⚡ LIMITED TIME OFFER
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Shopping for a custom clear retainer in the UK has become considerably easier over the past few years. Where once your only options were the NHS (with its waiting lists and Band 3 charge of £327.10) or a private orthodontist charging £150–£300+ per retainer, a new generation of at-home services has changed the landscape entirely.
The Retainer Shop is a UK-based dental laboratory with 22 years of experience producing retainers. Operating from the UK under CE approval, they send an impression kit directly to your door, manufacture your retainer from your moulds, and post the finished product back. Their single-retainer option starts at £59.95 including the impression kit, with two retainers available for £109.95.
NewSmile UK serves the British market with a custom Essix clear retainer pair priced at £109 for both arches. Like The Retainer Shop, the home impression kit is included in the price. NewSmile ships your finished retainers as soon as production is complete — no dentist appointment, no NHS waiting list.
Both services target the same core audience: adults who have already had orthodontic treatment and need to maintain their results, or anyone whose previous retainer has been lost, broken, or worn out.
Price is often the first thing people look at, and the gap between these two brands is narrower than it first appears — particularly once you factor in how many arches you actually need to cover.
| Feature | The Retainer Shop | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Single retainer price | £59.95 (incl. kit) | Pair pricing only |
| Pair price | £109.95 (incl. kit) | £109 (incl. kit) |
| Impression kit included | Yes | Yes |
| Material | Clear Essix-style | Clear Essix (PET-G) |
| Turnaround | Ships when production complete | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| Guarantee / warranty | Remake policy available | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Reviews | [INSERT REAL NUMBER] reviews | [INSERT REAL NUMBER] reviews |
The headline takeaway: if you only need one arch, The Retainer Shop's £59.95 single option is the lowest entry point in the UK market. If you need both arches, NewSmile UK's £109 pair is fractionally cheaper than The Retainer Shop's two-retainer bundle at £109.95 — and both options represent significant savings over private dentistry.
Both services use the same fundamental approach: a putty-based at-home impression kit that you complete in your own time, post back, and wait for your custom retainer to be manufactured from the resulting moulds.
The process generally works as follows:
Compare this to your alternatives: an NHS Band 3 treatment — which covers orthodontic work including a retainer — costs £327.10 in England, requires a referral, and can involve a substantial wait. A private orthodontist or dentist typically charges between £150 and £300+ for a single replacement retainer, plus the cost and inconvenience of multiple appointments.
For straightforward retainer replacement, the at-home impression route is both significantly cheaper and far more convenient for most adults.
Clear retainers of the Essix type — thin, transparent, vacuum-formed or pressure-formed shells that fit snugly over your teeth — are the current standard for post-orthodontic retention. Both The Retainer Shop and NewSmile UK use this format.
NewSmile UK uses PET-G (Essix) material, which is recognised by orthodontists for its clarity, durability, and close adaptation to tooth surfaces. Worn consistently as directed, a well-made clear retainer can last between one and three years depending on wear patterns and care habits.
The Retainer Shop brings 22 years of UK laboratory experience to their product, which is a meaningful credential. Their CE-approved status indicates compliance with UK and European medical device standards — an important quality signal for dental appliances. A UK-based lab also means your impressions do not travel internationally before manufacture, which some customers prefer.
NewSmile UK serves a large customer base across multiple markets and maintains the same Essix-format production for its UK orders. The impression kit supplied is designed for accurate home capture, and the finished retainer is checked before despatch.
Regardless of which service you choose, proper care is essential to retainer longevity. Avoid hot water (which warps the material), store your retainer in its case when not worn, and use a dedicated retainer cleaning solution rather than abrasive pastes.
The Retainer Shop is the better option in a handful of specific situations:
NewSmile UK makes more sense in an equally clear set of circumstances:
For most adults who need both arches retained, the NewSmile UK retainer pair represents the clearest value proposition — a precise Essix retainer for each arch, delivered to your door, at a price that is a fraction of the private dentist alternative.
Need a Custom Clear Retainer in the UK?
NewSmile ships a precise Essix retainer pair made from your home impression — no dentist visit, no NHS wait. From £109 for both arches.
For a single retainer, yes — The Retainer Shop charges £59.95 for one arch including the impression kit, which is the lowest price available for a custom clear retainer in the UK. For a pair covering both arches, the difference is minimal: The Retainer Shop charges £109.95 versus NewSmile UK's £109, making NewSmile fractionally cheaper per retainer when you need both upper and lower. Both options are significantly more affordable than a private dentist replacement, which typically costs £150–£300+ per retainer.
The Retainer Shop has 22 years of experience as a UK dental laboratory and operates under CE approval for their appliances. These are meaningful quality indicators — CE marking confirms the product meets relevant UK and European standards for dental devices. Customer feedback is generally positive for fit and clarity, particularly among those who follow the impression instructions carefully.
Both The Retainer Shop and NewSmile UK use an at-home impression kit. You mix dental putty, press your teeth into the impression trays, allow the material to set, and post your impressions back to the laboratory. The lab then fabricates a thin, transparent Essix-style retainer that precisely matches the contours of your teeth. Once production is complete, your retainer is posted directly to your home.
Retainers issued as part of a course of NHS orthodontic treatment are covered under a Band 3 charge of £327.10 in England (charges differ in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). However, replacement retainers lost or broken after your treatment is complete are not typically covered by the NHS — meaning most adults seeking a replacement retainer will need to pay privately, whether through a dentist (£150–£300+) or an at-home service such as The Retainer Shop or NewSmile UK.
A well-maintained clear Essix retainer typically lasts between one and three years, though this varies considerably based on how often it is worn, how carefully it is stored, and individual bite patterns. Avoiding heat, storing your retainer in its case, and cleaning it with a dedicated cleaning solution will all extend its lifespan.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Two custom night guard brands, two very different value propositions — and both are fully UK-based alternatives to the £300–£600 your dentist quotes.
Venneir is a Scottish-registered dental lab (Venneir Limited, SC622322) producing custom night guards from a GDC-registered technician facility in the UK. Guards are manufactured to ISO 13485 and HTM 01-05 standards and use MHRA-compliant, CE-marked materials.
Their night guard is a 3.0mm soft EVA guard made to your dental impressions or a digital STL file. Submit a digital scan before 11am and Venneir dispatches same-day.
Venneir's impression process accepts three routes: a free home impression kit, a physical dental model, or a digital STL/OBJ/PLY file.
