Retainer, Dentistry FAQ

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Concerns About Child's Crown: Pain, Gums, and Treatment Options

Hao-style dental crown The child had a Hawley retainer placed on May 11. Three days prior, rubber bands were used to open the gaps between the teeth, and the retainer was placed directly after that. However, now that it has been seven days, one side of the gap can be cleaned easi...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Kelly: If the edges of your braces are pressing against your gums, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with your dentist for adjustments. This will help avoid gum irritation and allow for proper flossing. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry,...

[Read More] Concerns About Child's Crown: Pain, Gums, and Treatment Options


Dealing with Tight Spaces After Crown Placement: Tips for Kids

Hawley crown The child had a Hawley retainer placed on May 11th. Three days prior, they used rubber bands to expand the gaps between the teeth, and then the retainer was placed directly. Now, on the seventh day, one side of the gap can be cleaned easily with dental floss, but the...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If it is confirmed that there is a cleaning issue, you should return for a follow-up appointment to have the doctor make adjustments. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing gingivitis and cavities. For custom and out-of-pocket items, it is reasonable and expected to have...

[Read More] Dealing with Tight Spaces After Crown Placement: Tips for Kids


Impact of Broken Retainer on Tooth Alignment: What You Need to Know

Retainer issues? Hello, I have a question. The wire on the left side of the upper front teeth of my traditional retainer has broken off. Will this affect my teeth? I have a lingual retainer, but the second left incisor is noticeably protruding downwards. If I continue to wear the...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If it is confirmed that the left central incisor has grown downwards, it is advisable to consider re-treatment with orthodontics, as a retainer alone will not provide the necessary force to move the teeth.

[Read More] Impact of Broken Retainer on Tooth Alignment: What You Need to Know


Will Teeth Gaps Widen After Upper Jaw Expansion and Tooth Extraction?

After maxillary expansion and the extraction of two molars, will the spaces between the teeth gradually increase once orthodontic treatment is completed? Doctor: Hello! I am undergoing orthodontic treatment. The doctor recommended first performing maxillary expansion and extracti...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: Typically, after orthodontic treatment is completed, the vast majority of cases will use retainers to stabilize the teeth and prevent them from shifting in the short term. Retainers can also be placed on the lingual side to avoid affecting aesthetics, and they can be made ...

[Read More] Will Teeth Gaps Widen After Upper Jaw Expansion and Tooth Extraction?


Do You Need New Retainers After Root Canal and Porcelain Crown?

Root canal treatment Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment needs to have a new all-ceramic crown, will I need to return to the clinic to pay for a new clear retainer and fixed retainer? Or can the all-ceramic crown be compatible wit...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Dear Miss An, After root canal treatment, a full ceramic crown is required. If you currently have a clear retainer and a fixed retainer, it may be difficult to fit the original retainers snugly after the crown is placed. You may want to discuss with your dentist the possibility...

[Read More] Do You Need New Retainers After Root Canal and Porcelain Crown?


Is My Gray Front Tooth a Sign of Pulp Necrosis After 20 Years?

The front teeth have been gray for 20 years; could this indicate pulp necrosis? Hello, Doctor. I had orthodontic treatment 20 years ago, and since then, one of my front teeth has been discolored, appearing gray, but there have been no symptoms. In recent years, dentists at a clin...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you are concerned about pulp necrosis, it is recommended to visit the endodontics department of a medical center for a detailed examination. After identifying the cause of the discoloration, you can then decide on the appropriate treatment options.

[Read More] Is My Gray Front Tooth a Sign of Pulp Necrosis After 20 Years?


Understanding Bite Discomfort After Temporary Dentures: Key Insights

Sudden changes in bite alignment? Hello, Doctor. While waiting for the implant to integrate with the bone, I was wearing a temporary denture (fitted in a clear retainer, which only covers 3/4 of my teeth, leaving three molars on one side uncovered). Recently, after removing the r...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: I'm not quite clear on your question, but I recommend discussing any overly detailed concerns with your implant and orthodontic specialists. However, I can provide some information: the vertical height of the posterior teeth must differ by at least 4mm between the upp...

[Read More] Understanding Bite Discomfort After Temporary Dentures: Key Insights


Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Navigating Orthodontics and Cleanings

Orthodontics and Dental Anxiety Two to three years ago, I started orthodontic treatment (Invisalign) at a certain clinic, along with regular dental cleanings. The procedures, including scanning the shape of my teeth, creating dental molds (using a purple powder mixed with water a...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the original clinic for follow-up. If you are not comfortable with the nurse's handling, you can simply express your concerns at the front desk or inform them when making a phone appointment.

[Read More] Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Navigating Orthodontics and Cleanings


Is Gum Overgrowth Normal After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

After having my wisdom teeth removed, the gum tissue around my front molars has become elevated? I just had my wisdom teeth extracted last week, and I noticed that the gum tissue in front of my wisdom teeth is covering about one-third of my molar. When I touch it, I can lift it u...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return to the orthodontist's office to see if the retainer can be adjusted. Otherwise, continuous irritation to the wound area may make it more difficult for the wound to heal back to its normal state.

[Read More] Is Gum Overgrowth Normal After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?


Should I Continue Wearing Braces? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Braces issues? When I was in fifth grade, I needed to wear braces to correct my deep bite issue, as my molars had not fully erupted at that time. By the time I reached seventh grade, the braces were removed, and since my molars had not yet come in, I switched to a retainer. At th...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to discuss with your treating physician the significant impact on your life. If there is a need for further wearing, could it be postponed until after your university exams? After all, if the physician has recommended wearing it, there should be a therapeut...

