Can retainers warp?

Normally, this happens when you wash the retainer in water that's too hot. Hot water can easily distort the shape of your retainer, and it's not difficult to accidentally use overly-hot water and cause the retainer to subtly warp, preventing it from fitting correctly.
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Can retainers deform?

Plastic retainers can also change shape if they're handled incorrectly. For example, using the front wire as a handle to put the retainer in and take it out can cause the retainer to bend, wherein it won't fit correctly. A retainer can also change shape when it's slept on or accidentally stepped on.
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Can permanent retainers Bend?

If your retainer is bent or moves: Make an appointment to see your orthodontist. If the retainer isn't bothering you or injuring any other parts of your mouth, make an appointment as soon as possible with your dentist or orthodontist to have the retainer adjusted or repaired.
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How long do plastic retainers last?

Plastic Removable Retainer

Both types of removable retainers can experience wear and tear over time. Acrylic removable retainers, referred to as Hawley retainers, may last up to 10 years.
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Can retainers warp in heat?

The heat can warp the plastic, and even just minor warping can change the way the retainer fits in your mouth. But patients who wear the more traditional wire and acrylic retainer can still experience a warped shape.
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5 Things You Must Know About Retainers



Can I remold your retainer?

If you try to adjust it at home, you can further damage the appliance, or warp the shape so that it no longer functions. Your orthodontist can adjust the retainer at the office so it fits better, or if that's not possible, they can fit you for a new retainer.
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Can I leave my retainers in a hot car?

Don't Leave It In The Hot Car – Temperatures in a closed car during the summer can reach temperatures in excess of 130 degrees. Retainers will melt in these temperatures, so remember to take them with you.
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How often should I replace my retainers?

A retainer is in the mouth for 6-8 hours nightly. Therefore, we recommend you replace your retainer as often as your toothbrush. Retainer Club offers plans to replace your retainers every 4,6, or 12 months. For the best performance and cleanliness, you should replace your retainers as often as your toothbrush.
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Is it normal for retainers to crack?

Some are made out of wire, some are made out of plastic, and some are a combination of both. If you are examining your retainer and notice that there are cracks in the plastic, it's time to order a replacement. These cracks will grow and the retainer won't have the strength needed to keep your teeth in the same place.
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Why do retainers turn yellow?

In clear retainers or aligners, a buildup of bacteria-filled biofilm in your mouth covers the surface of the retainer. When left uncleaned, this film can cause a yellowish appearance. The longer it remains on your retainer, the greater the chance of it becoming hard and the stains becoming permanent.
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Can a tight retainer damage teeth?

In most cases, a tight retainer won't damage your teeth or gums. You may experience some discomfort during your first few days of retainer treatment. However, your discomfort will likely go away after a few days. If things don't improve, or your pain worsens, you should talk to your orthodontist about your concerns.
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Do orthodontists keep retainer molds?

Do Orthodontist Keep Retainer Molds? In the case of removable retainers, patients can call their orthodontist and ask that a new one be made, as all good orthodontist will keep patients molds over the period of treatment, something that can not always be said for online providers.
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Why are my teeth moving with permanent retainer?

If the retainer is moving around at all, this could be a sign that the retainer is broken. Many people only notice the retainer is broken once the teeth have shifted. It is important to inspect the retainer regularly to see if any parts are loose or no longer attached to the teeth.
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Can hot water damage your retainers?

Hot Water Can Melt Your Retainer

NEVER use hot water when rinsing or cleaning your retainer. While hot water is often used to sterilize objects, the excessive heat from hot or boiling water is enough to soften, distort, and damage your retainer. Always use lukewarm water when cleaning your retainer.
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Is it OK to not wear retainer for 2 weeks?

If you accidentally forget to wear your removable retainer for a day or two, don't worry too much. Resume your retainer regimen as instructed, and you should be fine. If it's been longer than that, such as weeks, or even months, try it on to see if it still fits.
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Can retainers melt in your mouth?

Your retainer can melt, so don't microwave it, put it in the dishwasher, washer, or dryer, leave it in a hot car, or leave it in direct sunlight.
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How much does it cost to fix a retainer?

The cost of repairing retainers can be as low as half of the cost of replacing the retainer. Repairing a Hawley retainer can be about $75-$250. Unfortunately, clear retainers are not repairable and if they are damaged or broken they have to be replaced with completely new retainers.
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How much do new retainers cost?

The cost of replacement retainers will depend on the type of retainer you get and whether you get it in-office or online. Invisalign retainers can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000. Essix retainers generally cost between $50 and $200, and Hawley replacement retainers cost between $150 and $300 to replace.
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How do I know if my retainer fits properly?

To test if your retainer still fits, you can place it gently in your mouth and see if it slips into place. If your retainer fits correctly, it will feel somewhat snug and gradually loosen up to eliminate any discomfort. If it doesn't fit easily, make an appointment with your orthodontist to ask for help.
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Will my teeth shift without a retainer for a week?

If you skip or lose your retainer for a week, it's possible to have some small amount of relapse. Like we said earlier, teeth can move back to their original positions without a retainer to provide guidance and pressure.
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How long do permanent retainers last?

Wearing Permanent Retainers

You only wear braces for 1-2 years. However, permanent retainers stay put for years, sometimes even decades. Some people have even been able to wear their permanent retainers for up to 20 years.
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Can I get a new retainer years later?

Ideally, you should get a replacement retainer right away if you broke or lost your retainer. Even if you skipped out on wearing your retainer for a while and your teeth have started to shift, you may still be able to get by with a new retainer.
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Can I fix my retainer after putting in boiling water?

Washing or boiling the retainer in a hot water can cause the plastic to loose its original shape. Your local Concord orthodontist recommends that these retainers only be washed or rinsed in lukewarm water. Once your retainer has lost its original shape, it should be adjusted or replaced.
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How can I make my clear retainer fit again?

How to Make Your Retainer Fit Again
  1. Book an Appointment with Your Orthodontist. Generally, the first step you need to take if your retainer no longer fits is to make an appointment with your orthodontist. ...
  2. Get a New Retainer. ...
  3. Fit the Retainer Yourself at Home. ...
  4. Change Your Retainer Regularly.
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What happens if you put your retainer in after a long time?

A few months or years: Don't even attempt to wear an old retainer if it's been several months or years! It's very unlikely to fit, and it could become stuck, cause pain, and even potentially damage your teeth and tissues.
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