Orland Park, IL – Removing your braces is a significant milestone, celebrating the end of a transformative journey towards a beautiful smile. However, your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end there. To maintain your newly straightened teeth, it’s crucial to wear your retainer as directed by Dr. Ayas Makki. But what if you’ve missed wearing your retainer for a while, and now it feels too tight?

The beauty of retainers is their removability, offering convenience and flexibility compared to braces. However, this also means it’s easy to forget to wear them. Even a short break from wearing your retainer can cause it to feel snug or uncomfortable when you put it back in.

1. Resume Regular Wear: If your retainer feels tight but doesn’t cause pain and still fits over your teeth, resume wearing it as instructed. Your teeth may have shifted slightly, causing the retainer to fit tighter than usual. Consistent use will help realign your teeth and ease the tightness.
2. Check for Damage: If the retainer is visibly damaged or warped, contact our office. We can examine the retainer and make necessary adjustments or create a new one if needed.
3. Care for Your Retainer: Proper care is essential. Always store your retainer in its case when not in use to prevent loss or damage. Avoid common mishaps like accidentally throwing it away or letting it become a chew toy for pets.

One of the most frequent post-braces errors is neglecting to wear the retainer as prescribed. Retainers are crucial in preserving the results achieved from orthodontic treatment. Skipping retainer use can lead to teeth shifting back to their original positions, potentially necessitating further orthodontic work.

If your retainer feels too tight or you have any concerns about its fit or condition, contact Orland Park Orthodontics today. We’re here to ensure your smile stays as beautiful and straight as the day your braces came off.