Orthodontics
Retainer Replacement in Gladstone
Lost, broken or outgrown? Get a retainer that fits again.
A retainer only works when it fits. If yours is lost, cracked or no longer sits properly, a replacement helps keep your teeth where your orthodontic treatment put them.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
When to replace a retainer
Retainers are handled every day, so wear and accidents are common. Plastic trays can crack, thin out or warp in heat, wires can bend, and a bonded retainer can come loose from a tooth. Sometimes the retainer is fine but your teeth have moved, or new dental work has changed their shape, so it no longer seats properly. Wearing a retainer that does not fit can put uneven pressure on your teeth, so it is best to stop and have it checked. A replacement is made from a new record of your teeth, taken as they are today.
Signs it is time for a new retainer
Contact your dentist if you notice any of these:
- Cracks, holes or rough edges in the plastic
- A wire that is bent, loose or poking your cheek
- A retainer that feels unusually tight or will not seat
- A tray that has turned cloudy, warped or discolored
- A bonded retainer that has come loose from a tooth
- A retainer that has been lost or chewed by a pet
The process
How a replacement is made
- A look at your teeth and your old retainer, if you still have it
- A fresh digital scan of your teeth with the iTero scanner
- A new retainer made to fit your current tooth position
- A fitting to check comfort and your bite
- Advice on wearing and caring for it
If your teeth have shifted
When a new retainer is not enough
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Small changes
A new retainer made from a current scan can often help hold teeth where they are now.
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Noticeable changes
If teeth have drifted further, your dentist may talk with you about realigning them first with clear aligners.
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Next steps
Your dentist will explain the options and whether broader orthodontic care makes sense.
Orthodontic & Invisalign consultation
Free
Find out if Invisalign or braces are right for you
Our complimentary orthodontic consultation includes:
- Orthodontic exam
- Digital panoramic X-rays
- Digital profile view X-rays
- Orthodontic models & smile photographs
- A detailed, written treatment plan
Book your visit
Replace your retainer
Try not to wait until your teeth have moved. Schedule a visit, and we will check your teeth and take a new scan. Our retainers page covers the different types and how to care for them.
The short answer
Retainer replacement is making a new orthodontic retainer when the old one is lost, cracked, warped or no longer fits your teeth. Your dentist looks at your teeth and the old retainer if you still have it, takes a fresh digital scan with the iTero scanner, and a new retainer is made to match your current tooth position, then fitted to check comfort and your bite. A retainer only works when it fits, so a timely replacement helps keep your teeth where your orthodontic treatment put them.
Retainer Replacement FAQ
- Do I need my old retainer to get a new one?
- No, you do not need your old retainer. A new retainer is made from a fresh scan of your teeth as they are today. Bringing the old one, if you have it, can still help your dentist see what went wrong, such as a crack or a poor fit. That can help the new retainer last longer.
- Is a cracked retainer safe to keep wearing?
- It is better to stop wearing a cracked retainer. A crack can create sharp edges and put uneven pressure on your teeth. A retainer that does not fit properly may also stop holding the teeth where they should be. Contact your dentist about a replacement rather than waiting.
- What if my teeth moved while I had no retainer?
- Your dentist will first check how far your teeth have moved. A new retainer made from a current scan may be enough to hold small changes where they are now. If teeth have drifted further, your dentist may talk with you about realigning them first, for example with clear aligners. The options depend on how much movement there has been.
- How can I protect my new retainer?
- Keep your retainer in its case, clean it with cool water, keep it away from heat and pets, and bring it with you to your checkups. Heat can warp plastic trays, and pets are a common cause of chewed retainers. Using the case every time it is out of your mouth also makes it less likely to be lost. Bringing it to checkups lets your dentist look at its fit and condition.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
