Guide
Broken or lost retainer? What to do next.
Retainers keep your new smile in place. If yours cracks, goes missing or comes loose, a quick call helps protect your results.
From the team at NA Orthodontics, North Arlington, NJ
Do this right away
- Call us: North Arlington 201-991-4447, Jersey City 201-940-1555.
- Keep any broken pieces and bring them in.
- If you have an older retainer or your last aligner, ask us whether to wear it for now.
- Do not glue, bend or file a retainer yourself.
Loose bonded wire
If the thin wire behind your front teeth comes loose, cover any sharp spot with orthodontic wax and call us to schedule a repair.
Avoiding breaks
- Always keep it in its case when it is out of your mouth, never in a napkin.
- Keep it away from pets and hot cars.
- Clean it with cool water and a soft brush, not hot water.
- Take it out to eat unless we tell you otherwise.
More about retainers
See our full retainer guide for types, cleaning and how long to wear them.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if my retainer breaks?
- Call our office as soon as you can. Keep the pieces and bring them. Do not try to glue or bend it yourself.
- How fast can teeth move without a retainer?
- Teeth can start shifting within days, especially soon after braces or Invisalign. That is why we ask you to call quickly.
- My bonded retainer wire came loose. Is that urgent?
- Call us soon. A loose wire can let teeth shift or poke your tongue. Cover a sharp end with orthodontic wax until your visit.
- My retainer feels tight after I skipped a few nights. Is that okay?
- Mild tightness means teeth moved a little. Wear it full-time for a few days and call us if it will not seat or hurts.
Consultations are free for patients under 18. Adult consultations are $90, credited toward treatment.
Book a consultationYour next step