Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underInvisalign q&a

Can reshaping or filing down a tooth slightly affect how a retainer fits? Experiencing jaw/tooth pain since visiting the dentist

Lo502Sep 15, 2018
I’ve been wearing my retainer since finishing Invisalign in Dec. I wear it about 12-15 hrs/day. At my last cleaning, my dentist slightly filed down a long lower tooth. He took off very little and said it shouldn’t cause any issues with my retainer. I’ve been having jaw/teeth pain on that side since visiting the dentist. I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence and I am just experincing TMJ. Could a small amount of reshaping cause jaw/teeth pain from my retainer or is it another issue? Thank you!

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. John A. Merrill, DDS
Dentist
Answered on Sep 17, 2018
Answer
Dr. Andy Shieh, DMD
Dentist
Answered on Sep 17, 2018
Answer

More Invisalign Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Chi H. Bui, DMD, MS

Thanks for including several photos with your question and doing your research. Your chin position is due to mandibular deficiency (i.e. small lower jaw). Orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign can improve your occlusion (bite) but it will not make your chin or jaw larger. If you...

+1 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Andy Shieh, DMD

Nothing is too tough for Invisalign nowadays, but it all depends on your Invisalign provider's experience with the product and the wait time that you're comfortable with.  You won't need to have that tooth extracted, but to have that tooth moved into the correct location, it will take much...

+4 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Jeffrey Schoenberg, DDS

It depends what you are currently doing to keep them clean, and where exactly the debris are.  You may consider an electric toothbrush (like an Oral B or Sonicare for example). If you have good access to these areas you may consider gently using a toothpick as well to remove any debris...

+2 answers
See all Invisalign Q&A
See more Invisalign Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE INVISALIGN GUIDE →