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A permanent retainer is a wire that goes onto the back of your teeth. Your dentist most commonly applies it to the bottom set of teeth. It’s a great way to prevent teeth shifting as your teeth will be protected all day and night with it. They can last a long time, but sometimes you may realize that your permanent retainer broke. Here’s what to do next when this happens.
Once you’ve had your teeth shifted into perfect place by your dentist through either Invisalign or braces, your dentist will craft a retainer for you or cement a wired one onto the back of your teeth. These types of retainers are great when it comes to protection but can cause other issues. One of the biggest issues is cleaning around and behind them. Food will get trapped between the wire and your teeth so take extra time to floss or use a dental pick to remove the stubborn pieces of food. Another issue with this type of retainer is that you may run your tongue across it and realize that your permanent retainer broke.
Here’s a few fixes if your permanent retainer broke. First, you’ll need to attempt to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. This will likely be costly, as they tend to schedule six months in advance so any visits that require special appointments will be billed higher. Your dentist can re-cement the wire, or they can replace the entire thing.
They may even remove it completely and give you a clear retainer to wear instead. If they do this, they will need to polish off the cement or bonding material on your teeth. If your dentist does replace your wired retainer, make sure to get the molds from them. This should be free, and you can use these to order retainers from SportingSmiles. While this seems like the most logical way to fix it, there are other ways.
You can try to fix your permanent retainer that is broke by bonding, or gluing the wire back to your teeth. We do NOT recommend this, but if you attempt it, make sure that the glue that you use is dental glue and is created to be in your mouth. Do not use any toxic glue or adhesives as it can make you sick. This is an option, but you should do anything to avoid this.
Replace your lost, cracked, gross, and damaged dental retainers with a new one from SportingSmiles. Prevent your teeth from shifting using the most durable clear retainers available. Take your own impression at home and save hundreds over going to the dentist. Impression kit included. Free Shipping in the United States. Free Storage Case 90-Day Warranty
If your permanent retainer broke, it may be uncomfortable. The wire might be sticking out or it may have snapped in the middle. Make sure you are keeping your teeth and gums protected from the sharp edge of the broken wire. If you have a plastic retainer, you should wear it over the wired one. This can protect your gums and keep your teeth in place while you find a solution to fix it.
Another solution to help you if your permanent retainer broke, is to tie it together with floss. You can weave the floss in between your teeth and lasso the wire against your teeth. This will at least keep it out of harm’s way. Make sure to tie it so it is snug, but not too tight as it can damage the nerves of your teeth if you tie it too strongly. If your teeth begin to hurt, immediately untie the floss.
Those are a few solutions for you if your permanent retainer broke, but we do have one last affordable fix. If your dentist removes your wire, SportingSmiles can craft you a clear retainer to keep your teeth in place. This is the same one your dentist would craft, but at half the cost and completed all from the comfort of your home.
Retainers from the dentist can cost up to $1,100 in big cities. You’ll save hundreds of dollars with SportingSmiles retainers. They are crafted for maximum protection against teeth shifting and you can either use the patented impression kit, molds of your teeth that you can receive from your dentist, or STL files to use. If you want either of those, ask your dentist for them!
If you realize you have a permanent retainer that is broken, get to the dentist but have them remove it and get clear retainers from SportingSmiles. In a rush? We even offer Emergency Retainers that can be crafted and in your hands in 6-7 business days. Keep your teeth straight by wearing a retainer even through the dentist, or with SportingSmiles.
