Question 1

retainer pain help?

Accepted Answer

Advil (ibuprofen): Sounds like you have not been wearing your retainer as much as you should.  Mash it on, take advil (ibuprofen) and let time help.  Your teeth will return to their positions best they can and the tightness/pain will dissipate.

Question 2

how can i file my retainers?

Accepted Answer

Please don't: Your orthodontist provided the retainer. The dr.Knows what to do and should be doing it.

Question 3

when can i take off my retainer?

Accepted Answer

Retainer is forever: You wear retainer more hours (16-20) right after orthodontic treatment was completed, and then over time start wearing it less. Make sure it fits every time you put it on.

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

essix/clear retainer bite, what is this?

Accepted Answer

Essex: Names after the company that markets the plastic. Plastic is thermoformed over model of your teeth. Prevents destabilization of Orthodontic result. Each type of retainer has advantages and draw-backs. Ask your treating specialist Orthodontist or General Dentist to help you choose the type of retainer that best suits your needs.

Question 6

can you smoke with a spring retainer in?

Accepted Answer

Smoking: smoking is unhealthy  at anytime and I would suggest that you speak your dentist and he would probably tell you that it's not a good idea

Question 7

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 8

why is my spring retainer loose after 3 days?

Accepted Answer

Tooth movement: The spring is activated in order to move your tooth (teeth) and if it have become loose then most likely the tooth of interest has moved and you will need it adjusted if more treatment is needed or desired.  Now if it is the retainer itself then I would have it evaluated for proper fit by the dentist that made it

Question 9

what are the effects if using a fake retainer?

Accepted Answer

Drug store dental: retainer?  If that's what you mean, the best thing to do is visit your dentist to make sure what you are using is not harmful and may be helpful.  I know medical/dental costs are high and you may have found a bargain but just check it out first.  Peace and good health.

Question 10

i didn't get a bottom retainer, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Ask Orthodontist: Ask your orthodontic specialist.  Everyone's different.  Often patients will be provided with removable upper retainer and fixed lower retainer, or both upper and lower removable retainers.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Retainer

A member asked:

Retainer pain help?

A member asked:

How can i file my retainers?

A member asked:

When can i take off my retainer?

A member asked:

Will wearing a year old retainer work ?

A member asked:

Essix/clear retainer bite, what is this?

A member asked:

Can you smoke with a spring retainer in?

A member asked:

Can i fix retainer that won't fit properly?

A member asked:

Why is my spring retainer loose after 3 days?

A member asked:

What are the effects if using a fake retainer?

A member asked:

I didn't get a bottom retainer, is this normal?

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?