NewSmile is a DTC dental brand offering custom custom night guards and clear retainers via home impression kits shipped directly to customers across the UK. No dentist visit required.
At £109 for a pair, NewSmile covers both your upper and lower arches in a single order.
| Feature | Venneir | NewSmile |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From £69.95 (single arch) | £109 (pair — upper + lower) |
| Coverage | Single arch per order | Pair (both arches) |
| Material | 3.0mm soft EVA | Custom fit guard |
| Turnaround | 1-day (same-day for digital scans) | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| Impression method | Digital STL, physical model, or free kit | Home impression kit included |
| Guarantee | 14-day fit guarantee (1 remake) | Customer support for fit issues |
| UK lab | Yes — GDC-registered, ISO 13485 | Yes |
If you only need a single arch and have digital impressions, Venneir's £69.95 is highly competitive. If you need both upper and lower, NewSmile's £109 pair works out at roughly £54.50 per guard — undercutting Venneir on a per-arch basis.
Venneir uses a 3.0mm soft EVA guard — comfortable, cushioning, appropriate for mild to moderate bruxism. For severe grinding, a harder or dual-laminate guard may be more appropriate; discuss with your dentist before ordering.
Venneir's standout feature is digital scan acceptance. Your dentist can email the STL file directly — Venneir dispatches the same day (scans received before 11am). Without digital records, they send a free impression kit.
NewSmile sends a complete home impression kit. Take your own dental moulds at home, post them back in the pre-paid return envelope, and your custom guard is produced and shipped. No dental appointments needed.
Proper cleaning extends your guard's lifespan significantly. Skip the toothbrush — manual scrubbing scratches EVA surfaces and harbours bacteria. Use a Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner with Petal Cleaning Pods — ultrasonic vibration removes plaque and staining without abrasion in under five minutes.
Need a custom night guard for bruxism in the UK?
NewSmile ships custom-fit night guards to the UK — £109 for a pair, from your home impressions with no dentist visit needed.
Neither is universally better. Venneir is faster and cheaper for a single arch. NewSmile offers better value if you need both arches at £109 per pair.
From around £69.95 (Venneir, single arch) to over £300 at a private dentist. NewSmile charges £109 for a pair — the best value for custom-fit protection without a dental appointment.
Yes. Both Venneir and NewSmile allow ordering a custom night guard without a dentist visit via home impression kits.
For mild-to-moderate grinding, a 3.0mm soft custom guard from a UK lab is far superior to boil-and-bite alternatives. For severe bruxism, discuss a hard or dual-laminate custom guard with your dentist.
Soft guards suit mild-to-moderate grinders. Hard acrylic guards are more durable for heavy grinders but take longer to adjust to.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If your dentist has mentioned getting something to protect your teeth and you are not sure whether they mean a retainer or a night guard, you are not alone. The confusion is understandable — both appliances are custom-made, clear, and worn over your teeth. But using the wrong one can mean your teeth move (if you skip the retainer) or keep getting ground down (if you skip the night guard).
This guide explains exactly what each appliance does, who needs which, what they cost in the UK, and whether you might need both.
A retainer is a custom dental appliance worn after orthodontic treatment — whether that is traditional braces, Invisalign, or any other aligner system. Its job is to hold your teeth in their new positions while the bone and ligaments around them stabilise.
Without a retainer, teeth naturally drift back toward their original positions. This process — called orthodontic relapse — can begin within weeks of finishing treatment, and it is irreversible without further orthodontic work.
Types of retainers used in the UK:
Retainers are not designed to withstand grinding. If you clench or grind while wearing a thin Essix retainer, you can crack or warp it within weeks — and a damaged retainer no longer holds your teeth correctly.
A night guard (also called an occlusal splint, bruxism guard, or mouth guard for grinding) is a custom dental appliance worn during sleep to protect your teeth from bruxism — the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth that occurs when you are asleep.
Bruxism affects an estimated 8–10% of the UK adult population. Most people are unaware they grind their teeth until a partner mentions the noise, or a dentist spots the wear patterns at a check-up.
A night guard works by:
Night guards are thicker and more durable than retainers. A good custom night guard — like the NewSmile UK night guard — is made from a harder material specifically designed to withstand the repeated pressure of grinding through the night.
| Factor | Retainer | Night Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment | Protect teeth from grinding and clenching damage |
| Who needs it | Anyone who has finished braces or aligners | Anyone who grinds or clenches their teeth |
| Material thickness | Thin (0.5–1mm typically) | Thicker (1.5–3mm) for grinding protection |
| Durability under grinding | Poor — not designed for grinding forces | Strong — specifically engineered for bruxism |
| UK cost (NHS Band 3) | £326.70 (replacement) | £326.70 (occlusal splint) |
| NewSmile UK cost | £109 per pair | £109 per pair |
| Worn during | Full-time initially, then nights only long-term | During sleep only |
This is the most common question — and the answer is no, for most people.
A standard Essix retainer is made from thin thermoplastic that is not designed to withstand grinding forces. If you grind even moderately, you will wear through or crack a retainer within a few months — leaving you without either a functioning night guard or a functioning retainer.
The misconception comes from the fact that both appliances look similar. But a retainer's function is retention, not protection. The material properties, thickness, and design are fundamentally different.
The exception: some heavier Essix-style retainers (1.5mm or thicker) can tolerate mild grinding for a short period. But for anyone who grinds enough to wake a partner, experiences jaw pain in the morning, or notices worn flat areas on their teeth, a dedicated night guard is essential.
A night guard can provide some retention — it covers the teeth and holds them in place while you sleep. However, a night guard is not designed to maintain the precise positioning that post-orthodontic retention requires.
Night guards are fabricated with more bulk and designed for protection, not for the fine-tuned contact fit that holds teeth in their exact orthodontic positions. Over time, using only a night guard after orthodontic treatment can result in gradual tooth movement.
If you need both retention and grinding protection, you need two separate appliances — one for each job.
It is common to need both a retainer and a night guard simultaneously. This applies when:
The standard approach: wear your retainer during the day, wear your night guard at night. At £109 each from NewSmile UK, ordering both is significantly cheaper than a single appointment at a private London dental practice.
Know what you need? Skip the clinic visit.
NewSmile UK offers both custom clear retainers and custom night guards at £109 per pair, ordered via a home impression kit. No appointment needed.
