I lost my retainer. It’s almost Christmas time, so of course I have no money left whatsoever. I have my old teeth whitening trays. Can I use those as my retainer until after Christmas?
Ben – Kansas
Ben,
Unfortunately, your teeth whitening trays are not a good substitute for your retainer. The whitening trays are soft and flexible, specifically designed not just to cover your teeth, but to be comfortable as well.
Your retainer, on the other hand, is made of solid, stiff material designed to keep your teeth locked into place. Your teeth will start shifting without it. Depending on how long you’ve been wearing your retainer, they may not shift far. But, they will shift.
If I were in your place, I’d call your dentist and let him know what happened. They can likely work with you on payment for a new retainer.
Hopefully you’ll find it soon. If not, call your dentist.
I hope you have a great Christmas.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Duane Delaune.