【How-to】Should retainers hurt at first

How long will my new retainer hurt?

Any initial discomfort with a new retainer should pass within a day or two of continuous use. If the discomfort isn’t easing after a few days of continuous wear, contact your dental professional.

Should you wear your retainer if it hurts?

If discomfort does not go away after regular wear of the retainer, it is best to contact your dental professional. If the pain you are feeling doesn’t feel like “tightness” or pressure, it could be that there is a piece of metal or plastic in the retainer irritating the gums or cheeks.

Why does my retainer hurt?

Your teeth could be moving out of their position naturally or because of a tongue thrust. When you go to put your retainer back in, it may no longer fit appropriately, causing you pain and discomfort. While this can be natural, it could also be a sign of a problem.

Are retainers supposed to be tight when you first get them?

Continue reading for some advice on retainer use from Dr. James Donaghey at Donaghey Orthodontics. As long as your retainer doesn’t hurt and still fits over your teeth, you can wear it even if it feels tight. This probably means that your teeth have shifted.

Can tight retainer damage your teeth?

Wearing a retainer that doesn’t fit correctly is not only annoying and unhelpful, but it can also potentially damage the teeth and nearby tissues because it is placing too much pressure on them.

Can retainer move teeth back?

So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is yes, sometimes. If your retainer doesn’t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.

Can I bite down on my retainer?

Because the clear retainers cover your teeth, when you bite down on something you will be biting the clear material of your retainer. This biting may cause damage to the retainer over time. Clear retainers can also become yellow or gray if not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.

How should my retainer feel?

It is normal for your retainer to feel tight after six (6 ) years because teeth always shift a bit. If you see spacing or crowding, you should consider wearing the retainer at night again. If the retainer feels very tight, it means that your teeth are moving or have moved a lot.

Will my teeth shift without retainer for 2 days?

Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in place, choosing to not wear it for a long period of time will cause some issues. It’s fine to miss a day or two because your teeth won’t move much during that time. If you go without it much longer than that, then your teeth will start to shift again.

Should I be able to take my retainer off with my tongue?

DO NOT REMOVE/POP OUT YOUR RETAINERS WITH YOUR TONGUE! The wire will break, which will necessitate a new retainer. After approximately 6 months you will be able to wear your retainers at night only. Night time wear is determined by the doctor and is based on the stability of your teeth.

Can I wear my retainer without brushing?

Hopping in Bed Without Brushing Retainers

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth, these bacteria can build around your gum line, creating toxins as byproducts that impact the gum tissue. … Fortunately, you can keep your retainer clean and safe by brushing it just like you brush your teeth.

Should my teeth touch with retainer?

The Hawley retainer has these advantages:

It may be repairable if broken. It can last for years if used and cared for properly. The upper and lower teeth touch naturally with this type of retainer.

Should I wear retainers while sleeping?

The First 2 Years: After your orthodontist gives you the OK, you will only need to wear retainers while you sleep. From the Third Year to the Rest of Your Life: You will still need to hold on to your retainers and wear them regularly, but every other night is fine. There is no need to worry if you skip a night or two.

Do retainers hurt more than braces?

Well fitting retainers generally do not cause a great deal of discomfort. It’s like a new pair of shoes and can take time for the plate/s to feel comfortable. Once your braces/ appliances are removed, your teeth may feel a little ‘loose” – this is because your teeth are used to being moved to a new location.

How do you know if your retainers don’t fit?

Is your retainer not fitting? If it’s too loose, or too tight to put comfortable in your mouth, then it is no longer fitting. Don’t force it – and don’t try to adjust it at home! Your orthodontist has special instruments for adjusting orthodontic appliances.

How do I know if my retainer doesn’t fit?

4 Signs You Might Need a Retainer Replacement

There Are Small breaks. There are a couple different options for retainers. …
It Feels Loose. Another sign that it’s time to replace your retainer is if it feels loose. …
It Doesn’t Fit. Another common problem for retainers is that they can lose their shape. …
There’s Calcium Buildup.

Can I drink water with retainers?

With clear retainers, DO NOT DRINK OR EAT ANYTHING with them except water. Keep retainers AWAY FROM DOGS AND CATS. Pets have been known to chew through retainer cases and your retainer.

How tight should your retainer be?

As for a removable retainer, simply follow your orthodontist’s directions, and you should be just fine. When you first try on the retainer, it’ll likely feel snug. This is a completely normal. As your teeth set into an aligned resting position, the retainer will loosen up, and any discomfort will go away.

How often should you get a new retainer?

After six months is a good rule of thumb to follow, but it could also be sooner, depending on how well you take care of them. What’s important is to get them replaced as soon as they get damaged or when they no longer fit properly.