BROKEN RETAINER? HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT

Noticed your retainer is broken? Accidents happen, and cracked or snapped retainers happen more often than you think.

Whether your retainer got damaged during cleaning, chewed by your dog, or cracked during wear, don't panic.

However, it's important to act quickly to prevent your teeth shifting out of place. A broken retainer won’t do its job properly, and leaving it too long can risk unwanted tooth movement.

Here’s what to do to protect your alignment and how you can temporarily fix your retainer until you can get a replacement.

First, don't panic

It’s easy to feel a bit flustered when something goes wrong with your retainer, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get your teeth perfectly aligned.

But don't panic, a broken retainer doesn’t mean your teeth will instantly shift back to where they started. 

The longer you go without wearing a properly fitting retainer, however, the higher the chance for some subtle movement.

So, while a temporary fix is essential, it’s important to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible to figure out the next steps.

Use ThermoGlu to temporarily fix your retainer

If the damage to your retainer is minimal, such as a small crack or a clean break, you may be able to temporarily fix it using ThermoGlu.

This is a great option for quick, short-term fixes and can help keep the retainer in one piece until you can see your dentist. Here's how it works:

1) Prepare two cups – one with freshly boiled water and the other with cold water.

2) Place 10-15 beads into the boiling water and leave them for 10-15 seconds until they become fully clear.

3) Use a spoon to carefully remove the material from the boiling water.

4) Press the material onto the cracked area of your retainer, smoothing it over the crack to fully cover it.

5) Leave the appliance in your mouth for 20 seconds, then carefully remove it and place it into the cold water. Once the material turns fully white, it is set.

6) Check the appliance for any sharp edges, ensuring it feels comfortable before placing it back in your mouth.

While this isn’t a long-term solution, it will allow you to keep your retainer in place until you can get a professional repair or replacement.

How to avoid breaking your retainer in future

Taking a few simple steps can help prevent your retainer from breaking again in the future.

• Always store your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth
• Avoid leaving it in places that could get too hot, like a car or near a heater
• Regularly clean your retainer using a soft brush and a gentle cleanser - never with hot water
• Always take it out when eating or drinking to avoid unnecessary wear

When to replace your retainer

Even with proper care, retainers don’t last forever.

If your retainer becomes severely damaged or if you notice your teeth shifting, it’s time to visit your dentist for a replacement. 

Your dentist will assess the situation and can provide a new retainer to ensure that your teeth remain in place.

Don't let a damaged retainer set you back

A broken retainer doesn’t need to be the end of your orthodontic progress, as long as you address it quickly.

Using a temporary fix like ThermoGlu can help in the short term, but seeing your dentist as soon as possible is essential to avoid any long-term issues.

Taking the proper precautions can prevent future breaks and ensure that your retainer serves its purpose in maintaining your perfectly aligned teeth.