Bottom retainer help?

Question

I just got my bottom retainer and it's like a wire behind my teeth with a lot of glue and its really uncomfortable and my tounge always rubs against it making it feel yucky. Any suggestions or tips?

Answer 1

Have you tried bonjella? Or ask your dentist if he has any wax that you can soften with your hand and then cover the wire to allow your tongue to heal.I used to use red wax so my tongue and mouth to heal...good luck.  

Answer 2

It will go away with time, just as the discomfort of braces did.  You can use the wax to keep it from rubbing, but in all honesty this is just putting off the inevitable which is you just have to get used to it.  They are annoying, but last well and really work, I am on my second one after my second set of braces - the first retainer broke and my teeth moved after having it taken out, so it is a vital piece of equipment and one that you will want to keep maintained as I ended up with braces again from having mine removed.  The best thing for the adjustment phase is plenty of cool liquids and soft foods, the cool helps with soothing the tongue and soft foods are easier to adjust to.  It will continue to be annoying as far as cleaning, but in the next few weeks it will feel less noticeable in your mouth.  If after a week it isn't better go back and have them sand it a little to smooth it and make it smaller.  Good luck!