Black Friday on everything

10% off by post with code BF10, already added for you, and 10% off at our clinic when you pay. Dentures are not included.

15% off this weekend, by post and at our clinic, taken off for you. Dentures are not included.

10% off15% offBy post and at our clinic

Retainer replacement, same day or by post

Lost, snapped or chewed by the dog? Don't wait for teeth to move. We make clear plastic Essix retainers same day near Glasgow, or by post.

A woman smiling, holding her clear retainer and caseOur clear retainers

Clear Essix retainers, made in our UK lab. Same day at our clinic from £149, or by post from £69.95.

  • Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
  • Made in our UK lab
  • GDC registered technicians

What happens to your teeth without a retainer

  1. Today
    Act quickly

    The British Orthodontic Society says get a replacement as soon as possible, not at your next review. Keep any broken pieces and your old case.

  2. First days
    Teeth can start to move

    Teeth drift back towards where they were before braces. For some, a few days is enough for a retainer to feel tight.

  3. First weeks
    Small changes add up

    Gaps can open or crowding creep back. A new retainer holds teeth where they are on the day we take their shape.

  4. Months on
    Movement gets harder to undo

    Once teeth move it may be hard to correct and unlikely on the NHS. Moving them back means seeing an orthodontist.

Clear retainers and their caseOur clear retainers

Why retainers matter so much

After braces or aligners, the bone and gums take time to settle and teeth tend to move back. Teeth also shift slowly with age. The British Orthodontic Society says to keep teeth straight, wear a retainer part time for life.

A lost retainer is most urgent soon after treatment ends, when the risk of movement is highest. Follow what your own orthodontist told you.

Your retainer replacement options

Same day or by post, we make the same clear retainer in our own lab. Pick the one that fits your day.

Same day at our clinic

£149 one arch, £199 both

Around 2 hours

You want it today, or want us to scan your teeth

Things to know

Around 1 hour if you bring scans or models. Booking needs a £25 deposit, which comes off the total

Same day retainers

By post

From £69.95 by post

Made in 1 day, plus postage

Sorting it from home anywhere in the UK, or you have scan files

Things to know

Home impressions need a little care. Our 14 day fit guarantee covers you

Retainers by post

Your orthodontist

Varies by practice

Varies

Still in treatment, teeth moved a lot, or you need fixed or Hawley

Things to know

After the 12 month NHS retention period, replacements are private (British Orthodontic Society)

What we need to make your new retainer

  1. 1Digital scan files

    Ask your orthodontist or dentist for your scan files and upload them when you order. Often fastest by post.

  2. 2Physical models

    Post us plaster or 3D printed models of your teeth and we'll make your retainer from them.

  3. 3A home impression kit

    No scans or models? We send a kit with clear steps. Take impressions at home and post them back.

  4. 4Or a scan at our clinic

    Book same day and our team take the shape of your teeth. We keep your records, so a spare is quick.

Clear, wire or fixed: the three retainer types

The British Orthodontic Society describes three main kinds. We make the clear Essix kind.

Essix (clear plastic)
Hawley (wire)
Fixed (glued wire)
Clear
Hard to spot
Removable
Eat with it in
Partly
Easy to clean
Partly
We make it

Some people wear a fixed and a clear retainer. A loose or broken fixed wire needs your dentist or orthodontist. Never eat with an Essix in.

If your teeth have already moved

Your new retainer fits your teeth as they are now. It holds them there and helps stop further movement, but won't move them back.

If changes bother you, or an old retainer won't go on without force, see an orthodontist about straightening again. Never force a retainer on. Afterwards we can make one to hold the new result.

Clear retainer on its caseOur clear retainers

Invisalign retainer replacement and lost aligners

Finished Invisalign or other clear aligners? We can make a clear Essix retainer from your scans, models or impressions. It isn't the branded retainer, but does the same job.

Lost an aligner mid treatment? Contact your provider first. Meanwhile, book a same day replacement aligner: £149 one arch, £199 both, around 2 hours. It holds teeth where they are and doesn't continue your treatment.

What retainer customers say

Had a great experience today, Lisa was super helpful with the scan & same day retainers!
Nathan W. · Trustpilot
I quickly booked the appointment online, and reached out via whatsapp to confirm it would be same day retainers. The team were absolutely wonderful.
Claudette · Trustpilot
Lisa was great. In and out same day retainer. Would recommend for best service in Motherwell
Jake G. · Trustpilot

Our clear Essix retainers

1mm or 1.5mm thick, made by GDC registered technicians. For adults 18 or over.

A woman holding a clear retainer and caseOur clear retainers
Same day at our clinic
£149one arch, £199 both
  • Around 2 hours, or 1 hour with your scans
  • Impressions taken with our team
  • Klarna Pay in 3 at our clinic
Book a time
By post
£69.95one arch, up to £119.95
  • 1mm or 1.5mm, made in 1 day
  • Impression kit sent to your door
  • Made in our UK lab
Order by post

£25 to book a same day visit, taken off your total and refunded if you cancel 24 hours or more before. Klarna Pay in 3 at our clinic: 18 or over, subject to approval. Late fees may apply. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may affect your ability to get credit.

Make your new retainer last

  • 1Keep it in its case whenever it's out
  • 2Clean with a soft brush and cold water
  • 3No toothpaste: it scratches and stains
  • 4Only drink water with it in
  • 5Don't click it in and out with your tongue
  • 6Keep it away from heat, hot drinks and pets
  • 7Brush your teeth before putting it in
  • 8Order a spare before you need one

Questions people ask

Something else? Send us a message.

How fast do teeth move without a retainer?

There's no set timetable. Some people notice a tight fit after a few days, others after weeks. That is why sooner is always better than waiting for your next review.

Can I get a replacement retainer without my orthodontist?

Yes. You don't need a referral. If you're still in active treatment, or your teeth have moved a lot, talk to your orthodontist first. We only make clear Essix retainers, so for Hawley or fixed ones see your orthodontist or dentist.

Should I choose 1mm or 1.5mm?

A 1mm retainer is slimmer and less noticeable. A 1.5mm retainer is a little thicker and sturdier, which some people prefer if they've cracked retainers before.

How long does an Essix retainer last?

Usually 6 to 18 months, depending on the person and how it's looked after. Replace it if it cracks, goes cloudy or feels loose.

My retainer has a crack. Can I keep wearing it?

A small crack can quickly spread and the edges can rub your gums. Order a replacement now and keep wearing the old one only if it still fits comfortably.

Keep your teeth where they are.

Essix retainers, made in our UK lab. Same day at our clinic near Glasgow, or by post to your door.

About this guide

Written by the team at our UK dental lab, where GDC registered technicians make every appliance. We are a dental lab, not a dentist: we make cosmetic and protective appliances and cannot diagnose or treat dental problems. If you are unsure, see a dentist first.

Written by the Venneir lab team. Updated 12 Nov 2026.

Sources