ClearRetain
Premium Upper Retainer
ClearRetain Premium Upper Retainer is a custom-fabricated, clear thermoplastic upper-arch dental retainer made from customer-supplied impressions using positive-pressure vacuum forming; it measures 0.76 mm thick (about 24% thinner than standard retainers) and is BPA- and phthalate-free. It is designed to hold upper teeth in their existing position and prevent shifting after orthodontic treatment, and is not intended to straighten teeth, close gaps, or function as an aligner. Each order includes two sets of impression putty, three upper and three lower impression trays (small, medium, large), a return shipping box with prepaid label, an order information sheet, and a retainer case, with a 120-day guarantee providing a free remake or refund excluding shipping and material costs; customer-reported feedback notes that premium retainers are more comfortable than some aligner-type night trays, while some users report upper-arch impressions being rejected as distorted and advise that third-party retainers may not fit without orthodontist follow-up.
- Color
- Clear
- Style
- minimal, technical, performance, lightweight
- Category
- Health & Beauty > Health Care
Retainer Option
- 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
- Material
- Thermoplastic
- 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
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 3 sourcesUses
Keeping teeth in place after orthodontic work
ClearRetain says its retainers, like this Premium Upper Retainer, are designed to hold teeth in place and prevent shifting — though the brand notes they are not meant to close gaps or straighten teeth the way aligners do. Shoppers who have lost or broken their original retainer and whose teeth have already shifted are advised by the merchant to see an orthodontist or dentist instead of relying on this product. Custom fit comes from an at-home impression you send in; ClearRetain claims its computerized fabrication produces a retainer that fits perfectly to that impression.[1]
Take your own teeth impressions at home
ClearRetain's kit includes two sets of impression putty, upper and lower trays in small, medium, and large, and a return box with a prepaid label, so you take impressions of your own teeth at home and mail them back. The merchant notes some customers need more than one attempt to get an adequate impression and urges getting approval on the impression before sending it back, since a poor impression can result in a retainer that doesn't fit properly. Teeth need to be free of brackets, buttons, cosmetic gems, or leftover cement before taking the impression.[1]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Premium Upper Retainer: Choose this if you want a thin upper retainer to keep teeth from shifting — the merchant lists a .76mm thickness (24% thinner than standard retainers), BPA- and phthalate-free materials, and a 120-day guarantee offering a free remake or refund, plus free replacement if it cracks or breaks from normal use. It can be fabricated even if you have a bonded permanent retainer, though some customers mess up their first at-home impression, so extra putty is recommended. Keep in mind it isn't meant to close gaps or straighten teeth, and the merchant warns that nighttime grinding or clenching can considerably shorten its lifespan, recommending a thicker grind guard retainer for that instead.[1] | Upper Retainer-Night Guard: Choose this if you wear a retainer at night but also grind or clench your teeth — it holds your upper teeth in their corrected position like a traditional retainer while the hard premium material protects against heavy grinding and clenching. ClearRetain describes it as their thinnest, most durable, and least noticeable night guard material, made from BPA- and phthalate-free orthodontic-grade materials. It won't fit correctly if you still have brackets, buttons, cosmetic gems, or leftover cement on your tooth surfaces, and one verified reviewer who grinds couldn't yet say how long it will last.[2] | Premium Upper And Lower Retainer Set: Choose this for the pair ClearRetain describes as its thinnest, most comfortable, most durable, and least noticeable retainers — .76mm thick, which the brand says is 24% thinner than standard retainers. Both arches come from at-home impressions (6 putty sets; small, medium, and large trays), and this premium option carries a 120-day satisfaction guarantee plus 120-day replacement for cracks or breaks from normal use, versus 60 days otherwise. These only hold teeth in place — they won't close gaps or straighten them — and ClearRetain cautions that nighttime grinding or clenching can considerably shorten retainer lifespan, suggesting its thicker grind guard if that applies to you.[3] |
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.
Variants
2 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| PREMIUM-UPPER-RETAINER | Premium Upper Retainer - Premium Upper Retainer | $104.00$179.00 | Yes |
| 4765554071 | Premium Upper Retainer - Add A Backup Retainer For Just $39 (Duplicate Copy. Not for 2 People) | $143.00$319.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
176 total176 reviews · out of 5
Fits perfectly!
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