i haven't wore my bottom retainers and now it hurts my gum?

Question

i haven't wore my bottom retainer for almost 3 years. my top retainers broke so i went back in and told them to fix it and how i noticed that my retainers on the top don't really straighten my teeth anymore. so he told me how it's because i haven't been wearing my bottom retainers so the bite probably messed it up. so then i started wearing the bottom retainers... but i realized that the acrylic plastic part is really compressing my gums... near the bottom of the tongue where the retainers fit. has this ever happened to anybody? do you know why it started not fitting into my gums perfectly like it should? it hurts whenevers i put it in now since it caused a sore. would it get better once the swelling goes down? thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, your teeth have moved. If you do not wear the retainer for 3 years, it is common for the teeth to move and retainer not fitting properly. When you had braces, it is possible that the Orthodontist expanded your jaws and it may have relapsed now. However, I do not think there is any relation between the Orthodontist's inability to correct your top teeth and your bite getting messed up. As the name suggests, a "retainer" is meant to hold and retain the teeth. While it can move teeth to certain extent, there are limits. My advice would be to go to your Orthodontist and get new impressions for new set of retainers. If you want your top teeth to be straightened, ask me for either Invisalign, Orthoclear or lot cheaper and less effective Red/White and Blue. Hope that helps.

Answer 2

You need to go back to your dentist/orthodontist and ask them to refit your retainers. They can adjust them so they will fit properly and your teeth won't move any more than they already have.

Answer 3

i had the same with my bottoms ones your mouth keeps changing so i would see dentist again tell him its too tight