If you wear retainers, you would probably know by now how important they are to maintain your newly straightened teeth. After you undergo orthodontic treatment, your dentist may put you on a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back into their old positions. This is to prevent the hard work of the dental treatment from going to waste.
However, retainers are not supposed to last forever. They get worn down and damaged with use and need to be replaced after a while. Continuing to wear damaged retainers can damage your teeth and ruin the treatment. If you suspect you need new retainers, visit a dentist in Tukwila, WA today. Meanwhile, here are a few signs of changing your retainer.
Signs you need to change your retainer
- It is cracked.
If your retainer has cracked marks, it is time to change it. Retainers begin to show cracks when they become old or have been used for a long time. You may also accidentally crack your retainer by dropping it on the ground.
It is imperative that you replace your retainer when you start noticing small cracks because the small ones will soon develop into large ones. This reduces the effectiveness of your retainer and allows for bacterial growth between the cracks.
- It feels loose.
One of the best things about a custom retainer is that it is tailor-made for you by your dentist. Your dentist takes your measurements through the latest equipment and techniques, making the perfectly fitting retainer for you. If your retainer does not fit perfectly in your mouth, the measurements are not right, and you must replace it immediately. A loose retainer cannot do its job properly, allowing your teeth to return to their old position.
- It has gone through wear and tear.
The most common type of damage that every retainer is supposed to go through is wear and tear. Every dental product becomes damaged after a while of use and needs replacements, and a retainer is no different. It is medically recommended to change your retainer at least once every six months or when you start noticing the signs of damage. Some common visible signs of damage include chips and cracks.
- It has calcium build-up.
If you are wondering what the weird substance or build-up on your retainer is, it is calcium. Calcium build-up can make your retainer look dirty and make you not want to wear it anymore. If your retainer has so much calcium build-up that you do not like to wear it, you need a new one.
