Temporary Retainer Question

[hypocrite opportunist]

I was given a molded temporary retainer to wear until I get my Hawley's in two weeks. My ortho said to just wear it when I am at home, but it is soooo uncomfortable. It looks like the mouth gaurds that boxers wear, is impossible to talk in, and it really drys out my mouth and lips. I'll of course wear it when I sleep each night, but is it okay to not bother with it the rest of the time? It will be on for 8 hours a night, until I get my Hawley's in 2 weeks. Is this enough to keep my teeth in place?

[Loran]

Hi there,

you could try not wearing them for a day and see how they feel when you put them in at the end of the day. If they feel tight then you should probably persevere. The last thing you want is for your teeth to move. Perhaps you could wear them for just parts of the day until your Hawley is ready? The key thing is to be aware of how they feel when you put them in. If they feel tight you need to wear them more.

Good luck!

[coconutqueen]

I would discuss with your ortho exactly how many hours you need to wear it and if it's uncomfortable, perhaps there is some adjustment that can be made to it.