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FAQ: Retainers

Can I Use My Retainers Again?
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Question:
For the past two weeks or so, I have had a throbbing pain in the upper area of my top left gums. The tooth nearest to the pain is my second molar (I'm 20, but haven't gotten my wisdom teeth yet).

This pain actually switches between the aforementioned area to my front bottom teeth. When the pain is in my bottom teeth, it feels as if my teeth are moving (the main tooth that hurts actually has moved slightly backwards).

It actually feels exactly how my teeth felt when my braces were tightened when I was a kid. Because of this movement, I started to wear my retainer again, but it didn't fit exactly right.

It seems to have caused a hole or chip in my second molar. Is this possible? ... Visitor from MO

Answer:
Consult your orthodontist. Wearing a retainer again after not wearing it for an extended period of time can cause problems.

Retainers that are designed by an orthodontist at the completion of alignment with standard braces are designed to keep teeth where they are... keep them from moving ...not to provide orthodontic movement.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment may have to be started all over again.

Ara Nazarian, D.D.S.
Michigan Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
1857 East Big Beaver Road
Troy, Michigan MI 48083
(248) 457-0500

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