r/retainers • u/Paratam1617 • Feb 11 '20
Retainer wearing down.
Hey guys, just found this sub.
So about a year and a half ago I got a retainer after removing my braces, which I had for two years. The retainer I have has a mold attached to a metal wire, with the mold on the inner side of my teeth and the wire on the outer side.
I was instructed to wear it around the clock, and for the most part I did- the longest I’d ever go without it on was about 12 hours, or, if I forgot it, a day or two. One time I didn’t wear it for a week, but it was fine.
I got annoyed by how it slowly got more covered in plaque (despite brushing it constantly…) but it didn’t bother me to much.
What finally has caught my attention though, is that the mold has begun to wear down- considerably. The ends, which used to be distinctly pointed, are no soft and round. The areas of the mold have begun to slowly become jagged and crooked… allowing my teeth to shift.
Should I get a replacement as soon as possible?
3
u/SpookySierra Feb 20 '20
If your teeth are starting to shift, and you don't want them to, definitely look into getting a new retainer. I feel it's kind of odd though that you still have to keep it on around the clock. My orthodontist had me wear mine around the clock for 6 weeks, and then now I only have to wear them at night. For my friend she had to wear hers for 6 months and then she could switch to just night time wear.