No — not recommended. A standard Essix retainer is too thin to withstand grinding forces. Using it as a night guard will damage it within weeks, leaving you without a retainer and without grinding protection. A dedicated custom night guard is the correct solution for bruxism.
Common signs include waking with jaw stiffness or headaches, a partner reporting grinding sounds, and dentist observations of flattened tooth surfaces or enamel wear. Bruxism often occurs during sleep and you may be unaware of it. Ask your dentist to check for wear patterns at your next check-up.
NHS occlusal splints are Band 3 treatment at £326.70 in England (2026). Private dentists typically charge £200–£500+. NewSmile UK provides custom night guards for £109 for both arches via a home impression kit — no dentist appointment required.
NHS replacements are Band 3 (£326.70). Private dentists charge £100–£300 per arch. NewSmile UK provides both arches for £109 via a home impression kit — among the most affordable custom retainer options available in the UK.
No UK law requires a dental prescription for custom clear retainers or night guards from reputable online providers. If you have active dental issues — decay, gum disease, significant jaw problems — resolve those first. For healthy mouths maintaining completed orthodontic treatment or managing mild to moderate bruxism, online providers are practical and cost-effective.
Custom Essix retainers typically last 1–3 years with proper care. Night guards last 1–5 years depending on grinding severity. To extend lifespan: remove before eating, rinse after wearing, store in a protective case, and clean regularly with the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner and Petal Cleaning Pods — designed for Essix-style dental appliances and far more effective than manual scrubbing.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you were an SDC customer in the UK, you already know the frustration: SmileDirectClub ceased operations, leaving thousands of people needing retainers or simply somewhere to turn. The good news is that the UK market for direct-to-consumer retainers has matured considerably, and you now have several strong alternatives — with different trade-offs on price, turnaround, and quality.
This guide breaks down the best SmileDirectClub UK alternatives in 2026, what SDC customers specifically need to know, and which option is genuinely worth it.
SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy in the United States in September 2023 and shut down all global operations, including its UK business, almost immediately thereafter. The closures were abrupt — SmileShop locations shuttered overnight, and customers who had paid for treatment packages or retainers found themselves without recourse or replacement product.
The core issue was a business model that required massive capital outlay for physical SmileShop locations while simultaneously fighting a reputational battle with dental professional bodies over remote-only orthodontic care. When capital dried up, operations collapsed.
What this means for former SDC UK customers:
NewSmile offers custom Essix (clear plastic) retainers via a home impression kit. You take your own dental impressions, post them to the lab, and receive a custom-made retainer pair. No dentist visit required.
Key facts:
For most former SDC UK customers, NewSmile retainers are the most direct like-for-like replacement. The Essix retainer material is the same type SDC used, the impression process is straightforward, and the price point is competitive for the UK market.
NewSmile also offers custom night guards at £109 per pair — useful if teeth grinding contributed to retainer wear under SDC treatment.
If you were mid-treatment when SDC closed and your teeth have shifted, a direct-to-consumer retainer will not correct the movement. In that case, you need active orthodontic treatment from a registered professional before moving to a retainer.
NHS orthodontic treatment is available for those under 18 with clinical need. For adults, private orthodontists typically charge £1,800–£4,500 for aligner treatment, and will provide retainers as part of the package.
Impress operates physical SmileShops in major UK cities where you receive a 3D intraoral scan rather than using a home impression kit. Their retainer replacement service is available to anyone, not just former Impress treatment customers.
Any GDC-registered dentist in the UK can take impressions and order custom retainers from a dental laboratory. Expect to pay £150–£300+ depending on location. This route is worth considering if your bite has shifted significantly or you prefer in-person consultation.
| Feature | SmileDirectClub UK (now closed) | NewSmile UK (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer type | Essix clear plastic | Essix clear plastic |
| Intake method | SmileShop scan or home kit | Home impression kit |
| Retainer price (pair) | Varied (subscription model) | £109 |
| Currently operating in UK | No — closed Sep 2023 | Yes |
| Night guard available | No | Yes — £109 |
Check whether your most recent SDC retainer still fits. If it seats fully and comfortably, your teeth have not shifted significantly — you can order a replacement retainer from NewSmile using a home impression kit.
A retainer that no longer seats properly indicates tooth movement. Do not attempt to force it. Book an appointment with a GDC-registered orthodontist or dentist to assess whether retreatment is needed before ordering a new retainer.
Once your bite position is stable (or retreatment is complete), order a custom clear retainer from NewSmile UK for £109 a pair. The home impression kit is posted to you, you take impressions at home, return the kit, and your retainer is manufactured and dispatched.
Replacing your SDC retainer? NewSmile has you covered.
NewSmile's custom Essix retainers are made from the same material as your original SmileDirectClub retainers — from £109 per pair, no subscription required.
Do not use a toothbrush on your clear retainer, as this scratches the plastic and creates grooves where bacteria accumulate. The most effective method is ultrasonic cleaning. The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner paired with Petal Cleaning Pods removes biofilm, bacteria, and staining in minutes without any physical abrasion.
SDC UK ceased operations abruptly in late 2023 and did not formally transfer patient records. Most former customers have not been able to retrieve their treatment files through official channels. Your best option is a new assessment from a GDC-registered dentist or orthodontist.
Yes — provided your teeth have not shifted since your last SDC retainer was fitted. If there has been significant movement, consult an orthodontist before ordering.
Direct-to-consumer custom Essix retainers in the UK typically range from £79 to £159 per pair. NewSmile UK charges £109 per pair. High street dentist retainers typically cost £150–£300+.
For a straightforward retainer replacement, NewSmile UK is the closest like-for-like alternative — same Essix material, home impression process, and a price of £109 per pair.
No. SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in late 2023, meaning the business was wound down permanently. There are no plans to reopen under the SmileDirectClub brand.
Essix-style clear retainers typically last 12–24 months with regular use. Night grinders should also consider a dedicated custom night guard to protect their retainer during sleep.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
A new UK-based direct-to-consumer retainer brand has been quietly building a following: Go-Ortho. They market themselves as a dentist-overseen retainer subscription service, and their prices look competitive on the surface. But is Go-Ortho actually the better deal for UK patients who need a custom clear retainer — or does NewSmile still come out ahead?
This comparison looks at both brands honestly: pricing, process, materials, and what happens if something goes wrong.
