 2010s. Their retainers are made from legitimate dental-grade thermoplastic and use the standard home impression kit process.
On retainers specifically, Sporting Smiles charges $100–$140 depending on whether you need one arch or both. Their competitor, NewSmile, offers both arches for $99.
Sporting Smiles vs NewSmile Retainer: Direct Comparison
What Is an Essix Retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear, removable retainer made from BPA-free dental thermoplastic — the same material as Invisalign aligners. It's vacuum-formed directly over a model of your teeth (made from your dental impression), creating a custom fit that holds tooth position.
Both Sporting Smiles and NewSmile produce Essix-type retainers using the same home impression process. The differences come down to price and turnaround time.
Where NewSmile Wins
Price: NewSmile's $99 both-arch retainer is at or below Sporting Smiles' pricing for the same product. For the core use case — replacing a worn-out or lost clear retainer without a dentist visit — NewSmile's $99 custom retainer delivers identical product at a price that matches or beats Sporting Smiles.
Custom Essix retainer. $99. No dentist required.
NewSmile ships a home impression kit — take your mold, mail it back, receive your retainer in about two weeks.
Get Your Retainers →
FAQ
Is Sporting Smiles a good retainer brand?
Yes. Sporting Smiles is a legitimate dental lab with a long track record producing custom retainers from home impressions. Their quality is solid. For pure value — same product, better price — NewSmile at $99 is the stronger pick for most patients in 2026.
What is an Essix retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear thermoplastic retainer — nearly invisible, covers all tooth surfaces. Both Sporting Smiles and NewSmile produce Essix-type retainers from home impressions for $99–$140.
How much does a custom retainer cost from a dentist vs online?
Dentist-made retainers in the USA typically cost $200–$500 per arch (both arches: $400–$1,000+). Online labs like NewSmile and Sporting Smiles offer equivalent Essix retainers for $99–$140 for both arches using home impression kits.
How long does a custom retainer last?
Essix retainers typically last 12–24 months with nightly wear. Signs you need a replacement: visible cracks, warping, or your teeth beginning to feel loose when you remove it in the morning.
References
Table of Contents
By Joanna M.
Sporting Smiles Retainers: What They Offer
Sporting Smiles is one of the older direct-to-consumer dental lab brands in the USA. They've been making custom retainers and night guards since the early 2010s. Their retainers are made from legitimate dental-grade thermoplastic and use the standard home impression kit process.
On retainers specifically, Sporting Smiles charges $100–$140 depending on whether you need one arch or both. Their competitor, NewSmile, offers both arches for $99.
Sporting Smiles vs NewSmile Retainer: Direct Comparison
What Is an Essix Retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear, removable retainer made from BPA-free dental thermoplastic — the same material as Invisalign aligners. It's vacuum-formed directly over a model of your teeth (made from your dental impression), creating a custom fit that holds tooth position.
Both Sporting Smiles and NewSmile produce Essix-type retainers using the same home impression process. The differences come down to price and turnaround time.
Where NewSmile Wins
Price: NewSmile's $99 both-arch retainer is at or below Sporting Smiles' pricing for the same product. For the core use case — replacing a worn-out or lost clear retainer without a dentist visit — NewSmile's $99 custom retainer delivers identical product at a price that matches or beats Sporting Smiles.
Custom Essix retainer. $99. No dentist required.
NewSmile ships a home impression kit — take your mold, mail it back, receive your retainer in about two weeks.
Get Your Retainers →
FAQ
Is Sporting Smiles a good retainer brand?
Yes. Sporting Smiles is a legitimate dental lab with a long track record producing custom retainers from home impressions. Their quality is solid. For pure value — same product, better price — NewSmile at $99 is the stronger pick for most patients in 2026.
What is an Essix retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear thermoplastic retainer — nearly invisible, covers all tooth surfaces. Both Sporting Smiles and NewSmile produce Essix-type retainers from home impressions for $99–$140.
How much does a custom retainer cost from a dentist vs online?
Dentist-made retainers in the USA typically cost $200–$500 per arch (both arches: $400–$1,000+). Online labs like NewSmile and Sporting Smiles offer equivalent Essix retainers for $99–$140 for both arches using home impression kits.
How long does a custom retainer last?
Essix retainers typically last 12–24 months with nightly wear. Signs you need a replacement: visible cracks, warping, or your teeth beginning to feel loose when you remove it in the morning.
References
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NewSmile vs. Sporting Smiles: Custom Retainer Comparison (USA 2026)