Once you have completed your Braces journey, you will move on to the maintenance phase with retainers. Teeth are biological structures that are sitting in gums and bone. They are constantly working to help us eat, smile, and talk. It is natural for them to move slightly after treatment.
Retainers are very important to avoid/minimize Teeth Relapse (the teeth shifting back toward their original position).
Studies have shown that most relapse occurs in the first year after completing tooth movement, with certain types of tooth movement more at risk of relapse than others.
New retainers are expected to feel tight and snug. Spend some time training with us until you’re comfortable and confident about removing new retainers.
Retainers are designed to hold your teeth in the position when braces are just removed. Suppose you have not worn your retainers for a period of time. In that case, tooth movement may shift teeth from their original position in their retainers, causing the retainers to feel tighter than usual.
What to do:
Check the position of your teeth. If the tooth movement is tiny and the retainers can fit almost all the way down, try sleeping overnight with the retainer on and wear the retainers full time (except when eating and brushing teeth) for a few days to ease teeth back into position. The retainers should feel tight.
Retainers are not braces, and they cannot do big tooth movements. If teeth have shifted a lot, do not force retainers in. This can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums! Reach out to us ASAP.
If retainers are too tight because they have been dipped in hot water/ stepped on/ sat on/ crushed by heavy textbooks:
Unfortunately, the retainers are most likely distorted/ deformed out of shape. Reach out to us ASAP for help!
If there is a lot of PAIN from trying to fit your retainers on, STOP! Do not force the retainers onto your teeth. It’s crucial to act promptly in such situations. Make an appointment to see us As Soon As Possible and bring your retainers along. Remember, your dental health is our priority.
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