
ClearRetain
Premium Upper Retainer
The ClearRetain Premium Upper Retainer is a custom-made clear dental retainer for the upper arch, designed to hold teeth in place and prevent shifting after orthodontic treatment. It is fabricated from BPA- and phthalate-free material with a thickness of 0.76mm (24% thinner than standard retainers) using positive pressure vacuum forming, and it ships with an at-home impression kit, case, and 120-day guarantee. User reviews are mixed: some report the premium retainer is comfortable, while others note that upper-arch impressions can be difficult to get right and that orthodontists may charge for follow-up adjustments on third-party retainers.
- Color
- Clear
- Style
- minimal, technical, performance, lightweight
- Category
- Health & Beauty > Health Care
- MPN
PREMIUM-UPPER-RETAINER
Specifications
Custom-made upper retainer that is clear, thin, and comfortable, designed to hold teeth in place and prevent shifting. Made from BPA-free, phthalate-free orthodontic-grade material.
Manufactured using positive pressure vacuum forming for a perfect fit. 24% thinner than standard retainers at 0.76mm. Stain-resistant and durable. Includes impression putty, trays, return shipping box, and retainer case.
- Color
- Clear · white
- Style
- minimal, technical, performance, lightweight
- Occasion
- everyday, sleepwear
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Weight
- 4.5 oz
- Category
- Health & Beauty > Health Care
Additional Attributes
- BPA-free
- phthalate-free
- stain-resistant
- durable
- comfortable
- least noticeable
- thin
- 0.76mm thickness
- 24% thinner than standard retainers
- custom-made
- positive pressure vacuum forming
- orthodontic-grade material
- HSA/FSA eligible
- 120-day guarantee
- includes impression kit
- clear
- free replacement for defective product within 60 days
Product Insights
ClearRetain's Premium Upper Retainer offers a comfortable, BPA/phthalate-free 0.76mm shell at $104 ($129 with a $25 backup), undercutting both office prices ($150–$500) and Dental Lab Direct's $119 floor while being HSA/FSA-eligible. The core promise is orthodontic-grade retention backed by a 120-day remake/warranty policy that replaces cracked retainers and remakes misfits, though refunds net about $20. The main tradeoff is the at-home impression: upper arches are the weak point, requiring removal of brackets/buttons/gems/cement and risking rejection (especially with peg-shaped teeth) that costs $20, while a practice putty improves first-try success; a poor fit can also trigger orthodontist check/adjustment fees. The thin shell offers comfort but fractures more than 1mm trays, is not meant for grinding (heavy grinders are sent to a thicker night guard), and can worsen existing dental issues. Cleaning is restricted to cool water and mild soap, never hot water or toothpaste.
Verified claims
- Impression risk
- Buyers report upper impressions are harder than lowers and can be rejected for peg-shaped teeth.
- Impression retake aid
- Kit includes extra putty and three tray sizes, with approval requested before shipping the impression back.
- Impression prerequisites
- Brackets, buttons, gems, and leftover cement must be removed before the impression.
- Orthodontist follow-up
- Buyers report orthodontists may charge for checks or adjustments of third-party retainers.
- Durability
- A 12-month trial found 0.75mm retainers last as long as 1.0mm but fracture more.
- Impressions
- Buyers report upper-arch at-home impressions are the weak point.
- Value
- At $104, this HSA/FSA-eligible retainer costs far less than the $300 office average.
- Comfort
- Buyers report the 0.76mm retainer is more comfortable than thicker trays.
- Care
- Clean with a soft brush and mild soap; never hot water or toothpaste.
- Orthodontist fees
- Buyers report orthodontists may charge a retainer-check or follow-up fee for a third-party retainer.
- Grinding
- Not designed as a night guard; ClearRetain sends heavy grinders to its thicker Premium Hard Night Guard
- Thickness
- 0.76mm shell (24% thinner than standard) with higher fracture rates than 1mm trays in an RCT
- Replacement cost
- At $104 per tray, a $25 backup makes a pair $129, below the $150 dental replacement
- Warranty
- Free 120-day replacement covers cracks from normal use, not grinding or clenching damage
- Backup retainer
- $25 checkout duplicate gives two same-impression retainers for $129 — a spare for one person, not a two-person set.
- Pre-tax payment
- Retainers and the $25 backup are HSA/FSA-eligible, letting pre-tax dollars cover all $129.
- Impression success
- Practice putty lifts first-time approval, but rejected impressions refund paid minus $20 and poor fit can add ortho fees.
- Cleaning
- Use cool water and mild soap; never hot water, toothpaste, or alcohol mouthwash.
- HSA/FSA eligibility
- This retainer is an HSA/FSA-eligible IRS orthodontic device; replacement retainers qualify too.
- Payment timing
- Buyers can spend expiring FSA funds on this retainer, or reimburse themselves from an HSA years later.
