Loose Permanent Retainer
What Is A Loose Permanent Retainer?
A permanent orthodontic retainer, also known as a lingual wire or fixed retainer, is a thin wire that’s bonded to the back of your teeth to help keep them in place after orthodontic treatment. It is held in with dental bonding materials and is meant to stay in your mouth indefinitely. But in some cases, the dental bonding can become weak and can fail in some areas, meaning that one or two teeth are no longer connected to the retainer wire. This gives the feeling that the retainer is getting looser over time. The wire can even break in two pieces or fall off entirely.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, including biting down on hard foods, trauma to the mouth, or simply normal wear and tear. When a permanent retainer becomes loose, it can cause discomfort and even lead to further dental issues if left untreated. Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine A Loose Permanent Retainer, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have A Loose Permanent Retainer?
- Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Permanent Retainer
- Treatment Options For A Loose Permanent Retainer
- How To Prevent A Loose Permanent Retainer
- Managing A Loose Permanent Retainer Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about A Loose Permanent Retainer or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have A Loose Permanent Retainer?
There are several reasons why a permanent lingual retainer may become loose, including:
- Biting down on hard foods: Parafunctional habits or chewing on hard or crunchy foods, like ice, hard candy, or nuts, can put extra pressure on your teeth and retainer, which may cause it to loosen over time.
- Trauma to the mouth: If you experience a blow to the mouth, such as from a sports injury or accident, it can cause your retainer to become dislodged or loose.
- Normal wear and tear: Over time, the cement that holds your retainer in place may wear down, which can cause it to loosen or even fall off.
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar around your retainer, which can weaken the bond between the retainer and your teeth. Poor oral hygiene can also cause gum disease and tooth decay.
It’s important to address a loose permanent retainer as soon as possible, as it can lead to further dental problems if left untreated. If you have further questions about A Loose Permanent Retainer, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Permanent Retainer
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a loose permanent retainer, which can include:
- Feeling a shift in your teeth: If your retainer becomes loose, you may feel your teeth shifting out of place, which can be very disappointing if you have spent lots of effort trying to straighten your teeth.
- A change in your bite: As your teeth shift, you may notice a change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down. Changes in the bite can cause premature wearing away of teeth and tooth sensitivity.
- Discomfort or pain: A loose permanent retainer can cause discomfort or even pain, especially if the sharp end of the retainer is cutting into your tongue or gum.
- Visible movement of the wire: You may be able to see that the wire is no longer flush against your teeth, has shifted out of place, and can move freely around.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist to have your retainer checked and repaired as necessary. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms of A Loose Permanent Retainer, please contact us.
Treatment Options For A Loose Permanent Retainer
If you have a loose permanent lingual wire, there are several treatment options available, including:
- Rebonding the retainer: If the retainer is still intact on most teeth and the dental bonding that holds it in place is still serviceable, your dentist or orthodontist may be able to simply rebond it in place.
- Replacing the retainer with a new retainer wire: If the retainer is damaged or worn down, or all the dental bonding that holds the wire in place is getting old and needs replacement, it may need to be replaced with a new retainer wire with fresh dental bonding.
- Replacing the retainer with a removable retainer: An alternative solution to a fixed retainer wire is a removable retainer. Not only do removable retainers not have the same debonding issues as permanent retainers, they allow for easier dental hygiene and can be worn comfortably for night time wear only.
- Removing the retainer altogether: If it is a recurring problem where the retainer wire keeps coming loose and falling out time and time again, your dentist can remove the retainer altogether.
- Cutting the retainer short: If a loose end of the permanent retainer is rubbing against your cheeks or gums, your dentist or orthodontist may be able to cut it shorter to make it more comfortable.
It is important to have a loose permanent retainer addressed as soon as possible to avoid further dental problems. Your dentist or orthodontist can recommend the best course of treatment for your specific situation. If you have further questions about treatment options for A Loose Permanent Retainer, please contact us.
How To Prevent A Loose Permanent Retainer
While some causes of a loose orthodontic retainer wire are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to help prevent it from happening, including:
- Avoiding hard or crunchy foods: Chewing on hard or crunchy foods can put extra pressure on your teeth and retainer, which may cause it to become loose over time.
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports: If you participate in sports or other high-impact activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and retainer from trauma.
- Practicing good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar around your retainer, which can weaken the bond between the retainer and your teeth. Brush and floss gently around the permanent retainer. The Waterpik waterflosser is also a terrific adjunctive tool to keep the area around the retainer wire clean.
- Visiting your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings can help ensure that your retainer is in good condition and catch any issues before they become more serious.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce your risk of developing a loose permanent retainer and ensure that your orthodontic treatment is effective for the long term. If you have further questions about how to prevent A Loose Permanent Retainer, please contact us.
Managing A Loose Permanent Retainer Until You Can See The Dentist
If you experience a loose permanent retainer and are unable to see your dentist or orthodontist immediately, there are a few steps you can take to manage the issue until you can schedule an appointment, including:
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods: Stick to soft foods that won’t put extra pressure on your teeth and retainer, and avoid anything sticky that could dislodge the retainer further.
- Using orthodontic wax: If the retainer is rubbing against your cheeks or gums, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the wire and make it more comfortable.
- Wear a removable retainer: If you have a spare removable orthodontic retainer, you may consider wearing it to prevent further tooth movement until you can get the permanent retainer replaced.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from a loose permanent retainer. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen, the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours.
It’s important to remember that these are temporary solutions and that you should still see your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible to have the issue addressed properly. If you have further questions about how to manage A Loose Permanent Retainer, please contact us.
