Question 1

my permanent retainer has become loose. help?

Accepted Answer

Re adjusting: The permanent retainer is not something that you can fix it yourself. If it is loose, you need to see your Ortho or, dentist to re adjust and, or re- cement it.

Question 2

what to do if my permanent retainer is not working out?

Accepted Answer

Retaner problems: I am not sure what you mean by not working out. I assume you see some teeth movement. If so you may need to remove the permanent retainer and have your doctor make a removable retainer that can be adjusted to help the alignment.

Question 3

is a permanent retainer better than a removable one? what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

First, : First, retention is the concluding stage of orthodontic treatment that holds the final tooth positions in their corrected location. Almost all patients will benefit from some form of retention for an indefinite length of time after treatment.  Quite a few patients will need to wear retainers "forever" if they want to keep their teeth ideally aligned.

Removable retainers fit over the teeth, some are made of a clear thermo formed plastic, others have wires and clips to hold the teeth in place. Your orthodontist will pick the correct retainer for your problem and determine the amount of time you will need to wear the retainer, generally from full time to nights only to several times a week. Failure to wear the retainers can result in movement of the teeth and a reduction in the alignment. Over time (several years) patients often forget to wear their retainers on the schedule recommended by their orthodontist. This is called "human nature" and results in a relapse (movement of the teeth).
 
Permanent or fixed retainers are cemented to the teeth, either the upper, lower or both. Mostly they are put on the front 4 or six teeth to hold their alignment following treatment. The adhesive is usually the same one that held the braces on the teeth and will last for several years (and sometimes longer). Fixed retainers can break due to the stresses of chewing and sometimes require extra effort to keep clean. They should be checked about every year. Because they are "glued" in place, patients don't have to remember to wear them, so compliance is less of an issue. Not all orthodontists use fixed retainers, feeling that the retention of the teeth is the patient's responsibility. If the fixed retainers are broken or removed, this can also result in relapse.

Patients should discuss the various types of retainers available to them, the amount of time that they will need to be worn, both daily and over the length of retention and seek the advice of their orthodontist before retainers are placed. This way they will have the most appropriate retention for their life style and orthodontic problem.

Question 4

can a  regular dds fix my permanent retainer?

Accepted Answer

Maybe : Some general dentists offer orthodontic services too. Call and ask if they repair appliances before you make an appointment.

Question 5

what can i do to floss with a permanent retainer?

Accepted Answer

Superfloss: At your pharmacy you will find a special floss that has a hardened end which slips under the bonded piece, between your teeth. The dentist who placed this retainer should have explained this to you.

Question 6

i swallowed my permanent retainer. should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Swallowed retainer: Probably not, especially if you are sure you swallowed it.  If there is a possibility that you inhaled it into your lungs, however, you may need a chest x-ray to confirm this and have it removed.   You will only be asked to confirm that it passes through your body if you  swallowed it.

Question 7

what should i do if i'm having extreme pain from my permanent retainer?

Accepted Answer

Unusual: It's very unusual to have "extreme" pain from having a permanent retainer placed.  Call your dentist, explain your problem, and ask for advice.  In the meantime, you can take some otc pain medication such as you would for a headache (motrin, advil, aleve, (naproxen) tylenol).

Question 8

how long does it take for an overbite to go? is a permanent retainer really necessary for me?

Accepted Answer

Can't tell: Please call an orthodontist in your area and have him evaluate your bite, a specialist in this area is best suited to make this decision, if you have not had braces to align your teeth you need to do it before you can get a retainer.

Question 9

could it be possible to be poisoned by the metal on a permanent retainer after 15 years of wearing it?

Accepted Answer

Highly unlikely: The metal in your retainer is likely made from stainless steel and so little if any gets bleached/worndown or get absorbed into your body to cause trouble. Many people have joint replacement, steel rods/plates/screws in many area of the body and it is considered inert to your body. So, if you are having some health issues/concern, consult doc for care but i would not blame the retainer. Good luck.

Question 10

may have swallowed a very small thin piece of my permanent retainer about this size (-------) should i be worried

Accepted Answer

Concerned: This is cause for concern, as it may scratch or tear the lining of your digestive tract. Eat and drink normally and be aware of any rectal bleeding or abdominal cramping over the next 2-3 days. Typically this will become encased in a covering and not be so sharp and pass through without incident. If any changes occur, get to the ER right away. Good Luck.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Permanent retainer

A member asked:

My permanent retainer has become loose. help?

A member asked:

What to do if my permanent retainer is not working out?

A member asked:

Is a permanent retainer better than a removable one? what's the difference?

A member asked:

Can a regular dds fix my permanent retainer?

A member asked:

What can i do to floss with a permanent retainer?

A member asked:

I swallowed my permanent retainer. should i be worried?

A member asked:

What should i do if i'm having extreme pain from my permanent retainer?

A member asked:

How long does it take for an overbite to go? is a permanent retainer really necessary for me?

A member asked:

Could it be possible to be poisoned by the metal on a permanent retainer after 15 years of wearing it?

A member asked:

May have swallowed a very small thin piece of my permanent retainer about this size (-------) should i be worried

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?