[Read More] Should I Continue Wearing Braces? Weighing the Pros and Cons


Concerns About Retained Bone Screws After Orthodontic Treatment

The bone screws were not removed after the correction? Hello, Doctor. I have been undergoing orthodontic treatment for almost five years, and I finally had my braces removed over three months ago. Since my retainers have become loose, I returned for a follow-up appointment to hav...


Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello Ms. Suchin: 1. If the orthodontic results have not yet stabilized, temporarily leaving the bone screws in place will not harm the teeth, as long as proper oral hygiene is maintained. 2. It is recommended to consult with an orthodontist. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of De...

[Read More] Concerns About Retained Bone Screws After Orthodontic Treatment


Is It Normal to Wear a Retainer Before Braces? Expert Insights

Before orthodontic treatment, it is necessary to wear a retainer? Hello, doctor. Due to my front teeth being protruded and having a significant gap between them and my canine teeth, I would like to undergo orthodontic treatment. However, the doctor suggested that I first wear a r...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: If you are already prepared to undergo orthodontic treatment at your own expense, it is advisable to find an orthodontist you "trust" and follow their instructions throughout the process. Orthodontic treatment typically lasts at least 2 to 3 years, and if there i...

[Read More] Is It Normal to Wear a Retainer Before Braces? Expert Insights


Post-Orthodontic Retainer Wear: Duration and Comfort Solutions

Duration of Retainer Wear After Orthodontic Treatment Hello, Doctor. I am currently four days post-orthodontic treatment. During the treatment, I had four teeth extracted and bone screws were used. Now, my doctor has provided me with a clear retainer. My concern is that when I we...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It has been four days since your orthodontic treatment. I strongly recommend that you follow the doctor's instructions and wear the retainer. If it affects your speech or appearance, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to a different type of ...

[Read More] Post-Orthodontic Retainer Wear: Duration and Comfort Solutions


Understanding Retainer Wear Time After Orthodontic Treatment

Duration of Retainer Wear After Orthodontic Treatment Hello Doctor, I am currently four days post-orthodontic treatment. During the treatment, I had four teeth extracted and bone screws were used. Now, my doctor has instructed me to wear a clear retainer. My concern is that when ...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It's been four days since your orthodontic treatment. I strongly recommend that you follow the doctor's instructions and wear the retainer. If it affects your speech or appearance, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to a different type ...

[Read More] Understanding Retainer Wear Time After Orthodontic Treatment


Understanding Oral Injuries from Retainer Use: Causes and Solutions

Suddenly biting the inner lining of the mouth? Hello, doctor. I usually wear my retainer for about six hours a day. However, the day before yesterday, due to sleep issues, I ended up wearing it for about ten hours. When I woke up, I noticed a slight mark on the inside of my left ...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to have the doctor confirm whether a retainer needs to be redone. If it has shifted, continued use may cause further damage.

[Read More] Understanding Oral Injuries from Retainer Use: Causes and Solutions


Post-Tooth Extraction: Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, and Night Grinding Issues

Tooth extraction followed by dental implant surgery with bone grafting, upper teeth stabilization, nighttime bruxism issues, and wearing retainers? Due to a recent issue with a cracked lower left molar, I experienced some discomfort while biting. A CT scan and X-ray revealed a sh...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to consult with your physician to see if there is a need to adjust the type or thickness of the wire. 2/3. It is essential to be cautious not to leave the area of the bone graft (PRF) unsupported and to avoid excessive pressure on the device, as this m...

[Read More] Post-Tooth Extraction: Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, and Night Grinding Issues


Understanding Clear Retainers: Addressing Bite Issues and Discomfort

Clear retainer Hello Doctor, I recently finished my orthodontic treatment and have just started wearing my clear retainer. However, I've noticed that only my last molars are making contact, while the front teeth are slightly apart, resembling an open bite, with a gap of abou...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: The device you mentioned is more similar to a Michigan splint or an Invisalign-related device (which elevates the teeth/increases facial height/prevents the upper and lower teeth from tightly occluding), rather than a clear retainer. I recommend calling the clinic first to...

[Read More] Understanding Clear Retainers: Addressing Bite Issues and Discomfort


Proper Tongue Positioning: Key to Preventing Dental Issues

Position of the lips and tongue? Hello, doctor. What is the correct position for the tongue? I read online that it should be against the hard palate, and an orthodontist mentioned that keeping the mouth closed can prevent protruding teeth. However, when I close my mouth, my tongu...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to relax and maintain your original state. If you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may ask your dentist to assist in creating a tongue retainer device to prevent the tongue from interfering with tooth movement. If you are not currently ...

[Read More] Proper Tongue Positioning: Key to Preventing Dental Issues


Switching Dentists: What Happens to Your Custom Dental Crown?

I would like to ask you about a diagnostic and treatment issue? Hello Dr. Chiu, I would like to ask you some questions regarding treatment. I previously had root canal therapy on my molar, which has now fractured, requiring a crown. I have completed the impressions and have sched...


Dr. Qiu Qiongyao Reply:
Hello, Miss: Q1: The custom dental retainer ordered on April 15 should have been completed. Once payment is made, it is, of course, the patient's property, and you can either take it home or temporarily bond it with adhesive for observation. (Typically, the doctor may issu...

[Read More] Switching Dentists: What Happens to Your Custom Dental Crown?


Understanding Oral Mucosa Shedding After Orthodontic Treatment

Oral mucosa shedding? Hello Doctor, I previously underwent orthodontic treatment, and now that my braces have been removed, I am using a retainer to maintain my results. However, every time I remove the retainer, I notice that the oral mucosa starts to slough off after a while. I...


Dr. Lin Jiayong Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to inform the physician about this situation to see if it is possible to switch to another type of non-fixed retainer.

[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa Shedding After Orthodontic Treatment


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