How Much Are Retainers in the Philippines? Prices After Braces

A retainer after braces can cost as little as ₱2,800 for one removable arch at a current Philippine clinic, while an upper-and-lower set can range from about ₱4,800 to ₱15,000+ depending on the retainer and provider.

For clear retainers, current directly published upper-and-lower prices we found range from ₱5,500 to ₱10,000. A fixed or bonded retainer is priced differently. One current provider listing shows a lingual fixed retainer at ₱8,000, while premium Vivera retainers can cost substantially more.

Before comparing any two quotations, ask: “Is that price for one arch or for both upper and lower?” That one question can change the comparison by thousands of pesos.

Retainer price by type

These are published provider examples and observed prices, not an official Philippine average. Some clinics include retainers in their braces package. Others charge for them separately.

If you are also planning dental veneers, it helps to compare the full treatment cost early. You can check the dental veneers cost.

One Arch vs Upper and Lower: Don’t Miss This

An arch means one row of teeth.

• Upper teeth = one arch
• Lower teeth = one arch
• Upper + lower = two arches

Michael Quilantang Dental Clinic currently lists:

• Retainer per arch: ₱4,000
• Upper + lower retainers: ₱7,000

Smile Essentials Dental Clinic in Cebu lists:

Hawley

• Upper or lower only — ₱2,800
• Upper + lower — ₱4,800

Clear

• Upper only — ₱3,000
• Upper + lower — ₱5,500

So if somebody tells you “My retainer cost ₱3,000,” that number is incomplete until you know whether they received one arch or both.

Orthodontic treatment sometimes starts with removing crowded teeth. If your dentist advises it, you can check the wisdom tooth removal cost.

What Philippine Clinics Are Actually Charging

Here are some useful current provider-published examples.

Smile Essentials’ prices are among the clearest because the clinic separately identifies one arch and both arches.

MaxSmile likewise clearly states that its ₱5,000 metal and ₱10,000 clear retainer prices apply to upper and lower together.

Grin and Proper publishes a much higher ₱15,000+ Hawley upper-and-lower price, showing why a single national “retainer price” would be misleading.

Retainers need proper care, and your teeth still need professional cleaning during follow-up visits. You can check the teeth cleaning price in the Philippines.

Hawley Retainer Price

A Hawley retainer is the traditional removable retainer made with an acrylic section and a wire across the teeth. Current direct examples include:

Smile Essentials

• one arch — ₱2,800
• upper + lower — ₱4,800

MaxSmile

• upper + lower metal retainer — ₱5,000

Grin and Proper

• Hawley upper + lower — ₱15,000+

That’s an unusually wide price spread for what sounds like the same basic category. But the appliance design, laboratory, clinic pricing, inclusions and complexity can differ. So rather than deciding that ₱15,000 is automatically expensive, ask what is actually included.

Clear Retainer Price

Clear retainers are thin transparent trays worn over the teeth after orthodontic treatment. They are sometimes referred to as Essix-style retainers, although a clinic may use a different material or laboratory system. Current direct examples include:

Smile Essentials

• upper only — ₱3,000
• upper + lower — ₱5,500

MaxSmile

• upper + lower — ₱10,000

So for a clearly priced upper-and-lower clear-retainer set, the current direct examples reviewed by CareCost PH span roughly ₱5,500–₱10,000.

This is more useful than simply saying “clear retainers cost ₱3,000–₱18,000” without explaining whether those numbers refer to one arch or two.

Fixed or Bonded Retainer Price

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind selected teeth instead of a removable appliance you take in and out. You may see it called:

• fixed retainer;
• bonded retainer;
• lingual retainer;
• permanent retainer.

PrimeCare Alpha currently publishes:

Lingual fixed retainer — ₱8,000.

Its public listing does not clearly state whether that ₱8,000 price is per arch. Because we found fewer direct Philippine price sheets for fixed retainers than for removable retainers, CareCost PH does not currently use a broad ₱7,000–₱20,000 national range.

If your dentist recommends a fixed retainer, ask:

“Is the ₱ fee for one arch, and does it include the bonding procedure?”

What About Vivera Retainers?

