What causes severe pain with dental retainers?

Not wearing them: If you have not worn the retainer for a while resulting in the teeth moving from their final positions, now wearing these retainers will put pressure on these teeth causing pain. Please have them checked by your orthodontist.

Fit?: If you don't wear them for a while the teeth will move so they will be sore when you wear them again. The fit should also be checked to make sure the retainers are not pushing too hard on the gums.

Not enough wear: Generally, if your retainers hurt, you have not been wearing them enough to keep your teeth in place. They will feel tight as they are not fitting the current arrangement of your teeth. Take some advil, (ibuprofen) mash them on to your teeth and wear them full time until your teeth look better and the retainers fit again. This will usuay take 3-6 weeks, depending upon how much your teeth have moved.

Poor fit: If your retainers do not fit properly they will put pressure on teeth or gums and cause pain.

Ill fitting. : If unworn for a period of time, the acrylic is likely distorted or teeth have shifted to disrupt fit. If new, the impression ("mould") of your teeth and/or the appliances could have been distorted. See your dentist for fit evaluation and correction options.

Poor fit or...: Poor fit, not wearing them conscientiously or another unrelated dental problem. Check with your your orthodontist and your general dentist..

New of old?: If new, it may be rubbing and need an adjustment. If old, and not worn as directed, teeth can shift, resulting in pain when retainer forced back into the mouth. In any case, call your orthodontic specialist for an appointment asap to have the situation resolved. In the meantime, try ibuprofen.