Question 1

my dentist told me to wear my retainer for 2 weeks all day and then after that, only at night. when i finished my 2 weeks and only wear them at night, it was hard to put them on. it took me slightly longer and more effort to put on (but not too much?

Accepted Answer

How to wear retainer: You are not ready to wear them only at night; need a slow transition so wear them during the day for about 1 hr in the AM and a couple hrs late afternoon, must wear them every night, eventually you can discontinue wearing them during the day, always wear them at night!

Question 2

soaked mouth pieces in fresh guard for longer than 10 mins on accident should i worry about health concern and using them in my mouth, the retainers?

Accepted Answer

Should be ok: i won't worry about it.  Just make sure that you rinse your retainer multiple times with water to remove any residues.

Question 3

can wearing my vivera retainers longer than 3 months cause my teeth to shift back. i changed it at 4 months. do i need to restart invisalign?

Accepted Answer

No: If the retainers are properly fit and not worn out wearing them will not allow very much shift. Switching to the new retainer should provide a tighter fit and correct what slight change may have occurred. You must wear them as directed... usually every night.

Question 4

can i fix retainer that won't fit properly?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Your orthodontist should check if the retainer does not fit due to shifting of the teeth, or due to normal wear. Loose retainer may need adjustment/tightening. If your teeth shifted,  new/active retainer need to be made to move teeth back into proper alignment. Do not try to adjust your retainer at home since it may cause teeth to shift.

Question 5

would my retainer fit after not wearing it for a year?

Accepted Answer

Retainer wear: If you are very lucky it may fit. Most of my patients need at least some adjustment after not wearing retainers for that long . Try it on. You may feel some pressure as it 'reseats'. Call your doctor and let her evaluate.

Question 6

my bottom retainer doesn't fit 'perfectly', is it supposed to be like that?

Accepted Answer

Retainer fit: Has the fit changed since you got? You may need a slight adjustment. Are your teeth still straight? All teeth have a tendency to move somewhat after braces.

Question 7

what does it mean if my retainer fit less comfortably after 1 day not wearing retainers?

Accepted Answer

Teeth are dynamic: Teeth are in constant use and will have slight movements over the course of a day.  If you use a retainer at bedtime it returns teeth to "normal" position following orthodontic treatment.  Not using after a day can result in some pressure spots on teeth that have moved and after 1 ntie of use they go back to "normal".
Just remember to use daily .

Question 8

please explain why does my retainer fit less comfortably after 1 day not wearing retainers?

Accepted Answer

Instability: Because your teeth are shifting, and retainer is trying to push them straight again.  It's a signal that you have to follow your orthodontist's retainer instructions to the letter.  To spend all that time, money, and effort only to throw it away by cheating, by skipping retainer time, is truly a shame.

Question 9

i am currently having a pair of retainers being made for me. it takes 1 week and in wondering if by the time i get the retainers , will it still fit?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, otherwise the orthodontist would have had them made quicker.

Question 10

i have not worn my retainers for six months and now have gaps. what should i do now if i my retainer doesn't fit?

Accepted Answer

Retainers: You will need to return to the orthodontist to be re-evaluated and have new retainers made.

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Doctor answers about:

Retainer no longer fits

A member asked:

My dentist told me to wear my retainer for 2 weeks all day and then after that, only at night. when i finished my 2 weeks and only wear them at night, it was hard to put them on. it took me slightly longer and more effort to put on (but not too much?

A member asked:

Soaked mouth pieces in fresh guard for longer than 10 mins on accident should i worry about health concern and using them in my mouth, the retainers?

A member asked:

Can wearing my vivera retainers longer than 3 months cause my teeth to shift back. i changed it at 4 months. do i need to restart invisalign?

A member asked:

Can i fix retainer that won't fit properly?

A member asked:

Would my retainer fit after not wearing it for a year?

A member asked:

My bottom retainer doesn't fit 'perfectly', is it supposed to be like that?

A member asked:

What does it mean if my retainer fit less comfortably after 1 day not wearing retainers?

A member asked:

Please explain why does my retainer fit less comfortably after 1 day not wearing retainers?

A member asked:

I am currently having a pair of retainers being made for me. it takes 1 week and in wondering if by the time i get the retainers , will it still fit?

A member asked:

I have not worn my retainers for six months and now have gaps. what should i do now if i my retainer doesn't fit?

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