- Price comparison
- At $104, it undercuts both the $150–$500 office replacement range and Dental Lab Direct's $119 floor.
- Remake policy
- Free remake or refund within 120 days, with free replacement for breakage on premium retainers.
- Fit
- Premium trays get 120 days of free remakes; refunds net about $20; pets, loss, and grinding are excluded.
- Misfit remedy
- A tight fit on arrival is normal; true misfits get a free remake from a new impression, and brackets or gems must be removed first.
- Compromised teeth
- Can worsen loose fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, or decay; have those cleared by a dentist first.
- Build quality
- Buyers report the 0.76mm BPA/phthalate-free shell is comfortable, though thin trays fracture more.
- Night use
- Designed for all-day wear, not as a night guard; nighttime grinders need the thicker night guard
Product record
- Title
- Premium Upper Retainer
- Brand
- ClearRetain
- Price
- $179 USD
- Availability
- In stock
- Rating
- 4.5 stars, 177 reviews, scale 5
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
A translucent upper dental retainer (clear plastic) shown from an angled top view, resting on a red glossy rounded storage case; tooth-shaped impression details and inner tray walls are visible.
- Overall shapeU-shaped clear dental retainer matching an upper-arch form with a continuous thin wall following tooth contours.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.18 · w 0.60 · h 0.45 (high) - Tooth impressionsIndividual tooth cavities are visible as a series of rounded indentations on the occlusal surface, including distinct anterior and posterior tooth outlines.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.30 · w 0.48 · h 0.22 (high) - Material appearanceTransparent, slightly glossy thermoplastic appearance with highlights and subtle internal sheen from molding.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.18 · w 0.56 · h 0.35 (high) - Rim detailThin rolled or trimmed rim around the outer edge of the arch visible especially at the anterior and molar regions.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.18 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (medium)
Packaging
A glossy red rounded plastic storage case with a visible hinge and front clasp is shown beneath the retainer.
- Case shapeRounded dome-shaped rectangular case with softened corners and a flat top surface where the retainer rests.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.30 · w 0.60 · h 0.50 (high) - Closure and hingeFront clasp and hinge mechanism are visible at the lower-right edge of the case; clasp shows two small circular snap features.
1 region
x 0.61 · y 0.67 · w 0.30 · h 0.20 (high) - Surface finishHigh-gloss plastic finish producing bright specular highlights and visible reflections on the top and side faces.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.43 · w 0.40 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio shot on a light neutral background with a purple graphic badge in the top-left reading 'Best Seller'; even lighting with soft shadows and minimal visible props.
- Promotional badge text“Best Seller”
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.04 · w 0.34 · h 0.18 (high) - Shot compositionAngled top-down product closeup centered on the case and retainer with generous negative space on the right and bottom edges.
- Background and lightingUniform pale neutral background with even diffuse lighting and soft shadows beneath the case.
Colors
translucent clear· retainer#E4C2C4gloss red· case exteriorPackaging#DB1521- Overall shapeU-shaped clear dental retainer matching an upper-arch form with a continuous thin wall following tooth contours.
- 02

Product
A transparent upper dental retainer resting on a red rounded plastic case; retainer shows tooth-shaped impression cavities and thin uniform walls.
- Overall shapeU-shaped clear dental tray with an open palate area and tooth-shaped impression cavities along the arch.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.16 · w 0.50 · h 0.40 (high) - Material and finishTranslucent, glossy thermoplastic material with smooth thin walls and visible internal contours matching teeth anatomy.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.16 · w 0.50 · h 0.40 (high) - Tooth impressionsIndividual tooth impression bays visible along the front and sides of the arch, each rounded and slightly frosted compared with the rest of the tray.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.28 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high) - Edge profileThin rim follows the U-shaped contour with minor irregularities where the tray flares at the molar regions.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.16 · w 0.50 · h 0.40 (medium)
Packaging
Glossy hard plastic storage case with a rounded top and latch visible at the front edge; case is solid red.
- Case shapeRounded dome-shaped plastic case with curved top and recessed base visible beneath the retainer.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.62 · h 0.52 (high) - Case closureSmall plastic latch mechanism visible at the lower-right front edge of the case.
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.72 · w 0.24 · h 0.18 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a light neutral background with a purple 'Best Seller' badge overlay in the top-left.
- Promotional badge text“Best Seller”
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.06 · w 0.42 · h 0.18 (high) - Badge appearanceRounded rectangular purple-to-indigo gradient badge positioned near the top-left corner, partially outside the product area.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.06 · w 0.42 · h 0.18 (high) - Background and lightingEven, soft studio lighting on a light neutral background producing minimal shadows and bright specular highlights on the glossy case and retainer.
- Shot compositionAngled top-down view showing the retainer placed on the case, centered toward the upper-right of the frame with substantial empty background below.