Go-Ortho is a UK-based post-orthodontic care platform founded to serve patients after braces or aligner treatment. Their model centres on ongoing retention — they offer dentist-monitored remote oversight and originally targeted former SmileDirectClub UK customers when that brand shut down. They stock clear (Essix-style) retainers and night guards.
NewSmile UK (newsmilelife.co.uk) is the British arm of NewSmile, a dental retention brand that has served thousands of patients across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. NewSmile focuses on custom clear retainers and night guards ordered entirely from home via an impression kit, with no dentist referral required. Pricing is fixed, transparent, and does not change between sale and non-sale periods.
At first glance, Go-Ortho appears cheaper. Their clear retainers are currently listed at £89.40 for an upper and lower combined set. However, that figure carries an important asterisk — it represents a 40% discount from a regular price of £149.
That means:
NewSmile's £109 is not a promotional rate. There is no inflated RRP designed to make discounts look impressive. When the Go-Ortho sale ends, their retainers cost £40 more than NewSmile's. That is a meaningful difference for a product you may need to reorder every year or two.
If Go-Ortho's discount pricing is permanent — which is unclear from their site — then they are cheaper. But buyers should weigh that uncertainty against NewSmile's consistent, no-surprise pricing model.
Both brands use at-home impression kits for new customers who do not already have digital scans on file.
Both are genuinely straightforward. The key practical difference: Go-Ortho's 3–5 day timeline applies only to returning customers whose scan data is already stored — not to first-time buyers. New patients at both brands will wait for impressions to be received, reviewed, and fabricated before dispatch.
Both brands produce BPA-free, medical-grade custom Essix-style retainers. There is no meaningful materials difference between the two at this price point — both are vacuum-formed or 3D-printed clear plastic custom to your dental arch, and both are designed to be worn nightly for long-term retention.
Go-Ortho does highlight remote dentist monitoring as a differentiator — your appliance is reviewed by a UK-registered dentist rather than by a lab technician alone. Whether that matters depends on your situation. For straightforward post-orthodontic retention (the most common use case), both approaches produce comparable results. If you have complex bite issues or are actively undergoing treatment, neither brand is a substitute for seeing a dentist in person.
| Feature | Go-Ortho UK | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer price (upper + lower) | £89.40 (sale) / £149 (regular) | £109 (fixed) |
| Night guard price | Not publicly listed | £109 (fixed) |
| At-home impression kit | Yes (new customers) | Yes |
| Dentist oversight | UK-registered dentist review | Clinical operations team |
| BPA-free materials | Yes | Yes |
| UK delivery | Free | Free |
| Price transparency | Sale-dependent (40% off regular) | Fixed — no sale inflation |
It is worth dwelling on the pricing model because it matters for repeat orders. Retainers typically last 12–24 months with nightly wear before they need replacing. Most orthodontists recommend having a fresh pair made every one to two years.
If you need a replacement retainer in 18 months, the price you pay depends on whether Go-Ortho's discount is still running. NewSmile's £109 will be £109. There are no promotional cycles to track.
For patients on a predictable budget — particularly those who know they will need to reorder — a consistent price is genuinely useful. That is one practical advantage NewSmile holds regardless of how the current sale compares.
Ready for a custom retainer you can count on?
NewSmile UK offers a fixed-price custom Essix retainer pair at £109 — no impression appointment, no dentist visit, delivered to your door as soon as production is complete.
Whichever brand you choose, daily cleaning matters. Clear retainers trap bacteria and saliva proteins — without proper care they develop odour and white mineral deposits within weeks. Do not use a toothbrush, which scratches the surface and creates microscopic grooves where bacteria accumulate faster.
The most effective method is an ultrasonic cleaner with retainer-specific cleaning tablets or pods — the ultrasonic vibration dislodges debris from inside the retainer without abrasion. Petal's Ultrasonic Cleaner and Cleaning Pods are designed specifically for Essix retainers and compatible with retainers from either brand.
Choose Go-Ortho if you are a former SmileDirectClub UK patient whose scan data is already on file, and you want to take advantage of their current sale pricing.
Choose NewSmile UK if you want a fixed, predictable price with no reliance on sale cycles, a straightforward ordering process, and a brand with years of track record across the UK and internationally. At £109 per pair, NewSmile is less expensive than Go-Ortho's regular price and remains competitive with their sale pricing — without the uncertainty of when the discount ends.
For most UK patients ordering a replacement retainer for the first time through a direct-to-consumer brand, NewSmile remains the more consistent choice.
Custom clear (Essix-style) retainers from direct-to-consumer UK brands typically range from £89 to £149 for an upper and lower pair. NewSmile UK charges a fixed £109. Dentist-made retainers typically cost £150–£350 per arch.
Yes. Go-Ortho is a UK-based company that manufactures BPA-free custom retainers with remote dentist oversight. They originally targeted former SmileDirectClub UK customers and have since expanded their customer base.
Based on information on their website, the upper and lower combined option is the currently available product at £89.40 (on sale from a regular price of £149). Single-arch options were listed as unavailable at the time of writing.
Clear Essix retainers typically last 12 to 24 months with nightly wear. Proper daily cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner extends their lifespan. Replace when you notice cracks, warping, or a loose fit — wearing a poorly fitting retainer is less effective at holding tooth position.
Yes. Both NewSmile UK and Go-Ortho allow new customers to order via a home impression kit — no dentist visit required. You take your own dental impressions, post them to the lab, and receive your custom retainers by post.
Prices correct at time of writing (June 2026). Go-Ortho prices confirmed from their website. NewSmile UK price confirmed from newsmilelife.co.uk. Always check current pricing before ordering.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
If you grind your teeth at night — a condition known as bruxism — a custom night guard is one of the most effective ways to protect your enamel, reduce jaw tension, and wake up without a headache. The NHS rarely covers custom guards for adults, which has pushed many UK buyers towards direct-to-consumer brands. Two names that often come up in this space are Gobguard and NewSmile.
This comparison cuts through the marketing to give you a factual, side-by-side look at how these two UK options stack up on process, materials, price, and suitability.
Gobguard (gobguard.co.uk) is a UK-based direct-to-consumer dental appliance company that manufactures sports mouthguards, night guards, dayguards, and teeth whitening trays. They position themselves as supplying appliances "as supplied to dentists all over the UK" — meaning their guards are made by qualified dental technicians rather than mass-produced offshore.
