Taylor Elstermann
February 16, 2023
If you’ve recently lost or broken your orthodontic retainer, don’t panic. Getting a replacement is a relatively simple process that can be handled by Tringas Orthodontics. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting a replacement retainer and what can happen if you don’t wear your retainer.
First, let’s talk about the importance of wearing a retainer. After your braces are removed, your teeth can shift back to their original positions if they are not stabilized by a retainer. Dr. Tringas will typically recommend that you wear your retainer full-time for a period of several months and then gradually reduce the amount of time you wear it until you are only wearing it at night. This will help to ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions and that you get the best long-term results from your orthodontic treatment.
Now, let’s say that you have lost or broken your retainer. The first thing you should do is contact Tringas Orthodontics at 407-876-2991 and explain the situation to the staff. They will likely want you to come in for an appointment to assess your teeth and determine the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the issue, your orthodontist may be able to make a replacement retainer on-site or may need to send impressions of your teeth to a lab to have a new retainer made.
In either case, the process of getting a replacement retainer is fairly straightforward. Tringas Orthodontics will take impressions of your teeth and use those impressions to create a mold of your mouth. From that mold, they will create a custom-fitted retainer that is designed to fit your teeth precisely. Once the retainer is ready, you will return to Tringas Orthodontics to have it fitted and adjusted as needed.
It’s worth noting that the cost of a replacement retainer can vary depending on the type of retainer you have and your specific orthodontic situation. Some types of retainers are more expensive than others, and your insurance may or may not cover the cost of a replacement. It’s important to check with your orthodontist and your insurance provider to understand what your options are.
Now, let’s talk about what can happen if you don’t wear your retainer. As we mentioned earlier, if you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth can shift back to their original positions. This can undo all of the progress you made during your orthodontic treatment and can require additional treatment to correct. In some cases, the teeth can shift so significantly that they require braces or other orthodontic appliances to realign them.
Additionally, if you stop wearing your retainer and your teeth shift, it can impact the way you bite and chew. This can lead to jaw pain and other issues that can affect your overall oral health. It’s also worth noting that as we age, our teeth naturally shift and move. This means that even if you have had orthodontic treatment in the past, you may still need to wear a retainer at night to help maintain the alignment of your teeth.
In conclusion, if you have lost or broken your retainer, don’t hesitate to contact Tringas Orthodontics at 407-876-2991 to get a replacement. The process is relatively quick, simple and can help ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions. And if you have completed orthodontic treatment and are wearing a retainer, be sure to follow our instructions and wear it as directed. This will help to maintain the alignment of your teeth and ensure that you get the best long-term results from your orthodontic treatment.
You can also call to schedule a free consultation or click here to request an appointment. We have two offices to care for our patients. Our Orlando office is in Lake Nona where we also serve St Cloud residents. We are located at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832. Our Windermere office, where we also serve Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Metro West and Ocoee, is located at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786.
Known as “Dr. T” to his patients, Andrew J. Tringas, DMD, MS, is an Orthodontist, creating outstanding smiles for his patients every day.