Colors
clear / translucent· retainer#DB5553bright red· case exteriorPackaging#E31C23- Overall shapeU-shaped clear dental tray with an open palate area and tooth-shaped impression cavities along the arch.
- 03

Product
Two clear (transparent) upper dental retainers are shown resting on the domed lids of two red plastic storage cases. Each retainer is a U-shaped clear tray with individual tooth impressions visible along its arch.
- Retainer shapeU-shaped clear dental tray with defined tooth impressions along the arch and a continuous thin rim following the gumline.
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.02 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.05 · y 0.51 · w 0.45 · h 0.30 (high) - Retainer textureSmooth translucent plastic surface with visible internal tooth impression cavities and slight gloss highlights from studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.02 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (high) - Pairing/duplicationTwo identical-looking retainers are present in the frame, each positioned on a separate case; both are shown from a similar top-front angled view.
Packaging
Two glossy red hard plastic storage cases with rounded, domed lids and a front hinge/closure are visible; each retainer rests on one case.
- Case shapeRounded rectangular hard plastic case with a domed lid shape and tapered base.
2 regions
x 0.52 · y 0.03 · w 0.44 · h 0.42 (high); x 0.05 · y 0.47 · w 0.50 · h 0.45 (high) - Closure detailSmall front hinge/clip detail visible at the front edge of each case where lid meets base.
2 regions
x 0.86 · y 0.34 · w 0.09 · h 0.10 (medium); x 0.30 · y 0.80 · w 0.12 · h 0.09 (medium) - Surface finishHigh-gloss plastic finish with distinct specular highlights and smooth reflections of the studio lights.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.03 · w 0.44 · h 0.42 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a plain white background showing two identical product+case pairs arranged diagonally; even lighting with soft shadows and no visible text or props.
- Shot compositionTwo product+case pairs arranged diagonally from top-right to bottom-left, with part of the lower pair cropped by the image edge.
- BackgroundUniform white background with no visible texture or props.
- Lighting and reflectionsSoft studio lighting producing even illumination and smooth specular highlights on the glossy red cases and subtle highlights on the clear retainers.
- Image croppingLower-left case and retainer are partially cropped by the image edge so the full base of that case is not visible.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.62 · w 0.40 · h 0.38 (high)
Colors
clear / transparent· retainer#DC5553bright red· case exteriorPackaging#DC121E- Retainer shapeU-shaped clear dental tray with defined tooth impressions along the arch and a continuous thin rim following the gumline.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
177 total177 reviews · out of 5
The retainer fit perfectly! The customer service is very good, they communicate quickly, when you have questions!
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/orthodontics, r/smiledirectclub, r/bracesReddit discussions of ClearRetain Premium Upper Retainers are limited and mixed, with some users finding the premium retainers comfortable, but others reporting issues with upper retainer fitting and third-party reliability.
Positive comfort reports are offset by negative experiences with upper retainer impressions and warnings about third-party retainer fit and potential additional costs from orthodontists.
Themes
Use Cases
- Post-aligner retention (after Byte aligners)
Watch Out For
Community Q&A
- Is ClearRetain Premium Upper Retainer any good?
- Feedback is mixed; premium retainers are comfortable for some, but upper retainer impressions may be problematic and fit is not guaranteed.
- Should I order ClearRetain retainers online?
- Some users are satisfied, but others report issues with impressions and fit; third-party retainers may incur extra orthodontist fees.
Compared To
vs Byte night aligners
Premium ClearRetain retainers are reported as way more comfortable.
vs Orthodontist-provided retainers
Third-party retainers may not fit well and orthodontists may charge for follow-up appointments.
Source Threads
Negative experience with ClearRetain upper retainer
I tried clear retain. I would not try it unless you only need a lower retainer. The lower retainer is easier. The upper retainer is not easy. They do have customer service available to assist, but I was told that my teeth were distorted. I was told that one tooth was distorted and when I explained that it is a smaller tooth because it is a peg tooth, they told me that it was not going to work. If you need a refund it is the amount you paid minus $20. Additionally, the manager told me that she deletes all negative reviews on their site. I’m not sure if this would be considered a negative review. Finally, I was told that a number of individuals are at a higher risk for cavities because the saliva sits in the retainer at night.
u/Ofvaluenotofsuccessr/orthodonticsView thread →
Positive comfort comparison of ClearRetain premium retainers
I did the premium retainers from Clear Retain. They are way more comfortable than the night Byte aligners. I have only had my retainer for a couple of weeks, I do not have any experience with their other retainers, but I like the premium ones so far.
u/TenderheartedFloofr/smiledirectclubView thread →
Warning about third-party retainer fit and follow-up costs
No guarantee your retainer will fit well. Your ortho has the right to charge you for any retainer check or follow up appointments for a third party retainer
u/Flonzo01r/bracesView thread →
Provenance
- Merchant Link
- https://clearretain.com/products/premium-upper-retainer
- Platform
- shopify
- Updated