Are my teeth at risk if I skip my retainer for 21 days?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had a retainer for three months. I was told to wear it for three months, all day, every day. I did for the first month, but there was a crack in the back of it, so I decided only to wear it at night. For the past few days, I wore it during the day again, too, but my dog got it and ruined it.

My orthodontist is on holiday, and my appointment is twenty-one days from now. They will then take a few days to make a new one. Are my teeth in trouble?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You should have gotten the broken part replaced that time itself; nevertheless, I think the retainer can be fixed now also. You can visit your nearest dentist, who can correct or fix the retainer easily, or maybe opt for a new one. Then you would visit your orthodontist after three weeks to continue your existing treatment.

If you are unable to get an appointment or you want an instant solution to this issue, I recommend you enclose me the picture of your teeth and the retainer, so I can just check here and tell you what the next steps are or what you would do in the next 20 days till your appointment is due.

Do you generally disinfect the retainer? Have you thrown it away, or is it still with you?

Let me first see the intraoral pictures of your teeth. Then, I will guide you further on what can be done and will try to find a possible solution.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.