The ordering process works as follows: you place an order online, receive a putty impression kit by post, follow their emailed instructions to take an impression of your teeth, photograph it for verification, and then return it by post. Once the impression passes quality checks, the finished guard is manufactured and sent to you.
Gobguard offer both soft and hard night guard materials. Soft is described as more comfortable; hard is more durable. They also offer dayguards — a trimmed version designed to be less visible when worn during the day — which is a differentiator not many UK brands offer.
One notable limitation: Gobguard does not publish pricing on their website. You must place an order to receive a quote. This makes direct price comparison difficult for buyers doing upfront research.
NewSmile UK (newsmilelife.co.uk) is part of an international direct-to-consumer dental appliance brand operating across the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. In the UK, they offer both custom clear retainers and custom night guards via a home impression kit model.
The NewSmile night guard is priced at £109 for a pair — one upper and one lower guard — which is significantly less than the £200–£400+ typically charged by private dentists in the UK for a single custom appliance. Like Gobguard, NewSmile sends a home impression kit, you return the mould, and the finished guard is manufactured and delivered.
NewSmile night guards are made from dental-grade materials with thickness options suited to bruxism severity. They also offer custom clear retainers for post-orthodontic patients who need to maintain tooth position as well as protect against grinding.
| Feature | Gobguard | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Impression method | Home putty kit | Home impression kit |
| Materials | Soft or hard acrylic | Dental-grade EVA / hard acrylic |
| Published pricing | Not published | £109 per pair |
| Made in UK | Yes | Dental lab |
| Dayguard option | Yes | Night guard only |
| Sports mouthguard | Yes | No |
| Retainer option | No | Yes (Essix retainer) |
Both brands use a postal impression kit model — you take the moulds yourself at home rather than visiting a dentist or scanning clinic. This is the key factor that keeps costs significantly below high-street dental prices.
With Gobguard, you receive a putty impression material. They email instructions and ask for photos of the completed impression for quality verification before you return it. They offer a free replacement set of putty if the impression doesn't pass their check — a useful safeguard that reduces wasted postage.
With NewSmile UK, the impression kit is dispatched quickly after ordering. Take upper and lower impressions, return them, and the guards are manufactured to the exact shape of your teeth. We ship your finished night guard as soon as production is complete.
Not all night guards are equally suited to every grinder. Light grinders may do well with a softer, more cushioning material; heavy grinders typically need a harder, more rigid guard that resists wear and provides structural stability.
Price transparency is where these two brands diverge most clearly. NewSmile UK is upfront: £109 for a pair. You can see the full cost before clicking "Buy".
Gobguard does not list prices on their website. This is not unusual for bespoke dental appliance providers, but it means you cannot compare their cost to alternatives without entering the ordering funnel first. For buyers who want to know the price before committing, NewSmile UK's £109 pair is the clear answer.
Stop grinding through your teeth — and your budget
NewSmile UK custom night guards are £109 for a pair. Made from dental-grade material, fitted to your exact impressions — no dentist appointment needed.
Gobguard is worth considering if you specifically want a daytime guard (their Dayguard product), need a sports mouthguard alongside a bruxism guard, or strongly prefer UK-manufactured appliances. The pre-postage photo verification step is also a thoughtful quality safeguard.
NewSmile UK is the better choice if you want:
Whichever guard you choose, proper care extends its life considerably. Rinse with cold water after each use, allow it to air-dry, and store it in its case. For a deeper clean, the Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner paired with Petal Cleaning Pods removes bacteria and biofilm without abrasive scrubbing that degrades the guard material over time. Avoid hot or boiling water, which warps thermoplastic appliances.
Yes. Gobguard is UK-based and manufactures its dental appliances using qualified UK dental technicians, operating as a direct-to-consumer brand without requiring dental practice visits.
Private dentists typically charge £200–£500+ for a single custom night guard. Direct-to-consumer online providers are significantly less expensive — NewSmile UK charges £109 for a pair. Gobguard does not publish pricing on their website.
NHS coverage for custom bruxism guards is limited and inconsistent. Most NHS dentists do not provide them routinely for adult patients. Online providers like NewSmile UK offer a considerably more affordable alternative to private dental fees.
Soft guards compress under sustained grinding pressure and may actually worsen clenching in heavy grinders. Hard or dual-laminate guards are generally recommended for moderate-to-heavy bruxism. Consult your dentist if you are unsure of your grinding severity.
Modern home impression putty, used correctly, captures sufficient detail for a well-fitting custom appliance. Both Gobguard and NewSmile UK have built their businesses on this model. Following the instructions carefully is the critical success factor.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
When your retainer needs replacing, the last thing you want is to sit in a dental surgery and pay £150–£400 per arch for something you can order from home. UK online retainer brands have changed the market — but not all of them are equally worth your money.
This comparison looks at two of the most searched UK custom retainer providers: Retain & Guard (retainandguard.co.uk) and NewSmile UK (newsmilelife.co.uk). We break down pricing, process, quality, and what real customers say — so you can make an informed decision.
Retain & Guard is a UK-based online retainer and night guard company. They ship home impression kits, have customers take their own dental moulds, and produce custom Essix retainers in a UK lab. Their pricing starts from £47.99 per arch for retainers, and their night guards start from £67.
They have a solid Trustpilot presence and position themselves on affordability. Their website is product-focused — you won't find an extensive blog or educational content section, which is worth noting if you rely on guidance for post-treatment retention.
NewSmile (newsmilelife.co.uk) is a telehealth-first dental brand offering custom clear retainers and night guards via a home impression kit. Their retainer pair — both upper and lower arches — costs £109, and their custom night guard pair is also £109.
NewSmile operates across the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, backed by a team of telehealth clinical professionals who review every impression before production begins.
| Product | Retain & Guard | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Single arch retainer | from £47.99 | Included in pair pricing |
| Both arches (retainer pair) | from ~£95.98 (2 × £47.99) | £109 |
| Night guard | from £67 | £109 (pair) |
| NHS Band 3 (dentist) | £326.70 (2025 rate) | |
What this means for you: If you only need a single-arch retainer, Retain & Guard's per-arch pricing may work out slightly cheaper. If you need both arches — which applies to most people following orthodontic treatment — NewSmile's £109 both-arches price is competitive, with the added benefit of clinical oversight.
Both options sit dramatically below the NHS Band 3 charge of £326.70 for dental appliances in 2025.
