Do metal retainers hurt?

While retainers can sometimes feel a little odd, they should never be painful. But pain is subjective, and sometimes it takes time for your mouth to get used to a new treatment. If your retainers are causing certain types of irritation, then it might be a sign they don't fit correctly.
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Are metal retainers supposed to hurt?

Are retainers supposed to hurt? A: They're not supposed to hurt. If they do, contact the orthodontist. Retainer pain should not last more than a week.
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Why does my metal retainer hurt?

This feeling is usually a result of pressure and this kind of discomfort tends to go away once the retainer is worn regularly again. If discomfort does not go away after regular wear of the retainer, it is best to contact your dental professional.
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Are metal retainers more comfortable?

A metal retainer is just as effective as a clear retainer is. They are durable and can last for decades. However, one of the challenges patients have with them is that they can be uncomfortable and make it very difficult to speak.
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Is wearing a retainer painful?

Although retainers and aligners are generally thought to be more comfortable than metal alternatives, they can still rub and irritate the inside of your mouth, your gums and lips. While this can lead to soreness, it usually goes after a couple of weeks as your mouth adjusts to the new aligner or retainer.
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Do Retainers Hurt



How can I make my retainer not hurt?

Dental wax or Bonjela gel.

Applying dental wax or Bonjela gel to any sore areas in your mouth or gums will help cushion them against initial rubbing or irritation from your retainers.
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Can wearing a tight retainer damage your 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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Is plastic or metal retainers better?

Metal retainers have various advantages that make them more desirable compared to plastic ones. These benefits include: They are less costly. They are more durable.
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How long do you wear a metal retainer?

As your chompers move, they leave behind gaps in the surrounding bone and other tissue. A set of retainers will hold your teeth in place while your tissue catches up. This is why it's important to wear your retainers full-time for the first 3-6 months.
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How long do metal retainers last?

On average, removable retainers tend to last for about 5-10 years, while permanent retainers can potentially last for decades. The lifespan of retainers also depends on the following factors: The amount of stress. The metal wire is put under pressure while chewing.
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Will my teeth move back if I wear my retainer?

So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is yes, sometimes. If your retainer doesn't fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.
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Why can't I bite down with retainers?

MORE ABOUT CLEAR RETAINERS

Because the clear retainers cover your teeth, when you bite down on something you will be biting the clear material of your retainer. This biting may cause damage to the retainer over time.
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When does retainer stop hurting?

It's natural for your retainer to hurt for at least the first day after being fitted, as your mouth adjusts to the novel sensation. Discomfort typically only lasts for four to five days – a week at most. If your retainer is causing you discomfort beyond this, it's best to book a consult with your orthodontist.
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Why does my retainer hurt every night?

When a patient returns to our office with a retainer that hurts when they wear it, there are only two possible explanations. Either the retainer has changed, or the teeth have moved. Generally, it is simple to determine which has occurred. In some cases, retainers are damaged, distorted, or “wear out” with daily use.
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Should I wear my retainer if its tight?

As long as your retainer doesn't hurt and still fits over your teeth, you can wear it – even if it feels tight. Your teeth may have slightly shifted, and you may need to wear your retainer longer each day to prevent your teeth from moving.
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Why does my jaw hurt when I wear my retainer?

If you experience jaw pain while using mail-order clear retainers without proper oversight of a dental professional, the retainers could be harming your oral health! They could either be ill-fitting or moving your teeth inappropriately, leading to bite misalignment.
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Are permanent retainers for life?

You may have a permanent retainer on your teeth for the rest of your life. Your dentist or orthodontist may remove your permanent retainer if it irritates your gums or teeth or causes too much plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth around it.
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Can I stop wearing my retainer after 10 years?

Retainers keep your smile in place when active treatment is complete and adults need to wear their retainers for life, but adolescents may be able to stop wearing them after about 10 years.
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Can retainers move teeth back after 6 months?

There is a possibility that an old retainer can be used to move the teeth back into place. However having just one tooth move too far will make the retainer not fit properly. Warping can also occur with cured acrylic retainers.
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Why did my orthodontist give me a metal retainer?

Once you have had your braces removed, a retainer is fitted to make sure that your teeth do not return to their original positions, undoing all of the work that the braces have done. In this sense, retainers are just as important as braces — and maybe more!
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Can you eat with metal retainers?

NEVER eat anything while wearing your retainers. It's OK to drink water while wearing the retainers, but remove them if you drink other beverages. If you forget to wear your retainer, wear the retainer full-time for few days to re-align your teeth. Your teeth may be sore while they re-align.
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Do metal retainers straighten teeth?

Oral-B explains that Hawley retainers, which consist of removable metal wires and acrylic, can allow some patients to straighten their teeth without fixed orthodontic appliances.
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Should retainers touch the gums?

Sometimes people ask about a retainer causing swollen gums, whilst this is technically possible if the retainer is touching the gums, it is highly unlikely as most retainers fit so tightly around the teeth that they don't move around and rub.
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How many hours should I wear my retainer at night?

However, you can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth. After that initial three months, you will wear your retainer for 12 hours a day (or night) for the next nine months.
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Can I drink with my retainer in?

Don't drink soda or alcohol while wearing a retainer – It is tempting to drink while wearing a retainer because of the unobtrusive nature of the device. However, excess liquid trapped under the trays can vastly intensify acid exposure to teeth, increasing the probability of tooth decay.
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