Replacement Retainer? Loose? What Happens if you Lose?

Are you in need of a replacement retainer? How about the one you currently have? Is it loose? Your retainer may have been lost or damaged. All of these are common problems we encounter. Here is a blog post that will discuss at length

Your new smile needs to be kept as is. You spent money and time perfecting your teeth, it is important to keep your retainer, whatever the device is, in tip-top form. There will be a time when your retainer needs replacing.

You may need a replacement retainer if you notice the following signs:

There are holes in your retainer or it is worn down.
There is a crack or break in your retainer.
There is a severe discoloration on your retainer.
It doesn’t fit properly anymore.
The retainer you were wearing has gone missing.
Your retainer no longer fits because you stopped wearing it.

Table of Contents

How a Retainer Works

There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. As its name suggests, the fixed type is installed in the patient’s mouth. This type is typically used for the front upper and/or lower teeth because it is the most reliable in terms of ensuring the teeth remain precisely straight.

A fixed retainer is typically a thin piece of wire that is most commonly installed using some orthodontic glue on either end that bonds to the back of the teeth.

The removable type of retainer can be used on its own or with one or more fixed retainers. If fixed retainers are installed, the removable retainer(s) will fit right over their fixed counterparts. Removable retainers are easier to use since they can be taken out to eat, floss and brush, or for special events. But because they do not remain in place at all times, the teeth can achieve some minimal movement during the time a removable retainer is not being worn.

A removable retainer also typically uses thin pieces of wire to control tooth movement, but it does this in combination with an impression of the upper and/or lower palates that holds the retainer wires in place inside your mouth. Another option that is often used looks similar to an aligner in that it is a clear mold of the teeth with only a shallow shelf that is only barely visible from the front of the teeth.

Can I Get a Replacement Retainer from a Different Orthodontist?

Invisalign or braces treatment will no longer be convenient for many people when they go off to school or move states. You’re likely to need a replacement retainer wherever you go. The best thing you can do in such cases is to go to a different orthodontist.

You may be required to come into the office to get a 3D scan or mold of your teeth before a replacement retainer can be made.

Observe these signs to see if you need a replacement retainer:

A Loose Retainer

Tooth retainers are a vital tool for effective tooth care. If they start feeling loose, or if you’re no longer wearing them enough to keep everything where it belongs then don’t wear the retainer anymore. Loose retainers will not be able to hold anything in place so just throw away your old one and get yourself another one that fits better.

A Warped Retainer

Modern-day dental appliances such as retainers come with many benefits but also risks for their users which includes breaking down from normal use over time without proper care. A common issue among those who wear these types of equipment are accidents involving dishwashers/ washing machines (or hot water) causing cracks or dents to the device and rendering them unusable.

A Lost Retainer

Retainers are a vital part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, so don’t be discouraged if you lose your retainer. Just get another one. Retainers are lost every day, you may leave them in a restaurant or accidentally throw them away. Either way, make an appointment with your provider and they will provide a replacement. You may be charged or you may get ONE complimentary included in the initial price.

Calcium Build-up

No one wants a mouthpiece that is uncomfortable or caked with calcium. If you notice either problem, get in touch with your provider.

Old Retainer

After a long time, as with most things, the efficiency of your retainer will degrade. An old retainer will stretch and warp a little, This will mean your retainer is effectively useless and needs replacing. At the end of the day, your teeth are stronger than plastic and will always win.

Conclusion

Gluck Orthodontics is a trusted name in orthodontic care. Dr. Gluck is a board-certified orthodontic specialist (a distinction only one-quarter of all practising orthodontists today can claim). He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Here at Gluck Orthodontics, we proudly provide our patients with the very latest in orthodontic care plus a little something extra from the friendly staff that we like to call ‘The Gluck Experience.’ To learn more and schedule your initial orthodontic consultation, call us at 615-269-5903. Or visit us online or in person.

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.