Broken retainer
Broken Retainer? What to Do Right Now
A broken retainer is stressful, but many Hawley and acrylic retainers can be repaired. Here is what to do first, what can and cannot be fixed, and how to get a broken retainer repaired by mail without an office visit.
What to do right now
- Take it out if a wire is loose, sharp, or poking you, or if the acrylic is cracked through.
- Save every piece, including small wire bits, in the case. Clean breaks with all pieces repair best.
- Do not glue, bend, or heat it. Super glue is not safe in the mouth and contaminates the surfaces; bending a wire back and forth can snap it.
- Take photos of the front, back, and the break.
- Ask your dentist or orthodontist how long you can safely go without wearing it, especially if your braces came off recently.
Which broken retainers can be fixed?
Often repairable: Hawley retainers with a broken or loose front wire (broken wire repair), a snapped or loose clasp (clasp repair), cracked or snapped acrylic (cracked acrylic repair), some dog-chewed retainers, and hard acrylic night guards.
Not repairable by mail: cracked clear (Essix) retainers, bonded or permanent retainers (these need your dentist), and retainers that no longer fit because teeth have moved.
How mail-in retainer repair works
- Photo: text a clear photo to 657-566-1558 or email smilextechnologies@gmail.com (front, back, close-up of the damage).
- Quote: we tell you whether it can be repaired and which package fits.
- Pay: pay the PayPal invoice.
- Labels: we email a prepaid UPS label. Ship it with no signature required.
- Repair: laser welding and acrylic work, 7–12 business days.
- Return: it ships back with UPS tracking.
Full details: how it works.
Prices
Each package includes the repair plus prepaid UPS shipping both ways:
- Option 1: $99.35 (UPS Ground Saver)
- Option 2: $109.50 (UPS 3 Day)
- Option 3: $119.50 (UPS 2 Day Evening)
- Option 4: $125.50 (UPS 2 Day)
- Option 5: $155 Premium Repair Bundle (adds an ultrasonic cleaner)
Two retainers sent together have dual repair prices. Repair turnaround is 7–12 business days after we receive it, not counting shipping.
Smile Extension is a laser welding / technical repair service, not a dental provider. If something is painful, injured, or your bite has changed, contact your dentist or orthodontist first. We did not make your appliance, so repairs are provided as-is with no promise of fit.
Quick answers
Can a broken retainer be fixed?
Many broken Hawley and acrylic retainers can be fixed with laser welding or new acrylic. Clear plastic retainers and bonded retainers usually cannot be repaired by mail. Send a photo and we will tell you before you pay.
How much does it cost to fix a broken retainer?
Our mail-in packages are $99.35 to $155 and include the repair plus prepaid UPS shipping both ways.
How long does a broken retainer repair take?
Repair turnaround is 7–12 business days after we receive it, plus shipping time each way.
Should I keep wearing a broken retainer?
Not if it is loose, sharp, cracked through, or uncomfortable. Ask your dentist or orthodontist how long you can go without it.
Related repair guides
Broken retainer?
Send a photo — we confirm the repair before you pay or ship.