How to Maintain the Broken Retainer?

Smith JohnesFebruary 19, 2024Last Updated: February 19, 2024

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The retainers you wear are crucial to maintaining your teeth in their new position, whether you recently had your braces taken off, had Invisalign treatment, or are still having them. You can grab the Invisalign special offer in London to manage the retainer, which can help change the retainer. The expert orthodontists explain in this post what to do if your retainer breaks and what you should do yourself.

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Importance of Replacing a Broken Retainer

Patients should understand how crucial it is to use their retainer continuously after undergoing orthodontic treatment. Patients frequently choose for themselves that they have their retainer for the appropriate amount of time and may cease doing so, or they may elect not to replace a broken one.

Nonetheless, as your orthodontist prescribes, you must wear your retainer and replace any that break quickly. As tiresome as it may seem, following your retainer’s instructions is essential to your treatment and keeping your new smile. Wearing a retainer helps your jawbone recover and keeps the teeth from returning to their natural positions.

Signs of a Damage Retainer

Upon receiving orthodontic treatment, it is advisable to monitor the retainer for any indications of deterioration. A broken retainer may not function as it should, which might affect the result or require more time for your treatment. We want to share some damage indicators with you, courtesy of the orthodontists. Have a look at the signs of the damaged retainers:

1. Loose Retainers that Do Not Fit

Over time, wear and tear on retainers may cause the retainer to expand. If this happens, you will need a replacement retainer since it will feel loose around your teeth.

The form of your retainer may be lost if you wash it in a dishwasher or with hot water. See your orthodontist as soon as possible if you feel or notice the contour of your retainer transformation. Consider obtaining a new retainer or repairing your current one if it no longer fits.

2. Cracking Point with Retainer

Retainers can have wire, plastic, or both. If your retainer is made of plastic, you should periodically inspect it for cracks. Contact your orthodontist if you discover a tiny crack or two since you could require a new retainer. You can get instructions from your orthodontist on how to take care of a broken retainer.

The cracks in your retainer will only enlarge if you use it indefinitely. As a result, your retainer will become weaker and less able to hold your teeth in their adequate positions. If this does happen, you could wear a retainer for more time, and in extreme situations, you might have to have your braces adjusted.

What Should You Do When the Retainer Breaks?

A frustrating and costly scenario might arise when your retainer breaks. However, take a few steps to reduce the harm and resume using your retainer as soon as feasible. Making a call to your orthodontist ought to be your initial action. Before acquiring a new retainer, they can advise you on how to fix your existing one.

If any of the components of your retainer break, collect them all, wash them, store them somewhere secure, and call your orthodontist immediately. They may need you to come in for a visit, or they can advise you on how to fix it on your own. In any case, you must move fast to resolve the problem immediately.

Telling your orthodontist about your damaged retainer as soon as possible is vital because they might need to create fresh moulds of your teeth.

How Can You Prevent Your Retainer from Orthodontal Damage?

Retainers are sensitive and should be treated carefully, so keep that in mind while considering ways to prevent damage to your retainer. Keep your retainer in a secure location while not in use to prevent it from breaking or bending. It is more probable that damage won’t occur if your retainer is in a sturdy case.

It’s critical to clean your retainer routinely. Plaque and germs can accumulate on the surface of a retainer, much like on your teeth; therefore, brushing it thoroughly at least once a day is crucial. Any bacteria remaining on the retainers can be eliminated while soaking in soapy water or using a retainer cleanser at least once a week.

Different Types of Retainers

With contemporary technology, we can provide our patients with fixed and removable orthodontic products, such as Invisalign clear aligners and braces. When it comes to retainers, we are equally flexible! Here are some examples of the many kinds of retainers:

1. Removable Retainers

There are a few alternatives available when it comes to detachable retainers. The Hawley and Essix versions can fit your mouth for optimal performance. Our experts can get the impression of your teeth once the active part of treatment is over, which they will use to make your retainer.

2. Essix Retainers

The transparent aligners that come with the Invisalign system and Essix retainers have a striking resemblance. They are moulded to the specific contours of the patient’s mouth using just translucent plastic. Essix retainers can extend from canine to canine or over the whole dental arch. If you take good care of it, this discreet retainer should last for as long as needed.

3. Hawley Retainers

One of the earliest varieties of retainers is the Hawley type. They are secured in place by winding a wire around your teeth and are composed of stainless steel. With an acrylic arch that presses against your palate, that wire allows for further slight movement of your front teeth if necessary. Hawley retainers are becoming less used among orthodontists. However, they might still be helpful in some situations.

4. Fixed Retainers

A small wire behind the upper or lower teeth can help manage the fixed retainer. Patients with (or who have had) a vast space between their two top front teeth may find them a helpful alternative. A permanent retainer helps preserve the space’s closure once you finish the therapy.