What is what to do when retainer breaks?

When your retainer breaks, it's important to address the issue promptly to avoid compromising your teeth alignment. Here's what to do:

1. Assess the Damage: Determine the extent of the break. Is it a small crack, a complete fracture, or is a wire detached? This will influence your next steps.

2. Contact Your Orthodontist Immediately: This is the most crucial step. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. They can evaluate the damage and determine the best course of action. This will depend on the type of retainer.

3. Stop Wearing the Retainer (Possibly):

   • If the retainer is causing any discomfort or sharp edges, or there's a risk of swallowing broken pieces, immediately stop wearing it.
   • If the damage is minor and doesn't pose any immediate risk or discomfort, your orthodontist may advise you to continue wearing it until your appointment, but only if they advise so.

4. Do Not Attempt to Repair It Yourself: Avoid using glue or any other DIY repair methods. These can damage the retainer further, potentially harm your mouth, and void any warranty.

5. Preserve the Retainer: Keep all the pieces of the broken retainer in a safe place. Bring them to your orthodontist appointment. They may be able to use the pieces to help fabricate a new retainer.

6. Potential Consequences of Delay: Delaying replacement can lead to teeth shifting, necessitating further orthodontic treatment in the future. Understand the consequences of not replacing your retainer by looking at what happens when you ignore your https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/retainer%20neglect.

7. Discuss Replacement Options: Your orthodontist will discuss options for a new retainer. This might involve taking new impressions to create a custom-fit replacement. They might talk about the different https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/retainer%20types as well.

8. Consider a Temporary Solution: If there's a significant delay before you can get a new retainer, ask your orthodontist about temporary options to help maintain your tooth alignment. This will depend on your current https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/teeth%20alignment.