Why does my retainer feel tight after not wearing it?

If the retainer feels very tight, it means that your teeth are moving or have moved a lot. If it feels a bit tight, this is normal after six (6) years.

Is it bad to put your retainer back in after a long time?

In most cases, wearing an old retainer can realign your smile so long as your teeth have not shifted into an entirely new position. As a rule of thumb, wearing an old retainer should not be an issue so long as it still fits without needing to apply any force while inserting it over your teeth.

What do I do if my retainer is too tight?

If your retainers feel tight, but not painful, keep wearing them full time over the next few days until they start to feel okay. Hopefully, they will gently nudge your teeth back in line. If your retainers are painful, or you can’t get them to fit over your teeth, don’t force them.

What if my retainer only fits halfway?

Contact your orthodontist for a visit: you may need to get the retainer adjusted, or get a new retainer. If your teeth have shifted slightly due to irregular wear but your retainer still fits without too much force, go back to wearing your it full-time until it becomes comfortable again.

How should a clear retainer fit your mouth?

The plastic should fit snugly over your whole row of teeth, and should not move. Make sure your retainer fits over all of your teeth, including in the back to hold it in place. If your retainer is falling out, or not staying in place, you may not have anchored it properly.

How long will it take for my retainer to fit again?

A few days or a week: After a very short absence of a few days or a week, it’s likely that your retainer will still fit and be able to fix any minor changes in your smile. A few weeks or a month: After a slightly longer period of a few weeks or a month, your retainer may not feel comfortable to wear.

Can retainers stretch out?

Yes – over time, the plastic retainer will stretch out and loosen. This is one of the ways regular wear and tear will eventually damage the retainer and require replacement. The retainer should feel very snug around your teeth at first, but over time, they may start to feel slightly looser.

Can clear retainers change shape?

Plastic retainers can easily lose their original shape when they’re washed or soaked in water that’s too warm. This is why it’s very important to never use hot water when cleaning a plastic retainer. Plastic retainers can also change shape if they’re handled incorrectly.

What happens if my retainers feel tight?

If your retainers feel tight, but not painful, keep wearing them full time over the next few days until they start to feel okay. Hopefully, they will gently nudge your teeth back in line. If your retainers are painful, or you can’t get them to fit over your teeth, don’t force them.

Should I replace my old retainer?

Ideally it should be worn more long term ie not just be worn at night time, so that your teeth have a constant force acting on it. However if you are damaging your teeth or gums to get it in and out or other teeth that have not been displaced are becoming painful, then it is best not to wear your old retainer.

How long does it take for a retainer to straighten teeth?

If you’re persistent, the teeth should move back into their previous position fairly quickly (often within a few weeks) and the retainer will then fit comfortably. However, in some patients the teeth have changed so much that this “jamming the retainer on” trick doesn’t work and additional treatment is needed to straighten the teeth again.

Why do I need a retainer after braces?

Retainers help prevent your teeth from shifting positionafter your orthodontic appliance (like braces) has been removed. Your teeth will naturally adjust from the forces applied to them from a normal daily activity like chewing – a retainer helps prevent this from occurring. Your teeth continue to shift slightly throughout your life.