Is it possible to be allergic to a retainer?

Possible dental retainer issue?

• I got braces and a retainer on Friday, and after looking at pictures of retainer's online, I believe my retainer has been made wrong. For instance, http://www.allanandmulgreworthodontics.com/images/photos/retainers2.jpg The retainer in this picture has the area around the teeth cut out, but my retainer is not cut out like that, and there is actually plastic in this area, so when I close my mouth I'm biting my retainer. Is this supposed to be like this? I don't want to go back to my dentist and pay a crap load of money just to be told that's the way it's supposed to be.

• Answer:

  From what you are describing it sounds like your retainer has a bite pad. There are many different retainer designs that are used to treat different issues. Does yours look something like this? http://www.aortalab.com/Aortasite/files/6812/6522/3898/gelb.jpg If so, then there is nothing to worry about. You orthodontist chose this type of design because it is best suited fo your particular case. If you want more explanation on what your appliance is meant to do for you, don't be scared to ask your orthodontist directly. If you are interested, here is some more general info on retainers: http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/mouth/braces_rachel.html http://www.bracesquestions.com/static/removing-braces/orthodontic-retainer/ http://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/things/retainers.html Cheers!