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Is my retainer supposed to hurt when I first get it?
When you wear a retainer for any reason, certain teeth may feel pressure and might even feel sore for the first few days. If you experience this, don’t worry — it’s completely normal. Retainers can help many mouth problems besides shifting teeth.
Are my retainers supposed to hurt?
While retainers can sometimes feel a little odd, they should never be painful. But pain is subjective, and sometimes it takes time for your mouth to get used to a new treatment. If your retainers are causing certain types of irritation, then it might be a sign they don’t fit correctly.
How do you wear your retainer when it hurts?
Dental wax or Bonjela gel. Applying dental wax or Bonjela gel to any sore areas in your mouth or gums will help cushion them against initial rubbing or irritation from your retainers.
Will wearing retainer shift teeth back?
So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is yes, sometimes. If your retainer doesn’t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.
How long should I wear my retainer a day?
22 hours a day
Why risk the chance of your teeth returning to their pre-orthodontic position; wearing them regularly will prevent this. Teeth have history. It normally takes about a year for the teeth to become stable in a new position. Therefore, retainers should be worn for at least 22 hours a day, right after braces are removed.
How do I make my retainer stop hurting?
If you experience soreness, follow these tips to help ease the pain:
- Use an oral anesthetic. Orajel and Anbesol are a few pain relievers that can be applied directly to your teeth and gums.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Be proactive!
- Use an icepack.
- Drink cold water.
- Eat soft foods.
- Be patient.
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