Bonded / fixed retainers
Broken or Loose Bonded (Permanent) Retainer
A bonded retainer is a thin wire glued to the back of your front teeth. Because it is attached to your teeth, it has to be fixed in person — it cannot be mailed in.
Why this can't be repaired by mail
Bonded retainers (also called permanent, fixed, or lingual retainers) are attached directly to your teeth with dental bonding. Re-bonding or replacing the wire is a chairside procedure done by a dentist or orthodontist. Smile Extension does not repair bonded retainers — we want to be clear so you don't lose time.
What to do until your appointment
- Call your dentist or orthodontist and describe it: wire snapped, one tooth came loose, or the whole wire is off.
- If a loose wire end is poking you, ask the office what to do; orthodontic wax over the end is a common short-term comfort measure.
- Don't pull or cut the wire yourself and avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side.
- Save the wire if it came off completely and bring it to the appointment.
- If you also have a removable retainer, ask your provider whether to wear it in the meantime.
Where we can help
Many people wear a removable Hawley or acrylic retainer alongside, or instead of, a bonded one. If that removable retainer breaks, that is exactly what we repair by mail. See what we repair or view repair prices.
Smile Extension provides mail-order appliance repair, not diagnosis or dental care. If something is painful, injured, or your bite or fit has changed, contact your dentist or orthodontist first.
Quick answers
Can a permanent retainer be fixed by mail?
No. A bonded retainer is attached to your teeth, so it must be re-bonded or replaced in person by a dentist or orthodontist.
Do you repair removable retainers?
Yes — removable Hawley and acrylic retainers are what we repair by mail. Send a photo for a repair check.
Related repair guides
Broken retainer?
Send a photo — we confirm the repair before you pay or ship.