My Retainer Doesn’t Fit AnymoreÂ
Wearing a retainer is important to keep the teeth in their super new position. However, plastic can’t last forever and your retainer may stop fitting properly. This could be due to a number of reasons. In this post, we’ll take you through the reasons why your retainer won’t fit and what to do to correct it. Let’s get going.What Types of Retainers are There? There are two types of retainers in use across the world. Both of these orthodontic devices have the same results and it will depend on your previous treatment, as well as which retainer is most effective for you based on that particular orthodontist’s expertise. A Permanent Retainer Permanent retainers are made of a metal wire that is glued to your teeth and attached to them so they cannot move. Usually, this wire has either a smooth or braided texture with the latter being more popular due to its increased functionality for people who grind their teeth excessively when resting.It’s fitted over what remains of any tooth movement from braces while in place which can last up until you’re an adult but usually needs replacing after 10 years as it loses elasticity.Removable RetainerRemovable retainers are made in-house by lab technicians. The retainers are created from a clear plastic sheet that is shaped with heat over an individual’s teeth mould model to create the perfect fit for their mouth and hold all of your natural teeth securely into place during treatment, lasting anywhere between two months up until life. How do I Know if Your Retainer Doesn’t Fit?A retainer is a necessary part of your orthodontic treatment. If it doesn’t fit comfortably, you should not try to force it in place by wedging or chewing on the plastic. This weakens the material and can cause discomfort during wear.Your doctor will have examined how well your new teeth are fitting into their proper position before giving you one that fits snugly around them. If you have fitting issues or feel more discomfort than usual then you may need an appointment with your provider. Your gums may swell too, this may or may not be a fitting issue.1 You Haven’t Worn the Retainer as InstructedYour retainers are not just a nice accessory for your smile; they’re the third stage in orthodontic care. Without them, there is no force preventing teeth from drifting back to their original position and that means you’ll find yourself with crooked or misaligned teeth once again.If you never wear your retainer, it can mean going through all of those expensive treatments only to lose what you’ve accomplished. So make sure to keep up on wearing yours every day.WHAT TO DO: Just wear the retainer as instructed by the orthodontist.2 The Retainer is WarpedDrinking hot beverages with the tray in, running them under hot water, or attempting to boil them to clean them will warp the plastic. Heat can warp a retainer and cause it not to fit properly. Eating with the tray in is also bad because they are brittle at this point which means that biting down on anything could break their retainers.WHAT TO DO: Always remove the retainer before eating. NEVER leave it in direct sunlight. In terms of cleaning, only use warm water and no hard chemicals. 3 The Retainer is DamagedPlaying sports can damage the retainer. Contact sports will mean possible cracks and splits in the plastic. Dropped or squashed retainers will also suffer some form of damage.WHAT TO DO: Always remove the retainer before sports activities. Keep the device in its carry case when not wearing this. ConclusionIf you maintain good retainer care techniques, it’s likely that your smile will remain perfect. Even after braces come off. We understand what it takes to keep teeth clean and straight. Whether you want to get full orthodontic perfection or to cover up crookedness, we can advise you. Get in touch with our orthodontic office today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. McDermott.
