If you’ve lost or broken your retainer, it’s important to take action right away. A broken retainer can cause a lot of damage to your teeth, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
In this blog post, we will discuss the consequences of not fixing a broken retainer and how to get it fixed quickly. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent losing or breaking your retainer in the first place!
What Happens When You Have Lost or Broken a Retainer?
#1 – Teeth or Gum Damage
A broken retainer can cause damage to your teeth and gums. If the retainer is not properly aligned, it can put pressure on your teeth and gums, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. In addition, a broken retainer can also cause your teeth to become misaligned.
#2 – Swallow or Choke on Broken Retainer
If you have a broken retainer, you may be tempted to try to fix it yourself. However, this can be very dangerous. If you swallow or choke on the broken retainer, it can cause serious health problems.
#3 – Misalignment
If you don’t fix a broken retainer, it can cause your teeth to go back to a certain level of crookedness. This is because the broken retainer will no longer hold your teeth in place. It can also happen if you lost your retainers and didn’t get a new one.
As a result, you may need to get braces or another type of dental or orthodontic treatment to fix the problem.
What To Do About a Broken Retainer
#1 – See your doctor.
The best and most important thing you need to do is to see your doctor or orthodontist as soon as possible. They will be able to properly examine the retainer and determine the best course of action. In most cases, they will be able to fix the broken retainer.
#2 – Examine the severity of the damage.
If the broken retainer is not too severe, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if the damage is more severe, you should see your doctor or orthodontist as soon as possible.
Examine how much the retainer has been damaged and whether or not it can still be worn. If the damage is too severe, the retainer may need to be replaced.
#3 – Avoid hard foods and sports until you get a repair or replacement.
In the meantime, avoid hard foods and contact sports. This will help prevent further damage to your teeth or the broken retainer.
You should also be careful when brushing your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes.
#4 – Use a salt solution or mouthwash.
You can also rinse your mouth with a salt solution or mouthwash. This will help to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria. If you’re experiencing any pain, it can also help relieve it.
Tips on How to Prevent Losing or Breaking Your Retainer
- Keep track of your retainer.
- Don’t chew on hard objects.
- Be careful when brushing your teeth.
- Avoid contact sports.
- Don’t leave your retainer in hot water or in the sun.
- Store your retainer in a safe place.
You’ve invested in orthodontic treatment to get a perfect smile and bite, don’t let a broken retainer ruin it! Be sure to take care of your retainer and see your doctor or orthodontist if you have any problems. With proper care, you can keep your smile looking perfect for years to come.
Find an Orthodontist in Brooklyn and Manhattan New York
If you are in need of a repair or a brand-new retainer, House or Orthodontia is ready to help! We house two of the top-rated orthodontists in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York. You can avail a wide range of the latest braces and clear aligners technology in a comfortable environment.
Dr. Thomas Lien and Dr. Mani Alikhani are board-certified orthodontists that have been providing high-quality orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages for many years. At House of Orthodontia, you are more than a patient—you will receive care like a family member, with compassion and honesty.
Our orthodontic team works hard to ensure that every patient interaction is treated with respect, professionalism, and sensitivity. So, whether you’re looking for a retainer replacement or any other orthodontic intervention, you may contact us and schedule your FREE consultation!