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Published September 2026

Who usually does it

orthodontist. Done by the orthodontist; a general dentist can adjust or repair one.

One question worth asking

How long should this be worn, and what does a replacement cost here?

Retainers at the end of braces

Braces and alignersMajorD8680

D8680. Braces are removed and retainers fitted; usually included in the total braces fee.

After braces come off, a retainer holds the teeth in place. It may be removable or a thin wire bonded behind the teeth. Codes cover the retainer at the end of treatment, adjusting it, and repairing either type.

A removable retainer is worn at night, and a fixed one is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth that stays put. Teeth drift for years after treatment, so retainers are a long-term habit rather than a short one. Codes cover the retainer made at the end of treatment, adjusting it, and repairing either kind. Most plans file this as Basic. What they actually pay varies by plan.

Codes for this

D8680MajorRetainers at the end of bracesBraces are removed and retainers fitted; usually included in the total braces fee.per visit · Done oftenD8681BasicAdjusting a removable retainerA small adjustment to a retainer that no longer fits well.per visit · Done sometimesD8696BasicRepairing a bonded retainer, upperFixes the thin wire glued behind the upper front teeth.per arch · Done sometimesD8697BasicRepairing a bonded retainer, lowerFixes the thin wire glued behind the lower front teeth.per arch · Done sometimesD8698BasicRepairing a removable retainer, upperFixes a cracked or bent removable upper retainer.per arch · Done sometimesD8699BasicRepairing a removable retainer, lowerFixes a cracked or bent removable lower retainer.per arch · Done sometimes

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Retainers at the end of braces (D8680): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar