Losing or breaking your retainer in Los Angeles, CA is stressful. At TK Orthodontics, patients often ask: What should I do now? How fast do I need a replacement? Act quickly to protect your orthodontic results. Timing is crucial.
Why a Retainer Is Still Essential After Treatment
After braces or Invisalign, your teeth can still move. They are not fixed in place, especially in the early months. Wear your retainer to keep your teeth in position as bone and tissue settle.
Without a retainer, teeth can move quickly and quietly. Always wear your retainer and act fast if it is lost or damaged.
First Steps to Take If Your Retainer Is Lost or Broken
Do not wait. If your retainer is lost, cracked, or does not fit, call your orthodontist immediately. Delaying can let your teeth shift and make your old retainer unusable.
Do not try to repair your retainer at home. Do not bend wires or use glue. Do not wear a damaged retainer. See your orthodontist to ensure a proper fit.
How Fast Can Teeth Shift Without a Retainer?
Teeth can shift within days or weeks after you stop wearing your retainer, especially soon after treatment. Lower front teeth are at even higher risk. TK Orthodontics takes this seriously.
Replacing a retainer quickly helps preserve alignment and avoids the need for additional correction later.
Retainer Replacement Options at TK Orthodontics
TK Orthodontics offers several types of retainers, depending on the patient’s needs. Clear retainers, such as Vivera retainers made by the creators of Invisalign, are popular for their comfort and discreet appearance. Hawley retainers provide a durable, adjustable option, while fixed retainers offer continuous support by staying bonded behind the teeth.
Each replacement retainer is custom-fitted using precise impressions or digital scans. This ensures comfort, accuracy, and long-term effectiveness.
What the Retainer Replacement Process Looks Like
The process begins with an evaluation to check for any tooth movement. From there, impressions are taken to create a new retainer that matches the current alignment of the teeth. Once the retainer is ready, the team ensures it fits properly and provides clear instructions on wear and care.
Ongoing support is part of the process. Regular check-ins allow adjustments if needed and help patients stay on track with retention.
Preventing Future Retainer Issues
While accidents happen, a few habits can reduce the risk of losing or damaging a retainer. Keeping it in a protective case when not in use, avoiding heat exposure, and cleaning it properly all help extend its lifespan. Clear retainers should never be wrapped in napkins or left loose, as this is one of the most common ways they are lost.
Trusted Care for Retainers in Los Angeles, CA
TK Orthodontics is committed to delivering advanced, personalized orthodontic care backed by modern technology and the expertise of Dr. Tae Kwon and his dedicated team. With locations serving Los Angeles and beyond, patients receive guidance not only during treatment, but long after braces or Invisalign are complete.
Lost or broken retainer in Los Angeles, CA? Don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation with TK Orthodontics today and take the right step to protect your smile. Fast action now can save time, stress, and unnecessary treatment later.
