What to Do if You Have a Broken Retainer
Did you know that approximately 4 million people in the United States are currently wearing braces? That means that just as many people are likely to be wearing retainers to bed each night at any given time. That's fantastic because retainers are essential for keeping your teeth from shifting.
However, if you're one of the many people who have a retainer after braces, you know how easy they are to break. What should you do if your retainer breaks? Don't worry, we've got your back!
We'll go over what to do if your retainer breaks and how to repair it in this post.
Understand the Importance of Getting a New Retainer
To begin, it's critical to understand how critical it is to wear your retainer after getting braces. Many people believe that they are no longer required to wear their retainers after a certain period, so when their retainer breaks, they do not bother getting a new one.
However, if your retainer breaks, you must replace it as soon as possible! Wearing your retainer as directed is one of the most important things you can do to keep your new smile looking great. This will help ensure that your teeth stay in their new position and do not shift back to their previous position.
Furthermore, retainers aid in the prevention of new wrinkles around the mouth, which can occur if your teeth are allowed to shift back out of alignment.
So, if you have a damaged retainer, make sure to follow your orthodontist's instructions for wearing it and schedule an appointment to get a new one.
What to Do With Your Broken Retainer
It can be a frustrating and costly experience to lose or break your retainer. But don't give up! You can do a few things to minimize the damage and get back to wearing your retainer as soon as possible.
The first thing you should do if you lose your retainer is contact your orthodontist. They might be able to send you a replacement or instruct you on how to repair your current retainer.
If your retainer snaps, try to find all of the pieces. Once you've collected them, rinse and store them safely. Then contact your orthodontist immediately. They may be able to give you instructions on how to repair the retainer yourself, or they may require an appointment with you. In either case, acting quickly is critical to limiting further damage.
It's important to remember that, depending on your orthodontist and the orthodontic treatment plan you chose, you may need to return for a new mold of your teeth.
Not all orthodontists keep patient molds on file. Furthermore, if you had your treatment years ago, your teeth may have shifted slightly. In that case, it is best to obtain a new retainer.
How to Get a New Retainer
If your retainer is damaged, you must replace it immediately!
The first step is to make an appointment with your orthodontist. They will be able to provide you with the necessary forms as well as instructions on how to obtain a new retainer. This could be as simple as them sending you a new one in the mail, or it could entail you going in to have a new retainer made.
Finally, your orthodontist will be able to advise you on the next steps to take. After that, you'll either go into the office to pick up your new retainer or wait for them to ship it to your house.
Follow your orthodontist's instructions to ensure that you get a new retainer that fits properly and works properly.
In the meantime, what do you do with your broken retainer? While they will most likely take a new mold of your teeth, it is best to bring your broken retainer with you in case they need to refer to anything like the labial bow or the bite plate.