How To Make Retainers Fit Again

As someone who’s had braces you know how important it is to keep your teeth straight once treatment has finished. That’s why many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer to maintain your new smile. But what happens when your retainer stops fitting properly? Perhaps you’ve lost weight or your dental structure has shifted over time. Whatever the reason there are a few things you can do to get your retainer fitting back to its original shape.

Identify the Problem

The first step in fixing a retainer is to identify where the problem is. Is it too loose too tight or causing pain? Once you’ve identified the issue you can take steps to fix it.

Try a Warm Water Bath

If the retainer is too tight try placing it in a cup of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes to soften the plastic. Once it’s soft put it back in your mouth very gently press it into position. This will help mold it to your teeth more naturally.

Wear it More Often

Sometimes a retainer can stop fitting if you haven’t been wearing it as often as you were supposed to. If this is the case simply wearing it more often can help it fit better. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s directions closely to avoid the need for further adjustments.

See Your Orthodontist

If your retainer is still not fitting properly it may be time to see your orthodontist. They can examine your mouth retainer provide you with a solution that will get your retainer back to its original shape. They may need to adjust it or create a new one but they will be able to get you back on track.

Clean it Regularly

Finally make sure to keep your retainer clean by soaking it in warm water with a denture cleaner or gentle soap. If it gets too dirty or develops a strange smell it may be time to replace it altogether.

Maintaining your retainer is an important part of keeping your smile straight after braces. With a little work you can keep your retainer fitting perfectly enjoy the benefits of a straight smile for years to come.