If you lose your retainers, there are a few steps you can take to try to find them. First, check all the places they could be- your room, in the car, at school, etc. If you still can't find them, call your orthodontist. They may be able to give you a replacement or tell you how to proceed. In the meantime, you can try to wear your old ones if you have them or use an over-the-counter retainer.
How do I know if my retainer is lost?
It happens to the best of us. You're at school, or out with friends, and you realize your retainer is nowhere to be found. But how can you be sure it's actually lost, and not just misplaced? Here are a few things to consider:
1. Check all the places it could be. This may seem obvious, but it's worth retracing your steps to see if you can find your retainer. Check your backpack, your locker, your pockets, and anywhere else it might be.
2. Check with people you were with. If you can't find your retainer yourself, see if anyone you were with remembers seeing it. It's possible you left it somewhere and someone picked it up, or that it fell out without you realizing it.
3. Ask your orthodontist. If you're still not sure whether your retainer is lost or just misplaced, your orthodontist can help. They can check to see if you have any appointments scheduled where they can check for your retainer, or they may have other suggestions.
Losing your retainer can be stressful, but by following these steps you can be sure you're doing everything you can to find it.
What do I do if I think my retainer is lost?
If you think your retainer is lost, the first thing you should do is search your home thoroughly. Check under furniture, in couch cushions, and in other places where it could be hiding. If you still can't find it, call your orthodontist. They will likely have you come in for a replacement retainer, which may require new molds and a fee. In the meantime, you can try wearing a spare retainer or dental floss stabilizer to keep your teeth in place.
What are the consequences of losing my retainer?
Losing your retainer can have a number of consequences, some of which may be more serious than others. Without a retainer, your teeth may begin to move back into their original position, which can cause problems with your bite and make it difficult to eat or speak. You may also experience pain and discomfort as your teeth shift. In addition, if you do not wear your retainer as directed, you may end up needing expensive dental work to fix the problems that result. Finally, not wearing a retainer can also lead to bad breath and an increase in plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth.
How much will it cost to replace my retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made dental appliance that helps teeth retain their new, straight position after braces are removed. They are usually made of clear or invisible plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. Retainers are removable, but should be worn as much as possible for the first few months, especially at night, in order to keep your new smile!
The cost of replacing a retainer will vary depending on the type of retainer and where you live. For example, simple retainers can cost as little as $50, while more complex retainers can cost upwards of $300. At Dental Departures, we always recommend that patients get at least three quotes from different dental clinics before making a decision on treatment.
We hope this helps!
How long will it take to get a new retainer?
It depends on the individual and the severity of their case, but getting a new retainer generally takes between two and six weeks. The first step is to visit your orthodontist to get fitted for a new retainer. They will take an impression of your teeth and send it off to a lab where your new retainer will be made. Once your retainer is ready, you will need to come back in to have it fitted and to make sure it is comfortable. In some cases, you may need to wear a temporary retainer while you wait for your new one to be ready.
What do I do in the meantime while I'm waiting for my new retainer?
Assuming you are asking for tips on what to do while waiting for a new retainer:
-If the old retainer is still usable, continue to wear it as prescribed by the dentist. -If the old retainer is no longer usable, do not wear anything in its place. It is better to have no retainer than to wear a make-shift one which could do more damage. -Brush and floss as normal. Continue to take care of your teeth as you would with a retainer. -Be patient. It can take some time for the new retainer to come in, but it will be worth the wait!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do if you lose your retainer while straightening?
If you lose your retainer while straightening, you can fix the problem by getting a new one from the online company you use. Replacements are affordable, and you’ll receive it quickly.
Should you keep your retainers in your case?
If you’re going to wear your retainers for an extended period of time, it may be beneficial to keep them in a case or pouch. This way, they’re out of the reach of pets and easy to access when needed.
Can a lost retainer be replaced?
Yes, a lost retainer can be replaced if it’s properly diagnosed and treated. If it’s just a small retainer, your dentist may be able to replace it with a temporary retainer that you wear at home. If the tooth is badly damaged or if it’s a complete replacement, your dentist will likely require you to take time off from work and have surgery.
What should you expect from your retainer?
Veytsman advises that if you are using a retainer, you should expect it to keep your teeth in their current location. Retainers cannot move teeth or otherwise straighten them. If your original dentist feels that you need a retainer to stay healthy, they will typically recommend one for nightly wear.
What happens if you don’t wear a retainer after a straightening?
If you don’t wear a retainer, the forces of gravity and pressure working on your teeth cause them to slowly shift out of place. Prolapse can sometimes take years to occur, during which time it can result in pain and discomfort in your mouth, as well as loss of tooth function.
