Why Does My Retainer Feel Tight Every Night?

If your retainer feels tight every night to the point of discomfort, talk to your orthodontist. In most cases, this happens when you move to a nightly schedule too quickly. When you see your orthodontist, they'll likely recommend that you return to wearing your retainer for part of the day until your teeth adjust.

Why is my retainer tight every night?

If the retainer feels tight when you wear it at night, you're not ready to go to an every-other-night schedule. Continue wearing the retainer every night. Over time, if the retainer begins to feel passive (not tight) when inserting it, you may start wearing it every other night.

Is it normal for retainers to hurt every night?

This feeling is usually a result of pressure and this kind of discomfort tends to go away once the retainer is worn regularly again. If discomfort does not go away after regular wear of the retainer, it is best to contact your dental professional.