Both brands use a home impression kit — you receive a kit in the post, take your own dental moulds at home, and return them for lab fabrication. This is now the standard approach for online retainer providers in the UK.
With NewSmile, the impression kit is included in the order price. Your moulds are reviewed by a telehealth clinical team before production begins — a quality gate that catches poor impressions before they become poorly fitting retainers.
With Retain & Guard, the process is similar. Their UK lab manufactures the retainers domestically, which typically means a turnaround of around one week from impression receipt.
The key difference is the clinical oversight layer. NewSmile's telehealth model means a trained professional reviews your case — not just a lab technician checking the physical impression. For patients with complex dental histories, this is a meaningful distinction.
If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), a custom night guard is significantly more effective than a boil-and-bite chemist option. Here's how the two brands compare:
| Factor | Retain & Guard | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | from £67 | £109 (pair) |
| Material | Custom-fabricated (lab-made) | Custom-fabricated (lab-made) |
| Clinical review | Lab-based production | Telehealth clinical review before production |
| Support | Standard instructions | Clinical support team available |
For bruxism, fit and thickness matter enormously. A poorly fitting night guard either falls out during sleep or causes jaw misalignment. The clinical review step in NewSmile's process helps catch fit issues before the guard ships.
Regardless of which brand you choose, daily cleaning is essential. Never use a manual toothbrush — it scratches the surface of Essix plastic and creates micro-crevices where bacteria accumulate.
The most effective method is an ultrasonic cleaner. The Petal Ultrasonic Cleaner is designed specifically for Essix retainers and custom night guards — it removes biofilm at a microscopic level without abrasion. Pair it with Petal Cleaning Pods for a complete daily clean in under five minutes.
For most people replacing a retainer after orthodontic treatment, the both-arches scenario applies — and NewSmile UK's £109 retainer pair offers compelling value alongside clinical assurance.
Need a custom retainer in the UK? NewSmile ships both arches for £109.
Home impression kit included. Clinical team reviews your impression before production. No dentist visit required.
Custom retainers in the UK range from £47.99 per arch (Retain & Guard) to £109 for both arches (NewSmile UK). Private dentist retainers cost £150–£400 per arch. NHS Band 3 treatment is £326.70 as of 2025.
Yes. Retain & Guard is a UK-based retainer and night guard company with a Trustpilot presence and a domestic UK lab.
For both-arch retainer replacement, NewSmile UK's £109 pair pricing is comparable to Retain & Guard's combined per-arch cost — and includes clinical review of your impression. For single-arch needs only, Retain & Guard's per-arch pricing may be lower.
Custom Essix retainers from reputable online brands use the same lab-grade materials as dentist-supplied retainers. The key is impression quality — NewSmile adds a clinical review step that Retain & Guard does not explicitly advertise.
Online custom retainer brands are the most affordable route. Retain & Guard starts from £47.99 per arch; NewSmile UK charges £109 for both arches. Both are significantly cheaper than a private dentist (£150–£400/arch) or NHS Band 3 (£326.70).
Most custom Essix retainers last 1–3 years with proper daily cleaning using an ultrasonic cleaner rather than abrasive manual methods.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull just in front of each ear. For many UK patients, TMD pain is caused by bruxism — teeth grinding and clenching during sleep — which exhausts the surrounding jaw muscles overnight.
A night guard doesn't stop grinding, but changes what happens when it occurs: it creates a slight gap between teeth to reduce joint compression, holds the jaw in a neutral position to reduce muscle clenching tension, and protects enamel from wear over time.
Pharmacy boil-and-bite guards rarely achieve a stable bite position. Poorly fitted guards can actually increase jaw muscle tension. A custom-fitted guard from dental impressions sits passively — no muscle effort required. For TMD patients, the outcome difference is clinically meaningful.
Private dentist quotes for custom night guards frequently start above £200. NewSmile UK offers a custom night guard pair for £109, shipped from your home dental impressions — the same custom-fit quality at a significant saving.
| Option | Cost | Custom-fitted? |
|---|---|---|
| NHS (Band 3) | £30.50 | Yes |
| Private dentist | £200–£600+ | Yes |
| NewSmile online | £109 pair | Yes |
| Chemist | £20–40 | No |
Jaw pain from grinding? A custom night guard is the first-line treatment UK dentists recommend.
£109 for a pair — from your home dental impressions. We ship as soon as production is complete.
No, but it is one of the most effective ways to manage bruxism-related TMD symptoms by reducing force transmitted to the joint during sleep.
NHS Band 3 treatment (£30.50) can cover a custom night guard, but access depends on having an NHS dentist — waiting times are very long across the UK. NewSmile offers the same quality online for £109 a pair.
Hard acrylic or semi-hard guards are generally recommended by UK dentists for TMD patients. Soft guards can sometimes increase clenching behaviour.
Most UK patients notice reduced morning jaw tension within two to four weeks of consistent nightly wear.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
"Retainers at Home" appears near the top of UK searches for "cheapest custom retainer UK." Their per-arch pricing model looks attractive at first glance. NewSmile UK positions itself differently: flat-rate pair pricing and a focus on post-orthodontic retention care.
Retainers at Home charges from around £69.99 per arch. For patients who need both upper and lower retainers — the most common situation after orthodontic treatment — that pricing doubles.
NewSmile UK charges £109 for a pair: one upper and one lower Essix retainer in the same order. For most patients, that is the real comparison: £109 vs [INSERT RETAINERS AT HOME PAIR PRICE].
| Feature | NewSmile UK | Retainers at Home UK |
|---|---|---|
| Pair price | £109 | [INSERT CURRENT PRICE] |
| Impression kit included | Yes | Yes |
| Retainer type | Clear Essix | Clear Essix |
| Fit guarantee | Yes | Yes (60-day) |
| Customer support | Yes | Yes |
Both services use an at-home impression kit. You receive dental putty trays, press your teeth in, let the moulds set, and post them back in a prepaid envelope. Your retainers are fabricated at a dental lab and returned by post.
Neither service requires a dentist visit. For patients coming out of Invisalign or traditional braces, the impression process is usually straightforward — you have likely done it before with your orthodontist.
Several UK providers — Retainer Direct, Retainers at Home, EverythingTeeth — compete aggressively on per-arch price. But the "cheapest" headline number only tells the full story if you are buying a single arch. Most patients need two.
