How to Fix a Broken Retainer (Fast)

Noticed your retainer is broken and unsure what to do about it?

Accidents happen, and cracked or snapped retainers can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are.

Retainers go through a lot of daily wear and tear, and when one breaks, the panic can set in.

But this isn’t the end of your orthodontic journey. You just need a quick plan to prevent your teeth shifting out of place.

A broken retainer won’t do its job properly, and leaving it too long can risk unwanted tooth movement.

So, if your retainer got broken during cleaning, cracked during wear, or chewed by the dog, here’s what to do next and how you can temporarily fix your retainer.

First, don't panic if you retainer is broken

Seeing a snapped or cracked retainer can feel stressful, especially if you’ve just finished treatment.

But the good news is that your teeth won’t shift overnight. There’s a short window where you can take action and avoid undoing your progress.

Still, timing matters. The longer you go without wearing a fully functioning retainer, the more chance your teeth will start to drift.

Even slight movement can affect how your retainer fits later, making it harder to correct without more treatment.

So, while it's normal to feel frustrated, the best thing you can do is focus on your next steps.

Apply a temporary fix if possible, and contact your dentist as soon as you can for a replacement retainer.

What not to do when your retainer breaks

When your retainer breaks, it's tempting to try a DIY repair with whatever tools or glue you’ve got lying around — but resist the urge.

Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t use super glue or household adhesives. These contain chemicals that aren’t safe for oral use and can damage the appliance further.

• Don’t continue wearing it if it’s sharp or uncomfortable. This could injure your gums or cause pressure on the wrong teeth.

• Don’t try to bend or reshape a warped retainer. Even a slight change in fit can cause teeth to shift in unintended ways.

Your best option? Keep the broken retainer safe, avoid DIY glue jobs, and follow a safe temporary fix method, like using ThermoGlu if the break is minor.

Use ThermoGlu to temporarily fix your retainer

If the damage to your retainer is minimal, such as a small crack or a clean break, you may be able to temporarily fix it using ThermoGlu.

This is a great option for quick, short-term fixes, and can help keep the retainer in one piece until you can see your dentist.

Here's how it works:

1) Prepare two cups – one with freshly boiled water and the other with cold water.

2) Place 10-15 beads into the boiling water and leave them for 10-15 seconds until they become fully clear.

3) Use a spoon to carefully remove the material from the boiling water.

4) Press the material onto the cracked area of your retainer, smoothing it over the crack to fully cover it.

5) Leave the appliance in your mouth for 20 seconds, then carefully remove it and place it into the cold water. Once the material turns fully white, it is set.

6) Check the appliance for any sharp edges, ensuring it feels comfortable before placing it back in your mouth.

While this isn’t a long-term solution, it will allow you to keep your retainer in place until you can get a professional repair or replacement.

How to avoid breaking your retainer in future

Once you’ve had a retainer break, prevention becomes key. Most retainer breakages are avoidable with the right storage and care routine.

Here’s how to protect your next one:

• Always store your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth
• Avoid leaving it in places that could get too hot, like a car or near a heater
• Regularly clean your retainer using a soft brush and a gentle cleanser - never with hot water
• Always take it out when eating or drinking to avoid unnecessary wear

When to replace your retainer

Even with the best care, no retainer lasts forever.

Most removable retainers last around 1–2 years before needing replacement, depending on the material and how frequently they’re worn.

If you wear your retainer every night, you may start to see signs of wear within 12 months.

Here are a few signs it might be time for a new one:

• Cracks, chips, or obvious damage
• A poor or uncomfortable fit
• Changes in your bite or slight shifting of teeth
• Yellowing, staining, or a persistent odour

If your retainer is constantly breaking, it’s worth asking your provider if there’s a stronger alternative available, like Duratain ultra-strength retainers.

Don't let a damaged retainer set you back

A broken retainer doesn’t need to be the end of your orthodontic progress, as long as you address it quickly.

Using a temporary fix like ThermoGlu can help in the short term, but seeing your dentist as soon as possible is essential to avoid any long-term issues.

Taking the proper precautions can prevent future breaks and ensure that your retainer serves its purpose in maintaining your perfectly aligned teeth.