Retain Your Smile: What To Do if Your Retainer No Longer Fits | Orthodontics, Wichita, KS

Unfortunately, braces do not guarantee permanent results. Wearing your retainer is considered the third stage of your orthodontic care, known as the retention stage. Once your teeth have been properly aligned, you must wear your retainer regularly to ensure they stay in their new alignment and prevent them from shifting to their original pre-treatment position. Without a retainer, your teeth are free to drift and can shift significantly, so much so that it may eventually render your entire treatment ineffective. Don’t risk paying for orthodontic treatment twice—remain vigilant with nightly retainer usage, especially in the first 18 to 24 months following braces!

For the first few weeks of wearing a new retainer, it may feel a bit tight or uncomfortable, which is to be expected for most patients. As your teeth begin to settle into their new position, your retainer will loosen, and you should no longer feel discomfort or experience difficulties inserting or removing your retainer. If you do, this could signify that your retainer doesn’t fit as it should. There are multiple reasons your retainer may no longer fit; some of the most common include the following:

Improper Wear—If you don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing your retainer, you may begin to experience issues. Even missing a few days can cause your retainer to no longer fit your teeth!
Retainer Damage—An ill-fitting retainer may indicate that your retainer is damaged. Oftentimes, harsh use can cause cracks in the metal or plastic or your retainer.
Distorted Shape—You may notice that your retainer’s shape has been distorted or warped. This can easily occur if you wash your plastic retainer in water that is too hot.

If you find yourself struggling to put on your retainer, contact your orthodontist or dentist as soon as possible! Whatever you do, don’t force your retainer, as it could damage not only your retainer but your teeth as well. While visiting with your doctor, they will determine the next steps and may make a new retainer for you based on the current position of your teeth.