I boiled my retainers?

Question

We have an ant problem and there were ants all over my retainers so I boiled them to disinfect. I popped them back in my mouth and they don't fit the same anymore. I know this is impossible but it's as if they shrunk. My bottom retainer doesn't even fit in my mouth. And the top retainer fits super super snug now. Like, I think I'm going to need pliers to pull it off.

Any idea on what happened and what I should do??

Answer 1

You boiled them and deformed the plastic. You'll have to get new ones.

Next time just disinfect them. It was not necessary to boil them.

Wash them thoroughly with a mild dish soap (Ivory or Dawn) and warm water. Or rinse them in a solution of a tablespoon of white vinegar in a cup of water for 2 or 3 minutes. Or both!

Answer 2

I think your going to have to go to the doctors, and get your retainers fixed.  Sorry about your incident.

Answer 3

I have a retainer, when I was at work one day I dropped it in the mud (no idea how!) and in the end I ended up boiling the kettle and putting them in a cup of boiling water. When I took it out and put it in my mouth I thought "Oh no they don't fit!!" but they will move back into place. the retainers are made from the same substance as concrete so it's very hard to damage them. Put them in for today make sure a lot of air gets to them. If the problem continues it would be best to book a quick 5/10 minute appointment with your orthodontist. I hope everything turns out for the best!

Answer 4

When you boiled them, it melted the plastic and messed up the molding. The only thing you can do now,  is go get new ones!  

Answer 5

No stop wearing them, because they don't fit your teeth and will make your teeth messed up. You are just going to have to get new ones!! I know it sucks, but next time remember that usually hot water shrinks things, even your cloths!