Vivera is Invisalign’s premium branded clear-retainer system. It is different from getting one ordinary clear tray made by a local dental laboratory.

Invisalign states that an initial Vivera order comes with four sets of retainers, providing backups if one is lost or damaged. It also keeps a digital record to make later reorders easier. Affinity Dental Clinics in the Philippines also describes its Vivera service as providing four sets.

How much does Vivera cost in the Philippines?

MetroDental’s 2026 clear-aligner price guide estimates Vivera at around ₱25,000–₱45,000 for a set of four.

CareCostPH treats this differently from the direct clinic prices in the earlier table because this is a provider’s editorial price guide rather than a simple posted Vivera fee schedule. So we would not call ₱25,000–₱45,000 the official Philippine Vivera range.

Use it as a planning figure and ask an Invisalign provider

“What is your current price for the four-set Vivera package?”

Vivera can also be used after orthodontic treatment other than Invisalign; Invisalign itself says Vivera retainers are not limited to Invisalign patients.

Is ₱10,000 for Retainers Expensive?

Not necessarily. Compare these current published examples:

• Smile Essentials Hawley, upper + lower — ₱4,800
• Smile Essentials clear, upper + lower — ₱5,500
• MaxSmile metal, upper + lower — ₱5,000
• Michael Quilantang upper + lower — ₱7,000
• MaxSmile clear, upper + lower — ₱10,000
• Grin and Proper Hawley, upper + lower — ₱15,000+

A ₱10,000 quote for both arches clearly exists within current private-clinic pricing. But a ₱10,000 quotation for one basic removable arch deserves more questions.

Ask:

• What type is it?
• Is the price for one or two arches?
• Are impressions or digital scanning included?
• Does it include fitting?
• Are follow-up adjustments included?

Your First Retainers May Already Be Included With Braces

Do not assume you’ll need to pay for a separate set. Some orthodontic packages include retainers after treatment. Others do not.

This is why the best time to ask about retainer cost is actually before you start braces, not on the day they come off. Check your original treatment agreement or ask

“Kasama na po ba sa braces package ko ang upper and lower retainers?”

Also ask what type is included.

A package that includes one basic clear set is different from one that includes Hawley retainers or a premium branded system.

Hawley vs Clear: Price Isn’t Always the Deciding Factor

At one current Cebu clinic:

• Hawley upper + lower — ₱4,800
• Clear upper + lower — ₱5,500
• Difference: only ₱700.

At MaxSmile:

• Metal upper + lower — ₱5,000
• Clear upper + lower — ₱10,000
• Difference: ₱5,000.

That shows why there is no universal rule that clear retainers are “only a little more expensive” than Hawley retainers. There are also practical differences.

Affinity Dental describes Hawley retainers as durable and adjustable, while clear retainers are discreet but can be more prone to warping or cracking. Your orthodontist should recommend the type that fits your treatment and retention needs rather than choosing solely on price.

What Should the Price Include?

There is no reliable Philippine rule saying every retainer quotation automatically includes the same services. Depending on the clinic, you may be paying for some combination of:

• orthodontic assessment;
• impression;
• intraoral digital scan;
• laboratory fabrication;
• one arch or two arches;
• retainer case;
• fitting;
• adjustment;
• follow-up visit.

Before accepting a lower quote, ask, “Is this the total price from scan or impression through final fitting?”

A ₱4,000 appliance plus separate scanning and fitting charges may not end up cheaper than a ₱5,500 package.

Lost Your Retainer? Don’t Wait Too Long

A lost retainer is more than an annoying replacement cost. Teeth can move after orthodontic treatment if retention is interrupted. If yours is lost, broken or badly warped, contact the dentist or orthodontist rather than waiting several months while you compare prices.

Replacement pricing is not standardized. A clinic may need:

• a new examination;
• a new impression;
• another digital scan;
• new laboratory fabrication.

If your digital records are still available, remaking the appliance may be simpler. For example, Invisalign says it retains Vivera digital records to make repeat orders faster. Do not assume a replacement will automatically cost less or the same as the original.

Can Another Clinic Make Your New Retainer?

Potentially, yes. But another dentist or orthodontic provider will need to assess the current position of your teeth. They cannot safely assume your teeth are still exactly where they were when your braces came off.

