If you’ve just realised your retainer is broken or you’ve lost it, don’t panic. It’s easy to put off replacing it, but your teeth can start to shift when they’re no longer being held in position. The sooner you contact your orthodontic practice, the easier it is to protect the results of your treatment and avoid unwanted movement.
What Should You Do Straight Away?
Stop wearing a retainer that is cracked, sharp or no longer fits comfortably, and contact your practice promptly.- Stop wearing a damaged or ill-fitting retainer.
- Store any pieces safely and bring them to your appointment.
- Contact your orthodontic practice as soon as you can.
- Avoid trying to repair it yourself with glue, heat or household tools.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The main reason is that, after your teeth have been straightened, the surrounding bone and soft tissues need time to settle into their new position. Without a retainer, your teeth can start to shift, sometimes within days or weeks, particularly soon after treatment. How quickly this happens varies from person to person and is not guaranteed to happen in every case.Getting Your Retainer Replaced
Replacing a retainer is usually a straightforward appointment, though the right option depends on how your teeth have been affected since you last wore it. Your orthodontist will check the current fit and position of your teeth, and in most cases a new retainer can be made from a fresh scan or impression. If you still have part of your old retainer, bring it along, as it can help your orthodontist judge how much your teeth may have shifted and how quickly a replacement is needed.Preventing Future Retainer Problems
Good storage habits are the simplest way to avoid this happening again.- Keep your retainer in its case whenever it is out of your mouth.
- Keep it away from pets, heat sources and pockets without a case.
- Bring it to your regular dental check-ups so any wear is spotted early.
