Care Guide
What to do when a retainer breaks
A cracked or broken retainer may no longer hold your teeth the way it was designed to. Keep every piece, stop wearing the damaged retainer, and contact your orthodontic team for an assessment. Repairs are their decision.
Right away
- Stop wearing the damaged retainer until your team tells you what to do.
- Collect every piece and place them in a clean case.
- Check your mouth gently for sharp edges or irritation.
- Contact your orthodontic team as soon as you can.
Why home repairs are risky
Glue, tape, and household adhesives can irritate your mouth and do not restore the precise fit a retainer needs. Heating or bending a broken piece can change its shape. A repair that looks fine may still leave your teeth unsupported.
Signs that need prompt attention
- Pain, swelling, or bleeding in your gums or cheeks
- A sharp piece that keeps cutting or poking you
- A loose or broken wire on a Hawley retainer
- A tooth that seems to be moving
What to tell your team
Describe where the crack or break is, how long you have been wearing it, and whether it hurts. Bringing the pieces helps them decide between a repair and a replacement.
Not sure what's happening with your retainer?
The Retainer Help Tool asks two quick questions and gives predefined guidance for your retainer type and concern.
Open the Retainer Help ToolRelated
This guide is general educational information, not medical or dental advice. Always follow the instructions of your orthodontic team for your specific retainer.