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NewSmile Retainers Review: The Custom and Affordable Online Option

Natalie Asmussen
Contributor:
Natalie Asmussen
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NewSmile has been straightening teeth with clear aligners since 2017 and they have always provided retainers post-treatment to their patients, but now you can get NewSmile retainers as a standalone product!

So no matter where you got your teeth straightened, you can order custom Essix retainers online with NewSmile, for up to 50% less than you would if you went to see a dentist in-office.

In this article, we'll talk all about NewSmile retainers, including:

Stay tuned as we break down everything from the product design to real user experiences, comparing NewSmile's offerings with other brands in the market to see how they stack up.

Key Takeaways
  • What are they? These are custom Essix retainers that you can order online. Essix retainers are clear, removable retainers. They differ from Hawley retainers, which have a metal bar that goes across your teeth.
  • Cost: $395 for a single set; $236 for an annual subscription
  • How to get them Order an impression kit and follow the instructions to take molds of your teeth at home. Then send these in to the provided shipping address, and wait for your retainers to arrive in the mail.

Overview of NewSmile retainers

NewSmile offers a range of custom Essix retainers designed to suit different needs and budgets, ensuring that your smile stays perfect long after you finish your orthodontic treatment.

newsmile retainers review
NewSmile makes custom retainers

Understanding that teeth naturally tend to shift back to their original position post-treatment, NewSmile offers a subscription plan that makes it easy for you to always have a fresh and effective retainer, so your teeth stay perfectly aligned — for the rest of your life!

How NewSmile retainers work

Getting retainers with NewSmile is an easy, streamlined process. Let's have a look:

  1. Make impressions: Order your impression kit and take molds of your teeth from the comfort of your home. You can also schedule a video consultation with an Impression Specialist to assist you. Once completed, return your impressions using the provided prepaid shipping label.
  2. Get your retainers: Receive 2 sets of retainers annually to keep your smile straight and beautiful.
  3. Replacement retainers: Keep your smile aligned by switching to new retainers every 6 months to avoid any shifts — these are automatically sent to you with the subscription service.

Retainer price plans

NewSmile provides three distinct retainer price plans:

  1. Single Set Purchase: $395.00 — Ideal for those who want to try out NewSmile's retainers without long-term commitments.
  2. Annual Subscription – Standard: $236 — Receive two sets of retainers each year, ensuring your retainers are always fresh and effective.
  3. Annual Subscription – Extra-thick: $331 — This option also provides two sets of retainers annually, but with the additional benefit of choosing between standard and extra-thick retainers, depending on your needs.

You should change your retainers every six months to prevent them from becoming ineffective due to wear and tear, which could allow teeth to slowly shift back.

Why choose NewSmile

What sets NewSmile apart in the crowded field of orthodontic care? Here are a few key differentiators:

  • MHRA-approved products and materials: Ensuring safety and quality, NewSmile's retainers are manufactured with materials that meet the stringent standards of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
  • ISO 13485:2016 Standards: NewSmile's manufacturing processes comply with this important international standard for quality management systems specific to medical devices, reflecting their commitment to consistency and quality.
  • Live video call for impression taking: NewSmile offers a live video call service in case you need help while taking your impressions. While the process is generally straightforward, this is a great option for those who are concerned about ensuring their retainers are perfectly tailored to their teeth.
  • Retainer types: NewSmile caters to different needs by offering two types of retainers:
    • Standard Retainers: Ideal for general use after orthodontic treatment.
    • Extra-Thick Retainers: Designed for individuals who need additional durability, such as those who grind their teeth or clench their jaw.

Key features of NewSmile retainers

NewSmile Retainers
High-quality, low price

NewSmile retainers stand out in the crowded market of orthodontic retainers by offering a blend of quality, convenience, and innovative features tailored to maintain your dental alignment effectively. Let's have a look at some of the distinctive features that set NewSmile apart:

Material and manufacturing standards

NewSmile retainers are crafted from medical-grade plastic, approved by the MHRA, ensuring safety and durability. The production adheres to the stringent ISO 13485:2016 standards, which highlights a commitment to consistent quality in manufacturing medical devices.

Customization and comfort

Each retainer is tailored to fit perfectly by using an impression kit that customers can use at home. This customization ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness in preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Subscription options

NewSmile offers flexible purchasing options:

  • Regular plan: Receive one set of retainers initially with the option to buy more as needed.
  • Subscription service: Subscribe to receive two sets of retainers annually, which NewSmile recommends changing every six months to ensure optimal performance. This plan includes a 21% savings and automatic yearly shipments, making it a hassle-free option for continuous care.

Additional options for enhanced durability

For those who clench or grind their teeth, NewSmile provides an “Extra Thick Retainer” option that is 1mm thicker than the standard version. This variant was developed in response to high demand from customers who need a more robust solution to withstand additional wear and tear.

Live support for taking impressions

To further simplify the process, NewSmile offers live video calls for assistance during the impression-taking process. This ensures that impressions are taken correctly, reducing the risk of errors and the need for re-takes.

Newsmile retainer impressions
Get live support to guide you through impressions

Cost-effective solutions

NewSmile is a cost-effective alternative to traditional retainer solutions offered in clinics. With savings of up to 50% compared to clinic prices and direct delivery to your doorstep, NewSmile makes maintaining a perfect smile more affordable and accessible.

Extensive expertise and focus

The NewSmile team comprises experienced technicians, dentists, and orthodontists who specialize in retainer technology. Their focused expertise in teeth straightening products is part of the commitment to providing the best possible outcomes for customers.