Run the actual pair comparison for your situation. With NewSmile, the all-in pair price is £109. If you genuinely only need to replace one arch — say, you lost your upper retainer but still have a working lower one — per-arch pricing from providers like Retainers at Home can make sense.
Need to replace your retainer? NewSmile UK ships custom clear Essix retainers direct to your door.
£109 for both arches. Home impression kit included. We ship as soon as production is complete.
For patients who need both arches, NewSmile's £109 pair price is straightforward and competitive. If you need only a single arch replacement, compare the per-arch prices directly before committing. Either way, a custom-fitted online retainer outperforms any off-the-shelf alternative.
Yes. Retainers at Home (retainersathome.co.uk) is a UK-based provider shipping custom retainers for post-orthodontic patients.
Online custom retainers range from approximately £60 to £150+ depending on provider and whether you buy per arch or as a pair. NewSmile charges £109 for a pair — both upper and lower arches included.
Yes. Both NewSmile and Retainers at Home include at-home impression kits. You make moulds at home and post them back — no dentist visit required.
Clear retainers typically last one to three years. Signs it is time to replace: visible cracks, yellowing, or a fit that feels loose or tight. If your teeth have shifted, a new retainer helps hold them in position.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Two UK-based online night guard providers competing for the same customer: someone who grinds their teeth and wants a custom-fitted guard without paying high-street dentist prices. Both ship an impression kit, you make moulds at home and post them back, and receive a custom guard.
NewSmile UK charges £109 for a pair. NewSmile's flat-rate pair price covers both upper and lower arches with no per-arch confusion.
| Feature | NewSmile UK | Caspersmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Night guard pair price | £109 | [INSERT CURRENT PRICE] |
| Impression kit | Yes | Yes |
| Guard material options | Clear rigid/soft | Soft, hard, hybrid |
| UK-made | Yes | Yes |
| Fit guarantee | Yes | Yes |
Caspersmile offers three guard types: soft, hard, and dual-layer hybrid — useful if your dentist has recommended a specific material. NewSmile's simpler range works well for the majority who just need a properly fitted custom guard.
Both offer hard-material guards for severe bruxism. For mild to moderate grinders — the majority — a standard custom guard from either provider works well. The key advantage over pharmacy options is fit: a custom guard distributes force evenly in ways no boil-and-bite can replicate.
Protect your teeth from grinding with a custom NewSmile night guard.
Flat-rate £109 for a pair — we ship as soon as production is complete.
For most UK grinders who want reliable custom fit and clear pricing, NewSmile's £109 night guard pair is the stronger choice. If material range and hybrid options matter, Caspersmile is worth a look. Either custom option substantially outperforms a pharmacy boil-and-bite.
Yes. Caspersmile (caspersmile.uk) ships impression kits and produces custom guards within the UK.
Prices range from £69 to £150+. NewSmile charges £109 for a pair covering both arches.
A hybrid combines a hard outer shell with a soft inner layer — suited to moderate grinders. Mild grinders do well with a standard custom soft guard.
One to three years with proper care. Rinse with cold water and air-dry after each use.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Teeth grinding (bruxism) affects an estimated one in three people in the UK at some point in their lives, according to the NHS. Left unprotected, it can cause worn enamel, cracked teeth, and persistent jaw pain. A well-fitted custom night guard is the most effective over-the-counter solution — but with newer UK brands entering the market, choosing between them takes some research.
In this comparison we look closely at two at-home custom night guard providers available to UK customers: Biite and NewSmile. We cover pricing, turnaround, materials, clinical oversight, and the overall value you get for your money.
Biite (biite.co.uk) is a UK-based night guard brand that offers soft and hard guard options made from dental-grade materials. The brand advertises a 48-hour turnaround time once impressions are received and has attracted positive Trustpilot mentions from customers who appreciate its straightforward ordering process.
NewSmile is a telehealth dental brand serving customers across the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. UK customers can order a NewSmile custom night guard directly from home, with every order individually reviewed by a clinical team using MHRA-compliant dental materials. Priced at a flat £109 per pair, NewSmile also provides custom retainers — meaning you can protect your smile on multiple fronts from one provider.
| Feature | Biite (biite.co.uk) | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Price | [INSERT CURRENT PRICE FROM biite.co.uk] | £109 (night guard pair) |
| Turnaround time | 48-hour turnaround advertised | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| Guard options | Soft and hard night guards | Soft and hard night guards |
| Clinical review | Not publicly stated | Every order reviewed by clinical team |
| Materials compliance | Dental-grade materials | MHRA-compliant dental-grade materials |
| Retainers also available | Night guards only | Yes — retainer pair also £109 |
Getting a custom night guard through a traditional UK dental practice typically costs between £150 and £500 or more depending on your dentist and location. NHS provision for bruxism guards is limited and waiting times can be lengthy.
Biite offers an at-home alternative at a price point listed on their website — check biite.co.uk directly for current pricing as it may change. NewSmile UK charges a flat £109 for a custom night guard pair — no hidden lab fees, no consultation charges.
One consideration that sets at-home night guard brands apart is how much clinical oversight is built into the process. Any device that sits in your mouth overnight should be reviewed by a qualified professional — not just manufactured to the shape of your impressions.
NewSmile includes a clinical review on every single order. Your impressions are assessed before your guard is fabricated, and the finished product uses MHRA-compliant materials — the UK regulatory standard for dental devices.
Biite uses dental-grade materials and has received positive customer feedback. If clinical oversight is a priority for you, NewSmile's transparent process provides additional reassurance.
Both Biite and NewSmile offer soft and hard night guard options, which is a meaningful feature — not every bruxism sufferer needs the same level of protection.
NewSmile's clinical review process helps flag the appropriate option for your bite profile before production begins — an advantage of having qualified eyes on your order before your guard is made.
Stop grinding your teeth without proper protection.
NewSmile UK makes a custom dental-grade night guard from your home impression for £109 — clinically reviewed, no dentist needed.
Biite has received positive reviews online and offers genuine dental-grade materials with a choice of soft or hard guard options. For UK customers looking for a straightforward at-home night guard, it is a reasonable option. However, if clinical oversight on every order and MHRA-compliant materials are important to you, NewSmile's process provides a more comprehensively reviewed product at a competitive £109 price point.
