For all those getting orthodontic treatment, the most exciting day is when their braces or aligners finally come off. That, however, is only one half of your journey. The other half is keeping your teeth straight the way they are, and for that, you need retainers. At the start, your retainers may hurt a little, as it takes some time for your teeth to adjust. Keep reading to learn why retainers hurt and what causes retainer discomfort.
Is It Normal to Have Retainer Pain at the Start?
As soon as you start wearing your new retainers and feel pain, you may get worried, thinking something is wrong. But it’s actually quite normal. When the constant pressure from your braces or aligners is suddenly removed, your teeth and tissues may remain a little tender for a few days.
So, when you put on a retainer, some soreness in the early days is expected to occur. The light pressure from your retainers can feel like a dull ache or tightness in your teeth, but it usually gets better in no more than a week or two.
Why Do Retainers Hurt After Not Wearing?
Most dentists recommend that you wear your retainers full-time for the first 6 months, and yes, that includes your sleep hours too. After this, you’ll usually be asked to continue wearing them at night only. But what happens if you skip wearing your retainers?
Your teeth can shift faster than you may realize. Even if you stop wearing them for a few nights, your teeth may move slightly out of place. When you wear them again, there is extra pressure on your teeth, which leads to soreness.
This is why many people complain that their retainers hurt after not wearing them for a few days.
How to Deal With Retainer Discomfort
If it’s only been a day or two of wearing retainers and you feel mild pain, don’t worry. It will fade in a few days. For immediate relief, you can try these quick fixes:
- Take OTC pain medications
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
- Cold water rinses
- Orthodontic wax on a pressure point or sharp edge
- Topical numbing gel
It takes some time to adapt to the feel of retainers in your mouth. What you shouldn’t do is stop wearing retainers when you feel soreness, because that will make the issue even worse later on.
When to Visit Your Orthodontist?
If you haven’t worn your retainers for longer than a few weeks and now they don’t seem to fit, you’ll need to visit your dentist or orthodontist. Sometimes the issue may not be skipping retainer wear, but with the material itself.
In any case, if your retainers cause you too much pain, don’t sit well, or you have lost them, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.
Final Words
It’s normal to feel a slight pull on your teeth and some pain when you start wearing retainers. Mostly, it lasts only a few days as your teeth adjust.
But if the pain doesn’t get any better, don’t ignore it. Visit our expert at Capital Springs Orthodontics promptly. Call us at (512) 447-6453 to schedule an appointment.