Do not even bother putting an old retainer in your mouth if it has been several months or years since you last wore it. It is quite improbable that it will fit, and if it does, it might get caught, which would be painful and might even cause harm to your teeth and tissues.
Can I wear my retainer after not wearing it for months or years? Don't even try to wear an old retainer if you haven't worn it for several months or years! You could cause more harm than good trying to refit it into your mouth. Your old retainer could become stuck, cause pain, or even damage your teeth and gums.
We tell all of our patients that retainers will need to be replaced throughout life. They will not last forever, nor do we want them to and it is a natural and healthy process to replace them. Many people think that they are going to “outgrow” their retainer that they received at 14 years of age, but that is not true.
Give Your Orthodontist a Call
If you've looked for a few hours and still can't find your retainer then you'll need to contact your orthodontist to get a new one. They'll make an appointment with you to either make a new mold of your teeth or to order a copy of your old ones if they still have your impression.
Wearing your retainer again shouldn't cause you any problems. It's been several weeks or a month or two since you last wore your retainer: If it's been slightly longer since you last wore your retainer, it may no longer be comfortable to wear. Try putting it into place, but don't force it.
Your retainers will keep your teeth from moving around when they are in your mouth. If you continue to wear them immediately after treatment and maintain a consistent schedule, your teeth will continue to be supported in their new positions.
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.
Both types of removable retainers can experience wear and tear over time. Acrylic removable retainers, referred to as Hawley retainers, may last up to 10 years. Plastic removable retainers may not last nearly as long and will likely need to be replaced more frequently.
You should wear your retainers nightly for at least a year. After that, you can shift your wear to every other night or so. After a few years, most individuals choose to wear theirs at night around three to five times a week.
In particular, plastic retainers can last for 4-5 years if you take proper care of them. Understanding that your oral hygiene routine plays a key role in keeping your retainers up-to-date is vital. Plastic retainers are custom-made, just like your Invisalign.
While everyone's orthodontist may recommend something different, typically, it is recommended that you wear your retainer every night for the first year. After that, you can switch to 3-5 times a week. Night-time is the perfect time to pop it in as you won't be eating, drinking, talking, or seeing people in public.
A too-tight retainer can damage your teeth and the surrounding gums. The retainer also could become stuck, which would constitute a dental emergency for which you would need immediate care. A retainer that is too loose won't damage the teeth like forcing in a tight retainer can.
How long can you go without wearing your retainer? If you lose your retainer for a few days, you won't encounter many problems. You may even be able to go without your retainer for a week or two. However, any longer and it will hurt to put it back in.
Should I still wear my retainers even if it hurts? Slight pain or discomfort caused by wearing your retainers is normal as they work to prevent your teeth from shifting. If you experience these sensations, you're advised to continue wearing them.
If you give your Hawley retainer the TLC It deserves, it can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years! These removable acrylic retainers are often replaced around 8 years. Essix retainers (removable clear retainers, similar to Invisalign®) typically last about 3 years before they need to be replaced.
If you stop wearing your retainer, will your teeth move back? The answer is yes. Slowly, your teeth will move and shift back into the positions they were in before you went through orthodontic treatment. Remember, your teeth have a “memory” of where they used to be and will return there given the chance.
Peralta recommends wearing retainers, at least at night, for the rest of your life. It is the only way to ensure that your teeth will not move back and create the need for orthodontic treatment again. Remember, you only have to wear retainers for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight!
The results of the first studies, based on the movement of 30 teeth in 15 subjects over 84 days, have been summarized in a recent publication. 1 These results showed that the overall mean velocity of tooth movement was 3.8 mm/day, or about 1.1 mm/month.
If you are no longer wearing your retainer but are experiencing grinding or clenching at night, your dentist may need to create a mouthguard for you to wear during sleep. The mouthguard will be made of a thin, plastic material similar to your retainer.
Not Wearing a Retainer Can Make Your Teeth Hurt
If your retainers feel tight every night, it could be due to shifting and slight movements of the teeth during the day when they're retainer-free.
Never soak your retainer in HOT/boiling water or run it through the dishwasher ; it can melt it and distort it. Never soak your retainer in mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, or bleach; the chemicals will distort it.
The First 2 Years: After your initial time of full-time wear, you will be able to start wearing your retainers during sleep only. From the Third Year to the Rest of Your Life: Now, you can wear your retainers a little bit less. Skipping an occasional night or two is no big deal.
A few months or years: Don't even attempt to wear an old retainer if it's been several months or years! It's very unlikely to fit, and it could become stuck, cause pain, and even potentially damage your teeth and tissues. Instead, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist and take your old retainer with you.
After six months is a good rule of thumb to follow, but it could also be sooner, depending on how well you take care of them. What's important is to get them replaced as soon as they get damaged or when they no longer fit properly.
Yes. Your retainer can be soaked in water to keep the plastic from drying out. You can leave it soaking overnight while you sleep and clean it in the morning before putting it back on.