I'm wearing my retainer again after 10 years, is it normal to experience excruciating pain and sensitivity?

Question

I hadn't worn my wire retainer in over 10 years. My teeth started to shift so I started wearing it again. I am in soooo much pain, especially sensitive to hot/cold beverages. I'm a little worried, is this normal? Could I cause damage to my roots or teeth?

Answer 1

Over the years your teeth change position. Your bone structure has also changed a lot in ten years. Do not wear this old appliance any more. You will do more harm than good. I have been a Dental Lab Tech over 30 years. Please believe me. See your dentist for a new evaluation. He will advise you of your next course of action. If you have no dentist now, call a dental lab in your area for advise on a new dentist. They are in a good position to know who is and who is not a good dentist.
They will not ell you who is bad, but they will tell you who they see themselves. See that dentist. He will be a good one.

And by me telling you this I have just made a lot of labs around the country mad at me! Tough nuggies!

Answer 2

Maybe you should not wear your retainer because it doesn't fit properly after 10 years. Go see your Dentist first. I wouldn't recommend you put it back in your mouth since you said your teeth had already started to shift. It isn't suppose to cause you that much pain. Take it out and see your dentist.

Answer 3

You shouldn't wear it. You should go to your dentist and get a new one if needed. You could be destroying more than just your teeth by using a 10 year old out dated for your mouth retainer.

Answer 4

After 10 years i wouldnt wear it, unless your Orthodontist has ordered you to. If you had been wearing it all along it would have been different. And you wouldnt be having these pains. Thats your own fault. They give you these things FOR A REASON!
Just because you get your braces off, DOES NOT mean, your teeth cant or wont move again. THEY CAN!!! And thats the reason why they give it to you! I'll NEVER understand, why patients spend that kind of money or better yet THEIR PARENTS spend thousands of dollars on straighten their/their childrens teeth, for them to ignore treatment! If you want to keep that great smile and straight teeth, YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! ***WEAR YOUR REATAINERS!!!!!***
NOW.. because you DIDNT follow your instructions, your experiencing pain and sensitivity. What did you actually think, would happen after 10 years! Come on now... get real... use your head!!

Go back to your Ortho doc, and tell him you havent been wearing it and tell him your now having these problems and he'll tell you what you'll have to do at this point in time. IF its still in good shape, they may be able to reuse it and just adjust it to your fit, to stop anymore moving of your teeth. Otherwise, they'll have to make brand new ones. AND, you might have to face braces again, if you'r teeth have shifted to much.

**And yes, you could do damage... GO TO A ORTHODONTIST!

Answer 5

The best thing it to call your densitst and make sure the retainer is fitted correctly to your mouth. There is some pain that comes with retainers, but its always better to be safe than sorry.

I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

of course you're going to be in pain. your teeth have most likely moved so much without you noticing it.. if they started moving again you should have to a trip to an orthodontist. they would have gotten you a new one. so you should most deffinatly stop putting it in your mouth and go to the ortho for a new one.

Answer 7

Your mouth has grown, changed shape. Your teeth have changed a bit. You should get refitted for a new one. Check with your dentist about your options.

Answer 8

NO!!! Tell your Orthodontist!