Question 1

is it a bad idea to wear a two year old retainer?

Accepted Answer

Retainer: Yes, if it does not fit adequately.

Question 2

i haven't worn my retainer for about 7-8 months, i still have my old one. it's a very tight squeeze and have to force it on. should i still wear them?

Accepted Answer

No: Get a new one shaped for your current configuration or have the old one adjusted.

Question 3

is it ok to wear a retainer while sick?

Accepted Answer

Yes!!!: Skipping out on retainer wear will cause you more issues with your teeth later.  Lack of consistent retainer wear will allow your teeth to drift away from their ideal positions.  You will experience a tight (hurt) sensation with your retainers.  Take advil (ibuprofen) and wear them until they fit like an old favorite pair of shoes.

Question 4

will wearing a year old retainer work ?

Accepted Answer

Retainer: Is this a case of you not wearing your retainer for a year and now you see teeth moving? If so probably not unless there was very slight movement. The retainer may be able to be adjusted to work.

Question 5

i lost my top retainer out of country. if i don't wear it for 8 days but wear my bottom one, what will happen?

Accepted Answer

Minimal changes: if you do not have your top retainer for a few weeks but if you do not replace it for a long time, the teeth may shift back to their original positions, reversing the straightening it had already achieved.  See your dentist/orthodontist as soon as you can to get another retainer fitted/replaced.

Question 6

i haven't worn my retainer for a few years and still have my built in retainer what should i do? can i wear it again?

Accepted Answer

Fixed retainers: The built in retainer can stay in for years if you do a good job of cleaning around it. Get your dentist to check it out at your next visit.

Question 7

do metal retainers wear away enamel?

Accepted Answer

Enamel wear: I have never seen that happen and I have been in practice almost 30 years(assuming you are not chewing on the metal trying to destroy your teeth).

Question 8

why do people have to wear a retainer?

Accepted Answer

Most common reason: The most common reason is to help your teeth stay retained in their new positions after wearing braces. They also used for minor orthodontic problems. Hope it helps.

Question 9

how long do i have to wear my retainer?

Accepted Answer

Instructions?: This varies from individual to individual and from case to case.  Your orthodontist should have given you some instructions upon completion of your case.  Call him\her or ask your own general dentist for advice. It varies from a year to forever.

Question 10

what occurs if i don't wear my retainer?

Accepted Answer

Bad stuff: Everyone is different but if you do not wear your retainer please expect teeth to move. If you were to lose weight by adating to a new diet what would happen if you started eating pizza and fries?

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Doctor answers about:

Is it ok to wear old retainer

A member asked:

Is it a bad idea to wear a two year old retainer?

A member asked:

I haven't worn my retainer for about 7-8 months, i still have my old one. it's a very tight squeeze and have to force it on. should i still wear them?

A member asked:

Is it ok to wear a retainer while sick?

A member asked:

Will wearing a year old retainer work ?

A member asked:

I lost my top retainer out of country. if i don't wear it for 8 days but wear my bottom one, what will happen?

A member asked:

I haven't worn my retainer for a few years and still have my built in retainer what should i do? can i wear it again?

A member asked:

Do metal retainers wear away enamel?

A member asked:

Why do people have to wear a retainer?

A member asked:

How long do i have to wear my retainer?

A member asked:

What occurs if i don't wear my retainer?

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