Bring:

• your old retainer if you still have it;
• previous orthodontic records if available;
• information about when your braces were removed;
• how long you’ve been without the retainer.

If your teeth have shifted significantly, the solution may be different from simply copying the old appliance.

What If the Old Retainer Feels Very Tight?

A retainer can feel snug after inconsistent wear.

But if it:

• will not seat fully;
• causes substantial pain;
• appears warped;
• no longer fits properly;

have it checked. Do not force a badly fitting appliance simply because ordering another one costs money.

A retainer is designed primarily to maintain the orthodontic result, not replace proper assessment when significant movement has already happened.

How Long Does a Retainer Last?

There is no guaranteed number of years. Hawley retainers are generally durable and can be adjusted. Clear plastic retainers may need replacement sooner if they crack, warp or wear.

Affinity Dental describes Hawley retainers as capable of lasting many years with proper care, while its clear-retainer guidance notes that clear appliances may need replacement more frequently.

So instead of planning to replace yours automatically after an arbitrary number of years, watch its condition and follow your orthodontist’s advice. Have it checked if it:

• cracks;
• feels loose;
• no longer seats properly;
• becomes badly distorted;
• has a damaged wire;
• repeatedly comes unbonded in the case of a fixed retainer.

Dental treatment often comes in stages, and a tooth implant may be one of them. See the dental implant cost for its price breakdown.

Keeping a Removable Retainer in Good Condition

A replacement is an avoidable cost if the appliance is damaged through simple handling. A few habits help:

• Keep it in its case whenever it’s out of your mouth.
• Do not expose a plastic retainer to very hot water.
• Clean it using the method recommended by your dental provider.
• Do not wrap it in tissue during meals.
• Keep it away from pets—chewed retainers are a surprisingly common orthodontic problem.

And if the retainer starts fitting differently, deal with it early.

Looking for a Lower-Cost Orthodontic Option?

Private clinics are not your only possible option. The UP College of Dentistry Graduate Program in Orthodontics accepts selected orthodontic patients.

UP Manila says the program charges for treatment but that the fee is much lower than private-clinic fees. Patients are treated by dental-school graduates in a teaching program under faculty/consultant supervision, and cases first need to be screened and approved.

There are important limitations. UP’s page states that the program does not accept transfer patients who are already undergoing orthodontic treatment elsewhere.

CareCost PH also did not find a published stand-alone retainer fee from UP. So if you only need a replacement retainer after braces done elsewhere, contact the program first rather than assuming you will be accepted.

Does PhilHealth Cover Retainers?

CareCost PH found no orthodontic retainer benefit in PhilHealth’s current Preventive Oral Health Benefit Package.

The official package lists services including:

• mouth examination/oral screening;
• dental cleaning;
• fluoride varnish;
• pit-and-fissure sealant or Class V/root-surface restoration when applicable;
• emergency tooth extraction.

Orthodontic retainers are not among the listed covered services. So for a retainer after braces, plan for an out-of-pocket cost unless another separate benefit or arrangement covers it.

Will an HMO Pay for Retainers?

Do not assume that general dental coverage means orthodontic appliances are included. HMO benefits vary by employer, plan and provider network. The useful question is not “Do I have dental coverage?”

Ask:

“Does my specific plan pay for an orthodontic retainer appliance after braces?”

Also check:

• whether an orthodontic consultation is covered;
• whether the appliance itself is excluded;
• whether a partner clinic provides a discounted rate;
• whether prior authorization is required.

CareCost PH does not recommend stating that “all” or “most” Philippine HMOs exclude retainers because benefits vary by plan.

Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts

Senior citizens and qualified PWDs have statutory benefits for eligible medical and dental services. However, a retainer bill can include several components:

• professional dental service;
• orthodontic appliance;
• laboratory fabrication;
• package fees.

CareCost PH did not find a current rule specifically naming orthodontic retainers and establishing how every component must be discounted. If you qualify, show your valid ID before payment and ask the clinic which parts of the retainer bill receive the applicable benefit.

Do not calculate the final discounted amount yourself from an advertised headline price.

