Protect the Smile You Worked So Hard to Achieve
Finishing orthodontic treatment is a huge milestone — but keeping your smile straight requires lifelong retainer wear. Unfortunately, retainers are one of the most lost or damaged orthodontic appliances.
That’s why Skelton Orthodontics created our Smile Protection Membership — a simple, affordable way to protect your smile and avoid expensive replacement costs.
Why Retainer Protection Matters
Teeth naturally shift over time. Without properly fitting retainers, your smile can change — sometimes requiring retreatment.
Smile Protection membership helps patients:
- Replace lost or damaged retainers at a reduced cost
- Maintain long-term smile stability
- Avoid unexpected replacement expenses
- Receive future treatment savings if minor shifting occurs
Smile Protection 5-Year Membership
Includes:
- 5 full years of protection
- Reduced replacement co-pay
- Up to 2 replacement sets of removable clear Essix retainers per year
- Social 6 treatment discount if future correction is needed
- Maximum long-term savings
Members will be responsible to return their models and bring their membership card to the office for the new retainers to be created. If teeth have shifted and the existing models no longer work, a new scan will be required to create the replacements. There will be an additional fee of $75* due at time of the in-office scanning appointment.
*Fee includes the $30 co-pay and $45 scanning fee
Cost Comparison
Estimated Retainer Costs Over Time
| Replacement Scenario | No Protection | 5-Year Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Retainers | $500 | Included |
| Program Enrollment | — | $680 |
| 1 Replacement** (Full Set) | $400 | $60 |
| 2 Replacements | $400 | $60 |
| 3 Replacements | $400 | $60 |
| 4 Replacements | $400 | $60 |
| 5 Replacements | $400 | $60 |
| Estimated 5 Year Total | $2,500+ | $980+ |
Replacement Cost per arch is $200 full price and with a membership $30 per arch.
Keep the Smile, Skip the Stress
Most patients require multiple retainer replacements during the first five years after braces or aligners. Smile Protection Membership helps families plan and avoid surprise costs.
How the Smile Protection Membership Works
Step 1: Simple Enrollment
Enroll at the start of treatment or at your deband appointment.
(Plans may be added to your orthodontic payment plan if enrolled during treatment.)
Step 2: Easy Replacement
If your retainer is lost or damaged:
- Contact our office to see if it qualifies
- Bring in your model & pay the co-pay
- Pick up your replacement (ready within 3 business days)
Bonus Protection: Social 6 Savings
Smile Protection members receive a discount on “Social 6” treatment if minor shifting occurs in the future. This provides an affordable option to correct small alignment changes without full orthodontic retreatment.
Important Coverage Details
Smile Protection membership covers retainers lost or damaged through normal wear or accidental damage. Retainers do wear out over time and it is recommended to replace your retainer periodically due to bacterial biofilm buildup and normal wear.
Coverage does not include retainers intentionally damaged or neglected. Determination of defects or misuse is made by the orthodontist.
Smile Protection membership applies to removable Essix-style retainers only.
Smile Protection membership and replacement co-pays are not covered by dental or orthodontic insurance.
Why Families Love Smile Protection Membership
- Predictable replacement costs
- Long-term smile protection
- Added treatment savings
- Stress-free retainer replacement
Ready to Protect Your Smile?
Ask about Smile Protection Membership at your next visit or contact our team today.
- Call Skelton Orthodontics
- Ask Our Team During Your Next Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enroll?
Patients of Skelton Orthodontics can enroll during orthodontic treatment or at deband.
What if I lose my retainer multiple times?
Smile Protection Membership allows up to two replacement sets of removable clear essix-style retainers per year during your coverage period.