My Retainer Feels Tight. Can I Still Wear It?

If you’ve been wearing your retainer for a while and it feels tight, don’t worry! It’s not uncommon for retainers to feel tight after being worn for a while. However, tight retainers—or loose and ill-fitting ones at that—can be caused by a number of things.

Let’s talk about some of the reasons your retainer may feel tight and what you can do about it.

#1 – Not wearing your retainer enough

If you’re not wearing your retainer as often as you should be, it’s no wonder it feels tight! Wearing your retainer is crucial to maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment, so make sure you’re wearing it as prescribed by your orthodontist.

While your orthodontic treatment has been effective in moving your teeth to position, it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll stay there without the help of a retainer. Without wearing your retainer, your teeth may slowly start to shift back towards their original positions.

Wearing your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist will help to ensure that your teeth stay in their new, correct positions. This will prevent them from being tight or ill-fitting.

#2 – Eating sticky or hard foods

Eating sticky or hard foods can also cause tight retainers. Sticky foods can cause the wire of your retainer to bend or warp, which can make it tight or ill-fitting. Hard foods can cause the plastic of your retainer to crack or break, which can also make it tight or ill-fitting.

To avoid this, be sure to avoid sticky and hard foods while wearing your retainer. If you do eat these kinds of foods, be sure to brush your teeth and retainer afterward to prevent them from becoming tight or ill-fitting.

#3 – New retainers

If you just got your retainer, it’s normal for it to feel tight at first. It can take some time for your mouth to get used to wearing a retainer.

Give yourself some time to adjust. In the meantime, be sure to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist. Wearing it more often at first can help your mouth get used to it more quickly.

If your retainer is still tight after a week or two, make an appointment with your orthodontist. They may need to adjust it or make a new one for you.

Should You Still Wear a Tight Retainer?

While retainers simply being tight may not mean you need to stop wearing them, there are certain situations in which you should take your retainer out. Here are the signs that you need to stop wearing your retainers and consult your orthodontist:

• Your retainer is causing you pain.
• Your retainer is cracking or breaking.
• Your retainer is no longer fitting well.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, make an appointment with your orthodontist right away. They’ll be able to adjust or replace your retainer so that it’s tight or ill-fitting.

If you’re not experiencing any of these issues, then you can continue wearing your tight retainer. Just be sure to wear it as prescribed by your orthodontist and avoid sticky or hard foods. With proper care, your tight retainer will eventually become more comfortable.

Best Orthodontist in Traverse City, Suttons Bay, & Elk Rapids, Michigan

Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Traverse City, Suttons Bay, or Elk Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Lints Orthodontics is the best choice!

Dr. Ronald Lints and his team are experts in orthodontics and can help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign.

Dr. Lints is active in his orthodontic profession and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He thoroughly discusses treatment options with both parents (pediatric orthodontics) and patients. His three Michigan orthodontic offices utilize state-of-the-art technology to aid in developing personalized orthodontic treatments.

If you need any help with your retainers, contact Dr. Lints Orthodontics today! We’re always happy to help our patients resolve any issues they may be having with their orthodontic treatment.

We offer FREE consultation appointments, so call us today to schedule yours!