Please ReaD!?

Question

I asked this question already, but didn't get enough answers, I'm having a problem with my retainer, I had my braces removed 2 days ago, and I'm supposed to wear the bottom retainer (the top one is being redone), when I wore at the dentist it dind't bother me much, except that I couldn't bite, but she said it was normal, when I got home and from there on, it started to hurt me soooooooooo bad, yesterday I couldnt even wear it, my gums are sort of dark red and it's bleeding at times, and the problem is, I can only talk to my dentist in 2 weeks, she's out of the office (I hate that)...what should I do? should I wear it anyway???? even though I can't even THINK of touching the top teeth on the bottom, otherwise it'll push into my gum and hurt like **** (sorry, but that's how I feel)...or should I wait the 2 weeks without the retainer?

PLEASE ANSWER....I have no dentist available!

Answer 1

From what you've said I'm thinking that the tissue was irritated after the removal of the braces, probably even during the treatment.

A lot of patients just don't floss and brush as good as they should and the tissue gets swollen, inflamed and sometimes bleeds easily. Have you had a cleaning yet? This step is mandatory after orthodontic treatment and usually scheduled immediately after the removal. This will remove all possible cement that may have been left under the tissue and any built up calculus and tartar, allowing your good home care to keep them clean.

What type of retainer do you have? If it's the plastic one that covers your teeth like a tray, then it may need to be adjusted and smoothed at the tissue area. If it's a Hawley retainer it shouldn't bother you to bite the upper and lower together, but could need adjusting. It's possible the prongs that hold the retainer in need to be repositioned. In either case if something is pressing into and cutting the tissue, then you need to stop wearing it now.

The best thing you can do for your self is to call the Ortho’s office and talk to someone there. They know exactly what you’re wearing and can make an adjustment if needed. The retainer should not hurt you to wear; it usually feels strange, but not painful. If they had to remake the upper, it very well may be that they need to do the lower over too. Definitely call the office and speak to someone or leave a message for them to return your call.

In the mean time don't wear the retainer and start rinsing your mouth with really warm salt water several times a day to help with the swelling and inflammation of the tissue. It really does work and makes your mouth feel much better a lot faster. You'll be fine for a few days without it, but try to get this taken care of as soon as possible. Good luck and I hope I've been of some help.

Answer 2

This is something you have to be extremely careful with. If the pain is that bad, unbearable, then you'd better not keep up with putting up with that for the next two approximate weeks, no way, because if you get a serious infection, then, guess who will be in a serious conflict? You and not the dentist who told you to not worry, it'll be alright cause it looks like it is not going to be alright, so go to the emergency a.s.a.p. to look into this serious matter, there you will be referred to the department that handles serious problems such as the one you had better look into. I hope this helps cause your well being is more important than putting up with pain, pain, pain that could lead to a serious irreversible infection. Hey, those infections are very serious that could lead to >>>>>>>>>

Answer 3

Your orthodontist should have someone available for when situations like this arise. You should check. Otherwise, maybe you should just try and talk with another orthodontist about your problem.