Are Retainers Supposed to be Tight?

Wearing a removable retainer is an important step in teeth alignment that often follows braces treatment. A retainer will keep your teeth in place and prevent them from shifting back to their original, misaligned position.

Wearing a retainer can take some getting used to, and it’s common to have some uncertainty during your treatment. The good news is that most problems are easily solved with some expert orthodontic advice. Keep reading to see answers to some of the most common tight retainer questions we receive at our orthodontics office.

Should I Wear My Retainer if it’s Tight?

In most cases, it’s normal for a new retainer to feel tight. If your retainer is tight but still fits over your teeth, you can continue to wear it. In fact, retainers are made to be snug to prevent your teeth from moving out of place. 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. In some cases, you may need to get an adjusted retainer or extend the amount of time you wear it each day.

Should I Wear My Retainer if it Doesn’t Fit?

If your retainer doesn’t fit over your teeth, don’t try to force it into place. Doing so could disrupt your treatment or even damage your teeth and gums.

Likely, your retainer doesn’t fit for one of two reasons—the shape of the retainer may have been warped in some way, or your teeth may have shifted positions. It’s especially common for your teeth to shift if you haven’t worn your retainer in some time. Even skipping treatment for just a few nights can greatly affect how your retainer fits.

If your retainer doesn’t fit in your mouth, we recommend seeing your orthodontist for an examination. We understand that mistakes happen, and we’re here to help you get back on track towards healthy, straight teeth.

What if My Retainer Feels Tight Every Night?

If your retainer feels tight every night to the point of discomfort, talk to your orthodontist. In most cases, this happens when you move to a nightly schedule too quickly. When you see your orthodontist, they’ll likely recommend that you return to wearing your retainer for part of the day until your teeth adjust.

We understand that this can be frustrating when you were looking forward to wearing your retainer for shorter periods of time. Our orthodontists want to help you succeed and are here to help create a wear schedule that works for you.

What Should I Do if My Retainer’s Tight After Not Wearing it?

Sometimes life happens, and you stop wearing your retainer for an extended period of time. If you try on your retainer and it still fits, you can continue wearing it. Just make sure to follow the wear schedule your orthodontist has put in place.

If your retainer is no longer fitting properly, or it feels painful to wear, talk to your orthodontist about your next steps. They may adjust your retainer wear schedule or suggest other alignment options.

Talk to an Orthodontist in Dongan Hills

At Brooklyn Orthodontics, we understand that starting a retainer treatment can take some getting used to. You likely have a lot of questions about your retainer, and what can be done to shorten your treatment as much as possible.

Our friendly and knowledgeable orthodontists are here to answer your questions and help you follow your wear schedule so you can achieve the best possible results. We’re the best orthodontic specialists in Dongan Hills, and we’re here to help you retain your beautiful smile!

Call us today at (718) 333-5898, or reach out on our website to schedule an appointment.