It's happened to the best of us. You're minding your own business, eating a bag of chips or hard candy, when you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your mouth. You reach in to see what's going on, and realize that your retainer has snapped in two. Now what?
If your retainer has broken, the first thing you should do is call your orthodontist. They will likely be able to give you guidance on what to do next and may even be able to repair your retainer. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to make the situation more bearable.
If you have a spare retainer, start wearing that one until you can get your broken retainer fixed. If you don't have a spare, try using wax to create a makeshift retainer. You can also try using floss to tie the broken pieces of your retainer together.
It's important to try to keep your teeth in alignment while you wait to get your retainer fixed. This means avoiding hard and chewy foods, as well as sugary snacks that can stick to your teeth. You should also brush and floss regularly to avoid getting cavities.
Waiting for your retainer to be fixed can be a pain, but it doesn't have to be a total disaster. With a little bit of creativity and patience, you can make it through this setback and get back to smiling with confidence.
What do I do if my retainer breaks?
If your retainer breaks, you should call your orthodontist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can try to temporarily fix your retainer using clear nail polish or super glue. However, it is important to keep in mind that these fixative solutions are only meant to be temporary and your orthodontist will likely need to replaced your retainer completely.
How often should I wear my retainer?
It's important to wear your retainer as often as possible, especially during the first few months after getting your braces off. After that, you can typically wear it at night and take it out during the day.
What are the consequences of not wearing my retainer?
If you don't wear your retainer, your teeth may move back into their original positions. You may also have to wear your retainer for a longer period of time.
How do I know if my retainer is too loose?
If your retainer is too loose, you will likely experience some discomfort. Your retainer should fit snugly but not tightly. If you can easily remove your retainer or if it feels excessively loose, it is likely too big. You may also notice that your teeth feel less stable than usual. If your retainer is loose, you should contact your orthodontist to be fitted for a new one.
Can I still eat with my retainer in?
Yes, you can still eat with your retainer in, but be very careful! Biting into hard foods can break or damage your retainer, so it’s important to stick to softer foods like cooked veggies, rice, pasta, etc. Also, make sure to brush your teeth after eating so food doesn’t get trapped in your retainer and cause decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my retainer breaks?
If your retainer is plastic and removable, you should try to remove it as soon as possible. If your retainer is a permanent type, you should bring it to your orthodontist for replacement.
Can dental retainers get cracked or broken?
Yes, dental retainers can get cracked or broken. If they’re used improperly, they can be subjected to forceful chewing and biting and sustained stress on the teeth junction where the retainer attaches to the tooth. This can cause the plastic material to fracture, making it unusable.
Can you use household adhesive on a broken retainer?
If the retainer is broken, you should contact your orthodontist to get a new one. Household adhesive should not be used on plastic retainers because it is not medical-grade.
What happens if you wait too long to replace a retainer?
If you wait too long to replace a retainer, the wire may start poking your tongue or bothering you. In this case, use a pencil eraser to push it back towards your teeth so it is less bothersome.
How long should you wear a retainer after eating?
Wearing a retainer after eating for two hours is recommended.
Sources
- https://www.melbourneorthodontics.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-retainer-breaks/
- https://www.dane101.com/what-to-do-when-retainer-breaks/
- https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com/blog/orthodontics-what-to-do-if-your-retainer-breaks/
- https://www.sportingsmiles.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-teeth-retainer-cracks/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/broken-retainer-heres-what-to-do
- https://perfecttoothbrushing.com/my-retainer-broke-what-should-i-do/
- https://diamondbraces.com/retainers/what-to-do-if-retainer-doesnt-fit/
- https://ahavaortho.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-have-a-broken-retainer/
- https://bestorthodontistusa.com/how-to-fix-a-cracked-retainer/
- https://www.quora.com/What-do-I-do-if-a-fixed-retainer-breaks
- https://www.sportingsmiles.com/blog/5-ways-to-prevent-dental-retainers-from-breaking-2/
- https://www.manchesterorthodontics.co.uk/blogs/articles/what-should-i-do-if-my-retainer-breaks
- https://www.eplifefit.com/what-to-do-if-your-retainer-breaks/
- https://ivanovortho.com/broken-permanent-retainer/
- https://perfecttoothbrushing.com/how-to-fix-broken-retainer/
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