Eight Questions to Ask Before Your Braces Come Off

You can avoid most retainer-price surprises with these:

1. Is the quote per arch or for upper and lower?
2. What type of retainer am I getting—Hawley, clear, fixed or Vivera?
3. Is my first set already included in my braces package?
4. Are the impression or digital scan included?
5. Does the price include fitting and follow-up adjustments?
6. How much would a replacement cost?
7. Do you keep my scan or digital model for future replacements?
8. What wear schedule do you want me to follow?

If you’re comparing two clinics, compare the answers to those questions—not only the peso amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Magkano ang retainer pagkatapos ng braces?

Current directly published Philippine clinic prices reviewed by CareCost PH start around ₱2,800–₱4,000 for one removable arch. For both upper and lower, current examples run from ₱4,800 to ₱15,000+ depending on the retainer and clinic.

How Much Is a Clear Retainer?

Current direct examples include:

• ₱3,000 for one upper clear retainer at Smile Essentials;
• ₱5,500 for upper and lower at Smile Essentials;
• ₱10,000 for upper and lower at MaxSmile.

How Much Is a Hawley Retainer?

Smile Essentials currently lists a Hawley retainer at ₱2,800 for one arch or ₱4,800 for both. MaxSmile publishes ₱5,000 for an upper-and-lower metal retainer, while Grin and Proper lists Hawley upper and lower at ₱15,000+.

Is ₱10,000 for Retainers Normal?

It can be. MaxSmile currently lists ₱10,000 for a clear upper-and-lower set. Whether your own ₱10,000 quote is reasonable depends on the number of arches, retainer type and what’s included.

How Much Is a Fixed Retainer?

PrimeCare Alpha currently publishes a lingual fixed retainer at ₱8,000. Its listing does not clearly identify whether the figure is per arch, so confirm the billing basis directly.

CareCostPH did not find enough comparable current provider price sheets to publish a reliable nationwide fixed-retainer range.

How Much Is Vivera in the Philippines?

MetroDental’s current price guide estimates around ₱25,000–₱45,000 for four sets. Invisalign confirms that an initial Vivera order normally includes four sets of retainers. Ask an Invisalign provider for its current package price because Vivera pricing is provider-specific.

Are Retainers Included With Braces?

Sometimes. Some orthodontic packages include the first retainer set; others charge separately. Check your original treatment agreement and ask whether both upper and lower retainers are included.

Can I Get a Retainer From a Different Clinic?

Another dentist or orthodontic provider can assess you for a new retainer, but they may need a new scan or impression and must check whether your teeth have moved.

Does PhilHealth Cover Retainers?

CareCost PH found no orthodontic retainer among the services listed in PhilHealth’s current Preventive Oral Health Benefit Package.

Where These Prices Came From

CareCost PH checked publicly available Philippine clinic price pages and booking systems rather than relying only on general “retainer price” articles.

Important direct examples included:

• Smile Essentials Dental Clinic;
• MaxSmile Dental Clinic;
• Michael Quilantang Dental Clinic;
• PrimeCare Alpha;
• Grin and Proper.

For Vivera, CareCost PH separately checked Invisalign’s official product information and Philippine provider material because it is a branded multi-set product rather than an ordinary single clear retainer.

PhilHealth coverage was checked against its official Preventive Oral Health Benefit Package. The UP College of Dentistry information came from UP Manila’s Graduate Program in Orthodontics.

CareCost PH did not call clinics, visit facilities or pretend that editorial market estimates were direct clinic quotations.

Prices checked: September 30, 2026.

For more information about our process, see How We Research Prices on CareCostPH.com.

Before Your Braces Come Off

Don’t wait until the removal appointment to ask about retainers. Current published prices show that an upper-and-lower removable set may cost under ₱5,000 at some clinics, around ₱5,000–₱10,000 at others, and ₱15,000+ at some providers.

The number alone does not tell you whether one clinic is cheaper. Before paying, get these four things in writing:

retainer type + number of arches + what’s included + total price

Then ask:

“If I lose or break this, how much will the replacement cost?”

That gives you a far more useful comparison than simply searching for the lowest “retainer price.”

Dental note: Retainer type and wear schedule should be based on your orthodontic needs. Prices can change, so confirm the current quote and inclusions with the clinic before treatment.