Do retainers hurt?

Question

I'm getting my braces of soon and I'm getting a removable retainer on top and one gued down to the bottom. Anyway back to the question, do retainers hurt as much as braces?

Answer 1

What does a retainer do?
The retainer keeps your teeth in perfect alignment after braces are removed so you keep an excellent smile as your mouth grows?


Why do I need the retainer?
Usually, when braces are first removed, your teeth will all be in perfect alignment, and your smile is excellent. However, your gums, bones, etc will not have completely shifted into their new positions. The retainer holds your teeth in position until your gums, bones etc settle in to their new positions. At the end of your orthodontic treatment, your smile will be wonderful and your will look excellent. You need to wear your retainer to keep yourself looking excellent.

Also, you are still growing after your braces are removed. Sometimes, your mouth will grow unevenly. If so a retainer can be used to make sure your teeth stay perfect as you grow. Cool dudes all have perfect teeth.


What happens if I do not wear the retainer?
Your gums and bones will not settle into their new positions so your teeth will move part way back to their old positions. Your fabulous smile will dwindle. You may even need to get your braces put on again. Don't let that happen! Be just like cool dude. Wear your retainer.


Does the retainer hurt?
It should not. If your retainer hurts after the first week, it means that the retainer was fitted wrong. Go back to your orthodontist and ask him to give you a new retainer.


How long should I use a retainer?
You need to wear your retainer 24 hours a day for at least a year after your braces are removed. Then continue to wear the retainer a few nights a week until you are 24 and stop growing.


What happens if I break the retainer?
Ask your orthodontist for a new one.


Won't the retainer wear out after a while?
A well made retainer should last for years. If your retainer breaks ask your orthodontist for a new one.


What happens if I swallow a part of the retainer.
Nothing. The part will just pass through your digestive system.


Tell me about fixed retainers
Fixed retainers are an alternative that is sometimes used when you keep "forgetting" to wear your retainer. The orthodontist cements a retainer in your mouth and you cannot take the retainer off for a year.

If this happens, be sure to clean the retainer every night or else your breath will smell awful.

Answer 2

Getting A Retainer

Answer 3

I never had braces but I wore a retainer when I was much younger and it didn't hurt at all. It can be very bothersome and you tend to drool a lot.

Answer 4

I wore brace for 4 years (the metal type) and the retainer never hurt. It was just an inconvience to take them in and out to eat =0) That said however I must warn you that I did not wear my retainers all the time like I was suppose to and now a couple of my teeth we back to the way they were (sideways). SO my advice to you is to wear them like your advised to do so you don't run into the same problems I have. Hope this helps =0)

Answer 5

I had to get a retainer myself after I got braces. It hurts the first couple of days as your teeth are getting use to the adjustment. Make sure to wear it as recommended though if you try to put it back in if you haven't worn it in a while it will hurt a lot. Good luck and just think about how beautiful your teeth will be if your wear it!

Answer 6

I have a removable retainer, but it does not hurt when I put in/take out my retainer. It can be a little tight if you have not worn your retainer in a while but other than that it is fine.

Answer 7

They are for maintenance. They will only hurt if you leave them out long enough for your teeth to shift, thus making them tight.

If there is a rough spot or a part that is pushing on a tooth, etc. then your orthodontist needs to make an adjustment. Adjustments to a retainer during the first few weeks/months are not abnormal.

They shouldn't hurt.

The hard part is learning how to talk with them in, and remembering not to throw them away after a meal.

Answer 8

Naw

Answer 9

nope! they dont hurt at all!
you will remove it to eat but while you wear it you may talk funny at first, but you will get used to it!
you should definitely make sure the wear the retainer when you have to or your teeth will go back to the way they were before braces!
but no the retainer doesnt hurt at all.

Answer 10

I have had retainers for a couple of months in the 2nd grade. When you first get them it will be a bit difficult to talk. You will be spitting a bit and even at times some drool MAY come out of your mouth. But in the beginning it will not hurt AT ALL. After a while your dentist will start to tighten them, and it will not hurt like braces, but will have a tight, sore feeling. It only lasts for a day until you get used to the feeling. Then tighter and tighter after months. The pain will only last a day and you will get used to it. And about the spittinng when you talk problem will only last a week in the beginning. Overall they DON'T hurt as much as braces. =) Hope This Helps

Answer 11

No retainers do not hurt as much as braces do! And Congratulations! Getting your braces off is a huge step! No more wires, or food getting stuck!! The retainer is a way for your teeth to stay in the same alignment as the braces formed them to be, but your not committed to it, you can take it off in the morning and go about your day and put it back on in the evening before you go to bed. As long as you keep doing that, your teeth are going to be fine, but remember to continue to do that. Or your teeth will get out of alignment. :)