Local
You wrapped your retainer in a napkin at lunch, and now the napkin is gone. Or you opened the case and found a crack running through the plastic. Either way, you are standing there wondering what to do first.
Call your orthodontist's office. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that if you lose or break a retainer, you should contact your orthodontist right away about a replacement. This guide covers what to tell the office, what to ask, and what to leave to them.
Call first, and skip the home fixes
The AAO's advice is simple: if a retainer does not fit, do not force it. Contact your orthodontist, who will look at your situation and decide what, if anything, needs to happen. The AAO also says that if a fixed retainer wire comes loose on a tooth, you should let your orthodontist know right away.
That means no glue, no reshaping, and no guessing. Keep any broken pieces and the case, and bring them if the office asks.
What to tell the office
A few details help the office understand what happened.
- Whether the retainer is lost, cracked, bent, or no longer fits
- Whether it is a removable retainer or a wire bonded to your teeth
- Roughly when you last wore it
- Whether you have an older retainer at home
- Any discomfort, or a wire poking your cheek or tongue
- Who made the retainer, if it was a different office
Questions to ask when you call
These keep the call short and clear.
- How soon can you see me?
- Should I wear my older retainer until then, or leave it out?
- Should I bring the broken retainer or the pieces?
- Will you need new scans or impressions?
- Can you repair this one, or does it need to be replaced?
- Is there a fee for a replacement, and what does it include?
- Do you keep my scans on file so a backup can be made later?
- Is it possible to have a spare made?
If cost or insurance comes up, ask the office and your plan directly. Prices and coverage vary, and they are the right sources.
If you moved or your orthodontist is not nearby
You can still call the office that made your retainer. They may have your records and can tell you your options. If you need a new office, look for an orthodontist near you and mention that you are calling about a lost or broken retainer.
After the replacement
Once you have a new retainer, it is a good time to ask the questions from our guide to retainers after braces or aligners, like how to wear it, how to clean it, and what to do if it ever stops fitting. Your orthodontist sets the plan for your teeth, so go by what they tell you.
Ready to call?
If you need an office, browse orthodontists in the LocalSmileFinder directory and contact one directly. Tell them what happened, bring your questions, and let them take it from there.