Braces Guide: Should I Wear My Retainer if It’s Tight?
Orthodontists often recommend wearing a retainer after braces treatment to help keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position. While a retainer is an important tool, it can sometimes feel rather tight or uncomfortable, leaving patients wondering if there’s something wrong.
Wearing a retainer for the first time can take some adjusting, and it’s not unusual to feel some uncertainty when you’re first fitted for one. With time, you’ll find that wearing a retainer easily becomes a part of your everyday routine.
Read on to learn more about tight retainer problems. Afterward, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists at Oakbrook Orthodontics.
Are Retainers Supposed to Be Tight?
It’s completely normal for your new retainer to feel tight during the first few days of wear. As long as it still fits in your mouth comfortably, you can keep wearing it.
Retainers are specifically designed to be snug against your teeth and gums. This keeps your teeth immobile and prevents them from shifting back to their old position. While retainers are meant to be tight-fitting, they shouldn’t be causing you pain. If your discomfort doesn’t go away after a few days of treatment, talk to your orthodontist. They might refit your retainer or adjust your retainer wear schedule.
Should I Wear My Retainer if it Doesn’t Fit?
If your retainer doesn’t easily fit into your mouth, don’t try to force it. Wearing an ill-fitting retainer could cause problems for your treatment and damage your teeth and gums.
Your retainer may not fit because its shape has been damaged or warped. This can easily happen if you wash your retainer in water that’s too hot or if you drop it on the ground.
Your retainer might also not fit because your teeth have shifted positions. This commonly happens when you haven’t been wearing your retainer for the recommended amount of time each day or when you’ve skipped a few days of treatment.
If this is the case, there’s no need to worry. Our orthodontists know that mistakes happen, and we’re available to help you get back on track with your alignment treatment.
Why Does My Retainer Feel Tight Every Night?
It’s normal for your retainer to feel tight, but it shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If you’re feeling pain at night while wearing your retainer, talk to your orthodontist. They may recommend you wear your retainer longer each day until your teeth have had time to adjust. Once this has happened, you can return to a nightly schedule.
I Stopped Wearing My Retainer and It No Longer Fits—What Now?
If your retainer’s tight after not wearing it for some time, this is completely normal. If it still fits comfortably over your teeth, you can keep wearing it. However, if wearing your retainer is painful, or it doesn’t fit properly inside your mouth, you should stop and talk to your orthodontist.
Our orthodontists will be able to help you adjust your retainer and find a wear schedule that works for you.
Schedule an Appointment with the Orthodontists in Downer’s Grove
At Oakbrook Orthodontists, our team is committed to helping you complete successful braces and retainer treatment. We know that adjusting to a new retainer can be difficult. That’s why our staff is here to help you find the treatment that works for you. We’re the most trusted orthodontists in Downer’s Grove, Oakbrook Terrace, and beyond.
Call us at (630) 705-7900 to schedule a consultation.