“Should I wear my retainer if it hurts?”
I am a 28 year old male. I want to know if I should wear my retainer if it hurts?
8 Answers
You should speak with your orthodontist about the discomfort, but most of the time, discomfort comes from poor wear. If you wear your retainer full time like you should, you shouldn't have discomfort. Most people who are experiencing these problems leave the retainers out to allow the teeth to move, and then the retainers are actively trying to pull the teeth back to the ideal position and you will experience discomfort.
Best to see your orthodontist.
If you have been wearing the retainer as instructed and it is causing irritation you should not wear it. Pain in the teeth in an indication you have not been wearing the retainer enough. If you wear it full time for a few days the pain will likely go away just like what happens a few days after the braces were adjusted. Take an OTC-pain reliever if this helps
Yes, teeth may have shifted slightly. See your orthodontist for further advice. Wear the retainer more and teeth may move back to desired position.
If your retainer hurts, you should stop wearing it and see your orthodontist as soon as possible. Your orthodontist will check your bite, teeth and retainer and determine the cause of the pain and adjust your retainer, as needed, if possible, to stop the pain. You may need a new retainer due to shifting of your teeth or warping of the retainer.
Daniel A. Flores, DDS, MS
Daniel A. Flores, DDS, MS
If the retainer is new and it hurts a lot, you should see your doctor to find out why. If you have not worn it in a while, you should see your doctor and get a new one that fits well.
You need to get your retainer adjusted so it does not hurt. You may have gone a few days without wearing it because it should not have been uncomfortable when you first got it. By all means go back and let your orthodontist make any necessary adjustment or you will see your teeth shifting. Retention is the most important part of your treatment.
Usually your retainer should only make you feel sore up to a moderate extent, if you have been wearing it properly; if it is really hurting you, you should go back to your orthodontic provider for a consultation so that he/she can determine what needs to be done.
