Mild tightness when you first put in your retainers is expected. It indicates that the retainer is holding your teeth in the correct position. If you experience real pain, or if the discomfort does not improve, the following are the most common causes.
- You have new retainers. New retainers are made from a fresh mold of your teeth and can feel tight or achy for the first 1-2 hours after getting a new retainer. This typically resolves as you adjust to wearing them. Mild pressure is okay, pain is not. If you have to take Advil or Tylenol to ease the pain from retainers, this is not normal and you should contact your orthodontist.
- You missed a few nights of wear, or longer. Teeth can shift within 24 to 48 hours without a retainer. If your retainer feels tight after a break in wear, this is a sign that your teeth have moved slightly. Consistent wear usually restores a comfortable fit within a few nights. If the tightness does not resolve, contact our office.
- The retainer does not fully seat, regardless of how long you wear it. This differs from ordinary tightness. If your retainer will not click fully into place 2-3 days of consistent wear, your teeth have likely shifted more than the retainer can correct on its own. You may need a touch-up treatment or at least new retainer.
- You notice a sharp edge, poke, or cut. Sharp, localized pain, as opposed to general pressure, usually indicates a cracked retainer, a rough spot, or tartar buildup. Stop wearing the retainer and contact our office before it causes an injury to your gums.
- The discomfort does not ease after 1-2 hours. Some tightness in the first few minutes is normal. Pain that persists or worsens the longer you wear the retainer is not, and the retainer should be removed.
Do not force a retainer into place by biting down on it. This can crack the retainer or place uneven pressure on individual teeth. Seat the retainer using even finger pressure on both sides.
If your retainers are causing discomfort that does not resolve after a few nights, or if they will not fit at all, call our office at (506) 633-0555 and we will schedule an appointment to assess the fit.
I am Dr. MacKenzie, an orthodontist with over 20 years of experience serving Saint John, the Rothesay and Quispamsis area, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick. I have offices in uptown Saint John, Quispamsis, and St. Stephen. To schedule a free consultation, visit our free consult page.
You can find more information on our Orthodontic Retainers page.