Custom night guards from UK dental practices typically range from around £150 to over £500 for a single arch, with NHS provision limited and subject to waiting times. At-home brands offer a more affordable alternative: NewSmile UK charges a flat £109 for a custom night guard pair, including home impression kit and clinical review.
It depends on the severity of your bruxism. Soft night guards are well suited to mild-to-moderate grinders and tend to be more comfortable initially. Hard night guards are better for heavy or habitual grinders because the rigid material is more durable and provides a stable surface that can help reduce clenching over time.
Yes. UK-based at-home brands including NewSmile and Biite allow you to take your own dental impressions at home using a provided kit, then mail them in for professional fabrication. No dentist appointment needed. NewSmile goes a step further by including a clinical review of every order, providing an additional layer of oversight without requiring an in-person visit.
The NHS recommends seeing a dentist if you think you grind your teeth, and in some cases a night guard may be available through NHS dental treatment. However, access and waiting times vary significantly by area, and many patients find that private at-home options like NewSmile offer a faster and more cost-effective route to a clinically sound custom guard.
By Joanna M. | Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Shopping for a custom retainer online in the UK has never been easier — which also means more providers to compare. Retainer Xpress and NewSmile are two of the most searched options right now, and if you've typed retainer xpress review uk or retainer xpress vs newsmile into Google this week, you're in the right place.
This article lays out a side-by-side comparison across price, materials, process, and value so you can make an informed decision without booking a dentist appointment first.
Retainer Xpress is a UK-based provider offering custom clear retainers and night guards by post. They advertise BPA-free and phthalate-free materials, a hard rigid polypropylene option for their night guard, and transparent pricing on their website. They also offer an in-person London service for customers who prefer to have impressions taken by a professional rather than at home. Current pricing: [INSERT CURRENT PRICE FROM retainerxpress.co.uk] for a retainer pair; [INSERT NIGHT GUARD PRICE FROM retainerxpress.co.uk] for a night guard.
NewSmile is a telehealth dental retention brand operating across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. UK customers order a home impression kit, take their own dental impressions, post them back, and receive a precision Essix-style clear retainer — no clinic visit required. The pair price is a flat £109, with MHRA-compliant materials and a dedicated clinical team reviewing every case. The NewSmile custom retainer is made from dental-grade thermoplastic and is designed to maintain orthodontic results long-term. For patients who grind their teeth, the NewSmile night guard is also available at the same £109 price point.
| Feature | Retainer Xpress UK | NewSmile UK |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer pair price | [INSERT CURRENT PRICE FROM retainerxpress.co.uk] | £109 |
| Night guard price | [INSERT NIGHT GUARD PRICE FROM retainerxpress.co.uk] | £109 |
| Process | Home impressions or London in-person option | Home impression kit, fully postal |
| Materials | BPA-free, phthalate-free; rigid polypropylene night guard option | MHRA-compliant dental-grade thermoplastic |
| Regulatory compliance | Not specified on site | MHRA-compliant |
| Clinical review | Not publicly confirmed | Every case reviewed by clinical team |
| Turnaround | See their site for current times | Ships as soon as production is complete |
| In-person option | Yes (London) | No — fully at-home |
One of the most common complaints about online retainer providers is that the headline price doesn't reflect the total cost. Impression kit fees, postage, and replacement charges can add up quickly.
NewSmile's £109 covers a top and bottom retainer pair. There are no separate impression kit fees buried at checkout. For UK buyers comparing buy custom retainer uk online options, this flat-rate model is straightforward — you know exactly what you're paying before you order.
Retainer Xpress lists pricing directly on their website, which is a positive sign for transparency. Check retainerxpress.co.uk for their current figures, as prices may have changed since this article was published.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the UK body responsible for ensuring medical devices — including dental appliances — meet safety standards. Retainers that sit against your teeth and gums for hours each night should meet these requirements. NewSmile's materials are manufactured to MHRA standards, which gives UK customers a clear regulatory reference point.
Retainer Xpress explicitly markets their products as BPA-free and phthalate-free, which is a reasonable baseline for any dental-grade appliance. NewSmile's dental-grade thermoplastic is similarly formulated to avoid known plasticiser concerns. MHRA compliance adds a formal regulatory layer that matters for medical devices in the UK specifically.
NewSmile sends a home impression kit containing putty, trays, and step-by-step instructions. You take upper and lower impressions yourself — it takes around 10 minutes — then post the kit back in the pre-paid return envelope. The clinical team reviews your impressions, and your retainers are fabricated and dispatched as soon as production is complete. No dentist appointment, no travel, no waiting room.
Retainer Xpress offers a point of difference with their London in-person service. For customers who are uncomfortable taking impressions at home, or who want professional oversight from the outset, this is a genuine advantage. Most UK customers outside London won't use it, but it's worth noting if you're based in the capital and prefer that route.
If you live outside London, have had retainers before, or simply want the most convenient option, the fully postal NewSmile process works well for the vast majority of customers. If you're anxious about taking your own impressions and live near London, Retainer Xpress's walk-in service is worth considering.
Ready for a custom retainer that fits perfectly — at £109?
NewSmile ships a precision Essix retainer from your home impression kit, no dentist appointment needed.
Yes. Retainer Xpress is a UK-based provider offering postal and in-person retainer and night guard services. They operate transparently with listed pricing and contact details on their website. As with any dental appliance provider, it is worth checking their current regulatory credentials before ordering.
Prices vary by provider. NewSmile charges £109 for a top and bottom retainer pair, with no hidden fees. NHS retainers are available following orthodontic treatment but are not typically offered as replacements for lost or worn retainers. Private dental practices often charge significantly more than online providers for the same Essix-style appliance.
Yes. Both NewSmile and Retainer Xpress offer custom night guards by post. NewSmile's custom night guard is £109 and follows the same home impression kit process as their retainers. Retainer Xpress offers a rigid polypropylene option — check their site for current pricing.
The most effective method is an ultrasonic cleaner paired with specialist retainer cleaning pods — these remove biofilm and calculus without abrasion or chemical residue. Avoid abrasive pastes or strong mouthwashes, which can scratch or cloud the plastic over time. Never use boiling water or a dishwasher, as heat warps the fit.
NewSmile's clinical team reviews every impression set before production begins. If your impressions are not sufficient for accurate fabrication, you will be contacted and a replacement kit arranged. This review step is one of the reasons a clinical oversight process matters — it avoids poorly fitting retainers being dispatched without a quality check.
