Help! I Lost My Retainer and My Teeth Are Shifting!

Did you lose your retainer? If so, don’t panic. If it has been a few weeks, you may notice that your teeth are shifting back to their old position. It's important to call your dentist as soon as possible for a replacement retainer.

How long you spent without a retainer and how much your teeth have shifted will determine if you need a replacement or more serious orthodontic treatment.

If you haven't worn a retainer for a while, the new one might feel tight at first, but that's normal. But don’t worry, your retainer will aid in moving them back to the proper position.

After getting your replacement, follow these tips to avoid being in this situation again.
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• Wear it consistently. If you take your retainer out to eat, brush your teeth and clean it ASAP. You’ll be less likely to misplace it if you’re wearing it (almost) all the time.
• If you remove your retainer to eat or drink, put it in its case rather than leaving it out. You could easily throw it away by accident, whether at a restaurant, hotel bathroom, etc. 
• Purchase a backup. While this option will cost extra, it will provide peace of mind if your main retainer goes missing. You’ll be able to immediately put in your replacement instead of paying for another trip to the orthodontist.

Remember to clean your retainer at least once a day and deep clean it once a week. Your dentist may also recommend using an effervescent cleanser as well. If you’ve lost your retainer or you have questions about your dental treatment plan, please call our office at 804-794-4588.