Your Orthodontic Retainer Isn't Fitting

So, Your Orthodontic Retainer Isn't Fitting Anymore?

Orthodontic retainers are devices that we orthodontists give our patients to keep their teeth in the most ideal position as possible after their braces come off. We like to say say “as possible” because there is no retainer that can prevent all tooth movement from happening. Even the bonded retainers that are glued to the lower teeth do allow for some minor change. The goal is to keep tooth changes to a minimum. Some movement following the removal of braces is not only acceptable, it is welcome. Teeth will erupt and drift slightly so the retainers will actually fit BETTER than the day the braces were removed. This is desirable movement for the back teeth, but not up front where people may notice. Retainers that do not cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth allow settling. Wearing two full-coverage retainers at the same time does not permit settling.

Your orthodontic retainer should fit great on the very first day

We deliver our retainers on the same day that patients’ braces (or clear aligners) are removed. We thoroughly check all retainers to make sure each one fits correctly. Retainers might feel snug at first, but they will loosen up the same way that a new pair of leather shoes loosen up with consistent wear. If a retainer doesn’t fit right on the braces removal day, we will remake it. 

Sometimes the retainers change shape

When a patient reports that their retainer is no longer fitting, there are only two things that could have happened. The first occurs when a patient does something to a retainer that distorts its shape. This can happen when a clear, plastic retainer is placed under water that is too hot. Washing or soaking retainers in water that is too hot can cause the heat sensitive plastic to “relax” and lose its shape allowing the underlying teeth to move. Water used with clear aligner-type retainers should be only lukewarm. Retainers made with acrylic and stainless steel wires can be deformed by being inserted or removed from the mouth incorrectly (using the front wire as a handle for example) or by being slept on, stepped on, or chewed on by your dog! Once a retainer has changed shape, it must be adjusted or completely replaced. 

Retainers stop fitting when they are not worn as prescribed

The second and most common cause of retainers not fitting, is that they are not being worn as prescribed by their orthodontist. If your retainer fit when you left your orthodontist’s office but it no longer does, chances are you have not worn it consistently and now your teeth have moved. If the change is recent and minimal, (and your retainers still fit, but are tight) you can try wearing them full-time to see if the teeth will move back into the position they were when you first received your retainers. If the teeth don’t realign within a couple of days however, you’ll need to see your orthodontist right away. If you stopped wearing your retainer for more than just a few days, and your retainer won’t fit at all, you’ll also need to see your orthodontist. Waiting too long to see your orthodontist will only allow for more tooth movement, and will increase the likelihood that you’ll need your braces put back on.

When a patient returns to our office with a fit problem, the first thing we do is evaluate the condition of the retainer. If the retainer looks good, we then look to see how much the teeth have moved since the braces came off. If the front teeth still look good and only back ones that have moved, we try to adjust the retainer to match the new position of the back teeth. If, however, the teeth have moved enough that retainer adjustments aren’t enough, replacing the retainer or getting your braces back on may be your only options. We believe that prevention is the best medicine, and noticing that your retainer feels tight is the first sign of 
trouble. 

We invite you to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation at our downtown Issaquah office. Come in, meet our doctors and team, and learn how we can make the difference in your smile for a lifetime.

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