Why Doesn't my Vacuum-Formed Retainer Cover my Molars?

Question

This is a follow up to another question that I asked a couple of days ago. I have noticed that only my back molar teeth are touching and none of the other teeth in my mouth actually meet. This has occurred after about one year of wearing what I believe is a vacuum formed retainer that does not cover my back molars. I completed the Invisalign treatment about a year ago and my teeth looked perfect after. I am wondering why my orthodontist would give me a retainer that didn't cover all my teeth?

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

There is a major risk wearing a vacuum formed retainer that does not cover the biting surfaces of all of your teeth. The most significant risk is having the teeth hyper erupt which is exactly what sounds like happened to yours. You need to immediately return to the doctor who treated your case and express your concerns. Good luck!

Gilbert H. Snow, DDS · Answer

It could be that when you finished treatment the back molars were not touching. In that case your Orthodontist may have left out the molars so they could super erupt in to place.

	Now, it looks as though that situation is reversed. You are now hitting the molars before the rest of the teeth. There are more than one way to remedy the situation. Please check with your Orthodontist. After the problem is handled  make sure your vacuum formed retainer covers all the teeth.

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

The reason Invisalign covers all of the teeth rather than just the crooked front ones is that molar extrusion can occur.  You really should go back to the orthodontist and have him/her make you a full coverage set or a type of retainer that does not cover any teeth at all.  Hopefully things will settle back down.

R. William McNeill, DDS, MS · Answer

Teeth naturally erupt until they come in to biting contact with opposing teeth. So if an overlay retainer does not cover allthe teeth, it is likely the teeth not included will move more thn those that are covered. Unless there are very unusual circumstances, retainers are generally designed to prevent this from taking place. it sounds like a return vist to your orthodontist or dentist is in order so that the issue can be resolved!

Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD · Answer

Any time we move teeth with orthodontics we need to be sure to hold them in the new position with retainers.  The specifics of each case are often unique and complex, and it sounds like you have a particular situation that should be reviewed by your orthodontist.  I suggest taking your questions to him or her and I'm sure you will be able to find an answer.

Why Doesn't my Vacuum-Formed Retainer Cover my Molars?

Answers (7)

Answer: Vacuum formed retainers usually include all teeth

Answer: Vacuum formed retainers usually include all teeth

Answer: Bite changes after retainer wear

Answer: Bite changes after retainer wear

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Why Doesn't my Vacuum-Formed Retainer Cover my Molars?

Answers (7)

Answer: Vacuum formed retainers usually include all teeth

Answer: Vacuum formed retainers usually include all teeth

Answer: Bite changes after retainer wear

Answer: Bite changes after retainer wear

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.