How Do You Fix a Broken Retainer? A Complete Guide to Solutions
Many people with misaligned teeth use retainers to correct the issue. However, retainers can wear out and break over time. A broken retainer can cause significant irritation and discomfort. In this situation, their focus is on how to fix a broken retainer; usually, this solution is according to the type of retainer you are using.
There are different types of retainers available. Some are fixed, and some are removable, and if they get broken, you have to immediately fix them; otherwise, you have to face a problem like teeth shifting or discomfort.
This article provides solutions for fixing a broken retainer and preventive tips to keep it safe. Here, you get the possible solutions and also get some preventive tips that will help you to keep your retainer safe, so get ready to know about this in detail.
Identifying the Type of Retainer and Damage
If your retainer gets broken, then finding the best solution to fixing a broken retainer depends on its type and the extent of damage.The first thing you have to do is check the type of your retainer because there are different types of retainers available. There are two main types of retainers: fixed (permanent) and removable. There is a different solution for each type.
- Fixed Retainers: These types of retainers are fixed permanently to your teeth and mostly cause issues like wire breakage and detachment from teeth.
- Removable Retainers: These retainers are not fixed. You can remove them and wear them again, and they are made with plastic or acrylic. Sometimes, these can cause issues like crack, warp, or break.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Fix a Broken Retainer
If your retainer breaks, it’s important to find a solution quickly. This way, you can reduce the chances of any serious dental issues. You can get different solutions for the problem; how do you fix a broken retainer? However, the solution depends largely on the extent of the damage. The following points help you to understand the situation of your retainer well:
- Assess the Damage: First, you have to check your retainer properly to see where it is cracked, broken, or warped. This way, you understand the condition of your retainer well.
- Clean Your Retainer: It is important to first clean your retainer if you are doing any repairs because through this you can remove harmful bacteria and dirt from it.
- Temporary Fix for Minor Damage: For minor damage or slight misalignment, temporary fixes may suffice. This minor issue can be resolved well with orthodontic wax.
- Avoid DIY Repairs for Major Breaks: In the case of your retainer being broken seriously, then it is recommended not to fix it on your own because if it doesn’t get fixed well, then this can cause different issues instead of protection.
- Consult Your Orthodontist: The best option for you in such a situation is to check your broken retainer with your orthodontist. They can suggest possible and perfect solutions.
How to Fix Cracks in the Plastic or Acrylic of a Retainer?
When your retainer has a little bit of damage, then it can get fixed with the use of orthodontic wax, but this can be a temporary solution for this problem and can increase the usage time of the retainer for some time until you check this through your orthodontist. They can fix it permanently if possible; otherwise, suggest a new one.
- Repairing Broken: Sometimes, the wire of your fixed retainer breaks or becomes warped; then it is best for you not to fix it on your own because if it gets fixed but moves even slightly from its exact point, it can be harmful to you and cause problems. So in this situation, visit your dentist and check it with him.
- What to Do When Your Retainer Is Completely Broken?: If your retainer breaks into two pieces, consult a dentist. Severe damage often renders it ineffective, and replacing it may be the best option.
- How to Handle a Warped Retainer?: A warped retainer is the condition of your retainer in which it gets warped, and the main reasons for this are heat, pressure, or mishandling. If we talk about its fixing, then if there is a little bit of damage, then it is fixable, but if the condition is difficult to fix, then check this with your dentist.
Preventing Future Retainer Damage
To avoid dealing with a broken retainer in the future, follow these preventive tips. This way, you can increase the usage time of your retainer.
- Store It Properly: When you take off your retainer, it is important to keep it in any safe area, like in a hard, protective case. Through this, the chances of any crack or damage decrease.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposing your retainer to heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause damage. This damage can be done with removable retainers mostly.
- Handle with Care: You have to keep your retainer always clean for this. You have to clean it on a regular basis. Use mild soap and water or a special retainer cleaner for this purpose.
- Handle with Care: Another important tip is that whenever you are wearing your retainer or taking it off, do this carefully. Through this, you can avoid the chance of any damage.
Conclusion
If you use the retainer for any dental problem, then you might also have to face problems like a broken retainer. In this situation, don’t worry about the solution of how you fix a broken retainer. If there is a little bit of crack, it can be fixed at home easily, but if the damage is increased, then the best thing is to communicate with the doctor for the best possible solution.
