Lost your retainer? Act this week.
Teeth can start drifting within weeks of a retainer going missing, fastest in the first year after treatment. The fix is simple: book a replacement now, wear an older retainer or final aligner at night if one still fits, and stop using anything cracked or bent. We replace retainers for everyone, even if your treatment was somewhere else.
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Three steps that protect your smile
Losing a retainer is common and fixable. What matters is moving quickly, because teeth drift most in the weeks after retention stops.
1. Book the replacement today
The single most important step. Replacements are quick to arrange and we see replacement patients promptly, whoever did your original treatment.
2. Wear a backup if you have one
An older retainer or final aligner that still fits, worn at night, will hold most of the position until the new one is ready. Never force anything that does not fit.
3. Stop using anything damaged
Cracked or bent retainers can move teeth the wrong way or cut your mouth. Keep the pieces and bring them in, they help us see what happened.
Want the full picture on retainer types and costs first? Read our complete retainer guide or go straight to the replacement retainer service.
Replacement retainers at Milk
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do teeth move after losing a retainer?
Teeth can begin drifting within weeks, and the risk is highest in the first year after treatment while the bone and gums are still settling. The sooner a lost retainer is replaced, the more likely your teeth stay exactly where they should be, so treat it as an urgent errand rather than an emergency.
What should I do first if my retainer is lost or broken?
Book a replacement straight away, and if you have an older retainer that still fits, wear it at night in the meantime. If a fixed wire has come loose, avoid picking at it. Getting a new retainer made within a couple of weeks usually means no ground is lost.
Can I keep wearing a cracked or bent retainer?
No. A cracked, warped or bent retainer can hold teeth in the wrong position or rub and cut your mouth. Stop wearing a damaged retainer, keep the pieces so we can see what happened, and book a replacement.
Do I need to go back to my original orthodontist for a replacement?
No. We make replacement retainers for everyone, including people treated at another clinic or overseas. A quick scan of your teeth is all we need, no referral and no judgement.
How long does a replacement retainer take?
We prioritise replacements because time matters after a retainer is lost. Once your teeth are scanned we confirm exact timing with you when you book, and if you have any usable older retainer we will tell you how to bridge the gap safely.
What if my teeth have already moved?
It depends how far. Minor drift can sometimes be recovered with a new retainer or a short course of clear aligners, while bigger movement needs a proper assessment. The free Smile Assessment with our Treatment Coordinator is the honest place to start, and we will tell you plainly if nothing needs doing.
Get your replacement underway
A quick digital scan is all it takes, with the exact price confirmed before anything is made. Book the replacement service, or start with a free Smile Assessment with our Treatment Coordinator if you think your teeth have moved.