Do You Need a Replacement Retainer? ( 2021 Guide with Answers)

Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by editor

As time goes on, retainers will gradually wear down and become wider than necessary. When this happens your retainer won’t be able to hold your teeth where they are supposed to go anymore! Be sure not to let it get that far because once the mouth starts shifting back again there’s no turning back–so don’t wait for things to worsen before getting a new one.

You have achieved a straight beautiful smile. Now you are on the retainer stage. Retainers need looking after because they’re fragile. There are many reasons you might need a replacement retainer. In this post, we’ll take you through 5 reasons why your retainer needs replacing. Let’s get looking.

What Types of Retainer are There?

When it comes to picking the right retainer, you need to know your options. For example:

Hawley Retainer

This type of retainer is made from bendable wire and acrylic or plastic. The wire goes across the front of your teeth, and the acrylic is moulded to fit perfectly inside your mouth. Hawley retainers are available in a large variety (of colors) so you can add sparkles or patterns for some fun. This type of retainer allows for adjustment based on what will work best with orthodontic adjustments after braces if needed at all.

Hawley Retainers are not only attractive, but they’re also adjustable so your orthodontist can make small adjustments to the position of teeth after braces. They stay in place and last a long time with proper maintenance; this type is easy to clean as well!

Essix Retainers

Essix Retainers are clear plastic retainers that look like Invisalign aligners but have more durability because unlike traditional braces which require wires, Essix is only secured by teeth pressure from inside so there’s no way for them to break off under heavy use! These also come in three different color shades – white (clear), pinkish-brown (light) and dark chocolate brown(dark).

Permanent Retainers

Permanent or fixed retainers are made of a metal wire that is glued to your teeth. Usually, this wire is smooth and solid or has a braided texture. It’s attached to your teeth and adjusted to match the shape of it so you can chew better with them in place.

Permanent retainers may be recommended by orthodontists after braces if they want to make sure their work stays put. You might also need one for situations where keeping up on regular check-ups isn’t possible, like when travelling abroad. But there needs to be enough tooth surface area around each individual tooth for the bonding material.

How Long Should a Retainer Last?

 

2 years. A clean, well-maintained retainer may be kept in the mouth for up to 2 years or more before replacement is necessary. Retainers are made of tough material that can withstand typical wear and tear but will eventually need replacing due to normal use over time.

What Issues can Happen?

Cracks

These often occur when a person accidentally bites down on them with force. You will need to control the biting of the chewie so as not to hasten any cracking that may occur. Cracking can also happen if someone accidentally drops the retainer onto a hard surface.

Cracked retainers should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. Wearing a damaged retainer can cause issues such as swelling or irritation of tooth surfaces. This will, in turn, lead to gum disease and decay.

Loosening

Retainers will become loose over time. If your retainer starts to become loose then it’s time for a replacement. You should replace the retainer before tooth retention occurs.

This means the teeth will move back towards the position they were in before treatment. And that means all the hard work, visits to the ortho, and money spent will be wasted.

Warping

Warped retainers can affect the position of the teeth. A warped or disfigured retainer won’t work effectively. You may have accidentally run it through a washing machine. This is common. If this happens, you will need an appointment to have a replacement fitted at the earliest convenience.

Lost Your Retainer

Retainers are small pieces that may easily be lost either when eating or brushing teeth, so it is important that they do not get misplaced! A lost retainer will cause you to need a replacement. It is advisable to keep the last set of aligners to hold the teeth in place until the new one arrives.

Damage

Do not wear your retainer while eating. Scrubbing it with a toothbrush may damage the plastic and will make it more difficult to clean. If you are having trouble fitting your retainers, bring them in for an appointment at the orthodontist’s office so that they can be checked out.

Too Much Calcium

Calcium can build up on the retainer over time. This is common and easily avoidable. But even if you are diligent in maintaining the retainers, calcium may still collect on the surfaces. This means the retainer will be unsightly and unhealthy to use. You will need to replace it when this has happened as it cannot be cleaned effectively.

A dirty retainer can cause several health issues. For example, Candida is one type of fungus that lives on retainers and if left alone for an extended period it could start to grow inside your mouth causing yeast infections or other painful symptoms like thrush.

That’s why you should be cleaning your retainer at least once per day with a cleaner designed specifically for the material so as not to have the potential risk-taking over your oral hygiene habits.

Sadly, dirty retainers can cause cavities. The sugars in any food or drink will stain the teeth and give you a cavity if retainer is not removed before eating/drinking anything but water! To keep your mouth healthy, don’t forget to clean it before putting on the retainer.

Lost Your Retainer

If you have lost your retainer, notify the orthodontist immediately. The office will be able to make a new one.

Improper Fitting

As well as these five reasons why your retainer needs replacing, improper fitting may mean an increased risk of teeth shifting over time. Ensure the retainer is correct by discussing with your ortho any issues that seem out of the norm.

Your ortho may be able to shave or fit the retainer better before you leave the office. If it isn’t fitting well, there are other ways for them to make a new one before you leave the office.

Conclusion

The risk of teeth shifting over time will be increased if improper fitting persists. Check with your ortho about any issues that seem out of the norm and they can help adjust or replace them as necessary so that this doesn’t happen again in the future.

You want your teeth to look amazing for as long as you live. Retainers will ensure that happens. They do not need to be feared or worried about as you have read above, there are retainers that are invisible, meaning the only person who knows you’re wearing them is you. Dr. Panucci and all at Beach Braces have the experience and dedication to give you and your child the best possible service. If you have any further questions you can contact us by clicking here.

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