After completing months or even years of orthodontic treatment, it is important that you take appropriate measures to preserve your results. Your retainer plays a critical role in keeping your smile straight and aligned after treatment, so it is very important that you wear it as instructed. However, what happens if you lose or break your retainer? While it might not seem like an urgent issue, delaying action can quickly undo your orthodontic results.
Whether your retainer is misplaced, cracked, or completely broken, taking the right steps immediately can prevent unwanted tooth movement. At Tebo Orthodontics, we understand how these types of accidents can happen and want to offer solutions should you find yourself wondering what to do next. In this guide, we will walk you through what to do in these situations and why timely replacement is crucial.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
Retainers are designed to hold your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, preventing them from shifting back to their original positions. This is because:
- Teeth naturally move over time—even after years of wearing braces or clear aligners.
- The jawbone and soft tissues need time to stabilize after orthodontic treatment.
- Skipping retainer use, even for a few weeks, can lead to noticeable tooth movement.
Losing or breaking your retainer can disrupt your results, so acting fast is key.
What Happens If You Lose Your Retainer?
If you’ve misplaced your retainer, don’t panic! Follow these steps:
1. Search Carefully
Retrace your steps and check common places like bathroom counters, nightstands, backpacks, pockets, and even the trash (unfortunately, many retainers accidentally end up in napkins and get thrown away!). If you use a retainer case, check where you last placed it.
2. Contact Your Orthodontist ASAP
Call Tebo Orthodontics as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for a replacement retainer. Acting fast is important because your teeth will have less time to start shifting.
3. Monitor Your Teeth for Movement
Look in the mirror and check for any visible shifting of your teeth. If you notice any movement, let your orthodontist know right away.
4. Avoid DIY Solutions
Some online sources suggest using store-bought aligners as a temporary replacement—do not use these! These are not custom-fitted and can cause more harm than good.
Bottom Line: If your retainer is lost, act quickly to get a replacement before your teeth begin to shift.
What Happens If Your Retainer is Broken?
Retainers can crack, warp, or completely break. Here’s what to do if you find yours damaged:
1. Assess the Damage
- Small cracks: If your retainer has a minor crack but still fits, continue wearing it until you can get a replacement.
- Completely broken or warped retainers: Stop wearing it immediately to avoid damaging your teeth or gums.
2. Call Your Orthodontist for a Replacement
Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have a new retainer made. Remember to bring your broken retainer to the appointment—it may help your orthodontist determine the cause of the damage.
3. Avoid Superglue or Home Repairs
Superglue and other adhesives contain toxins that should never be placed in your mouth. Even if it looks like the repair worked, a poorly fitted retainer will not provide proper support and could cause shifting.
How to Prevent Losing or Breaking Your Retainer
There are ways to minimize the risk of losing or damaging your retainer by doing the following:
- Always store it in its case when not in use. Never wrap it in a napkin—it is too easy to accidentally throw this away!
- Keep it away from pets. Dogs, in particular, love to chew on retainers due to the saliva scent.
- Avoid leaving it in hot environments. Heat can warp plastic retainers, making them unusable.
- Clean it properly. Rinsing with lukewarm water and using a gentle cleanser can prevent buildup and maintain durability.
How Quickly Should You Replace a Lost or Broken Retainer?
Time is of the essence! Even a few weeks without a retainer can cause unwanted movement. If your teeth shift significantly, you may even need orthodontic treatment again to correct it. That is why we recommend contacting Tebo Orthodontics immediately if your retainer is lost or damaged. The faster you replace it, the better chance you have of preserving your straight smile.
Need a Retainer Replacement? Contact Tebo Orthodontics Today!
If you’ve lost or broken your retainer, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Tebo Orthodontics today. Our team will ensure you get a perfectly fitted replacement to keep your teeth straight and healthy.
Call us now or book an appointment online to protect your beautiful smile!
