Your retainer may not fit properly over time. This usually indicates that the retainer has become distorted or misshapen. Alternatively, your teeth may have shifted. This is probably because of inconsistent usage of the retainer.
In such cases, a retainer adjustment for misshapen retainers may be necessary. Using the retainer regularly helps maintain its shape and keeps your teeth in the right position. Remember, proper care and regular use of your retainer is essential for maintaining your dental health.
If your retainer doesn’t fit, schedule a visit with your orthodontist. They can adjust your retainer or fit you for a new one.
If your teeth have shifted a lot and you haven’t worn your retainer for a while, your orthodontist might suggest another round of orthodontic care. This will move your teeth back into place. But remember, you can avoid this by wearing your retainer correctly.
Different types of retainers are available. The right one can prevent your teeth from moving and protect the results of your original treatment. So, make sure to wear your retainer as advised by your orthodontist.
Make Your Retainer Fit Again
Avoid forcing your retainer if it doesn’t fit properly. It could harm your teeth or damage the retainer. This discomfort may be because of a misshapen retainer or shifted teeth.
In such cases, reach out to your orthodontist. They will check your teeth and retainer during your appointment.
For a Hawley retainer, adjustments can be made for a better fit. For clear plastic retainers, a new set can be created from the original or a new mold.
This is part of orthodontic care for shifted teeth post-retainer use. This is a common issue in orthodontic treatment. Even with permanent retainers, teeth can shift over a long time.
Know if Your Retainer Doesn't Fit
Orthodontists custom mold retainers to your teeth for a comfortable fit. If you don’t wear the retainer regularly or it gets damaged, it may not fit properly. It could feel loose or too tight. These are signs that your retainer doesn’t fit and needs an orthodontist’s examination.
Clear plastic retainers can lose their shape if exposed to heat. If this happens, you can use your backup retainer or visit the orthodontist for a new set.
Remember, regular wear and tear can lead to tooth movement. Retainers help to straighten your teeth and maintain their position. So, if you’re looking for solutions for an uncomfortable retainer fit, regular check-ups with your orthodontist are essential.
If I Don't Wear My Retainer?
Your retainer is actually a part of your orthodontic care: it’s the third stage of the process of aligning teeth. The retention phase keeps the teeth in their healthy, proper alignment, and prevents them from shifting back to their original, pre-treatment positions.
Without the retainers, there is no force preventing this drift from happening, so your teeth will gradually start to move back. If you never wear your retainers, they can shift so much that the treatment was effectively useless – your teeth will be back out of alignment, and your health and smile will be impacted accordingly.
Many adults wear braces or use Invisalign. They had them as teenagers but didn’t wear their retainers correctly. Now, their teeth have shifted. They are paying again to align their teeth.
Avoid this. Pay for orthodontic care once. Then, wear your retainers properly.
Wear My Retainer if It Doesn't Fit?
If you have to force your retainer to fit, you shouldn’t wear it: forcing a retainer that doesn’t fit could damage your teeth or the retainer.
Try gently putting the retainer back in your mouth: if you have to force it, then it no longer fits and you should not try to put it in your mouth. Contact your orthodontist for a visit: you may need to get the retainer adjusted or get a new retainer.
If your teeth have shifted slightly due to irregular wear but your retainer still fits without too much force, go back to wearing it full-time until it becomes comfortable again. Make sure to remove your retainer only when brushing and eating or drinking. Your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days, but the sensitivity will eventually fade and the retainer will become more comfortable. At that point, you can reduce to night-time only wear.
A misshapen or damaged retainer may not fit well. This lack of fit might not keep your teeth in place. You should reach out to your orthodontist. They can check your retainer.
Here are some home care tips for long-term retainer use. Avoid hot water when cleaning your retainer. It can warp the shape.
Always brush your teeth before wearing your retainer. This ensures it fits comfortably and works effectively.
Retainer Adjustment at Home
- This is the best retainer option.
- These are used for long-term treatment.
- They are semi-permanent.
- They stay in place at all times and can be removed by us or a dentist.
- They do not harm the teeth. The area around them has to be kept clean.
- We recommend using a Waterpik machine to clean this retainer rather than floss (as floss can get caught in the wire and can break the retainer).
- Use floss threaders if you’d prefer to use floss. Slide the floss out from the front. Do not pull floss up and out or you will pop and break the glue from the retainer.
- See your dentist every six to twelve months for cleanings and checkups.
- If you feel that any glue has come off, see us immediately.