NewSmile retainer cost breakdown

NewSmile offers one of the more affordable custom retainer options on the market — making them accessible to all who need to keep their teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment. Plus, when you consider the high quality of NewSmile retainers, coupled with the subscription service and payment options, there's a lot of bang for your buck! Let's take a closer look now:

NewSmile retainer pricing options

NewSmile presents three different retainer pricing plans to cater to varying needs and budgets:

  • Regular pricing: You can purchase a single set of retainers for $395.00. This option is suitable for those who may not require frequent retainer replacements.
  • Subscribe & Save: This subscription model offers significant savings. For an annual fee of $236, subscribers receive two sets of retainers every year. This plan not only ensures that users have fresh retainers every six months but also offers a 21% discount compared to purchasing two sets individually without a subscription.
  • Payment flexibility: NewSmile provides options for upfront or periodic payments, accommodating different financial situations and making it easier for customers to manage their expenses.

NewSmile cost comparison

When compared to other retainer options available in clinics, NewSmile retainers are priced to offer substantial savings—up to 50% less than what one might pay at a dental clinic for similar products. This is particularly appealing to those who seek value without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

Low cost, high value

Beyond the numbers, the value of NewSmile's offerings is enhanced by several factors:

  • Quality and compliance: Adhering to MHRA standards and ISO 13485:2016 manufacturing standards ensures that the retainers are not only effective but also safe for long-term use.
  • Convenience and accessibility: The direct-to-consumer model allows customers to handle everything from impression taking to delivery at home, saving time and further reducing costs associated with traditional dental visits.
  • Customer support: NewSmile prides itself on providing excellent customer service, including live video assistance for impression-taking, regular follow-ups, and a responsive customer care team that enhances the overall value of the product.

Long-term investment in dental health

Investing in NewSmile retainers can be seen as a long-term investment in one’s dental health. Regularly changing retainers as recommended helps maintain orthodontic results, which can prevent more expensive dental corrections down the line. Additionally, the subscription option ensures that retainers are replaced at the optimal time, maintaining their effectiveness and supporting ongoing dental health.

Risk-free trials and guarantees

The subscribe and save plan comes with a risk-free guarantee, which allows customers to feel secure in their investment. This approach demonstrates NewSmile's confidence in the quality of their products and their commitment to customer satisfaction.

NewSmile Reviews

Let's see what real NewSmile patients have to say about their experience with NewSmile retainers:

Customer testimonials

  • Kenshard B. praises the overall process: “The process was very easy and the NewSmilelife rep was very knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed this process more than I thought I would and would definitely recommend this company.” This feedback highlights the ease of use and quality of customer service that contributes to the effectiveness of the retainers by ensuring they are used correctly.
  • Marnie M. reflects on the efficiency and customer care: “NewSmile worked very well for me. I thought the fee was reasonable, the process was quick and easy to begin with and each step of the process was simple. The customer service representatives are very polite and keep in touch regularly. They are caring and concerned and will answer any questions you have. I would recommend them as a reasonably priced, efficient and caring company to work with.” Her experience underscores the importance of customer support in making the retainer process effective for users.
  • Vada offers a slightly different perspective with a minor hiccup in the process: “One of the putties was already hard so could only do 3 impressions. Could not do a photo of my teeth with my mouth closed as the bite wing was too big. Other than that the process was quite easy.” Despite this issue, the overall simplicity of the process still stands out.

As you can see the overall take is that NewSmile retainers are affordable and convenient, although making impressions can be a bit tricky — thankfully there is live guidance available if needed!

Pros and cons of NewSmile retainers

To provide a balanced view, here's a table outlining the major advantages and potential drawbacks of using NewSmile retainers:

PROS

CONS

  • Affordable pricing options

  • Adheres to MHRA and ISO 13485:2016 manufacturing standards

  • Easy impressions

  • Direct delivery to the customer's home

  • Excellent Customer Support

  • Regular and extra thick retainers

  • Limited physical locations for help taking impressions

  • Replacements necessary every 6 months with Essix retainers

  • Some people have trouble taking impressions at home

Conclusion

NewSmile retainers offer an affordable and convenient solution for keeping your teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment — whether with NewSmile aligners, traditional braces, invisible braces, or another at-home aligner brand.

NewSmile retainers are clear, plastic, Essix retainers, custom-made to fit your teeth, based on impressions you make at home. You should change your retainers every six months — which NewSmile facilitates with their convenient subscription service!

FAQs

How do I know if I'm taking the impression right for my NewSmile retainers?

​A good dental impression should be relatively uniform in thickness throughout, without any see-through areas. When taking your impressions, be patient and carefully follow the instructions. And if you need help, remember that you can get live assistance over a videocall.

How often should I replace my NewSmile retainers, and why?

It's recommended to replace your NewSmile retainers every 6 months. Regular replacement is important because over time, the retainers can stretch and lose their shape due to normal wear and tear, which can lead to less effective teeth alignment maintenance. Replacing your retainers biannually ensures they remain functional and effective in keeping your teeth in their desired position.

What should I do if my NewSmile retainer breaks or doesn't fit correctly?

If your NewSmile retainer breaks or doesn't fit correctly, contact NewSmile customer service immediately. NewSmile is committed to ensuring that you have a retainer that fits well and works effectively. The customer service team can guide you on how to proceed, whether it involves taking a new impression or adjusting your current retainer. In many cases, issues can be resolved quickly with the right guidance and support.

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