”I couldn’t wear my retainers because my dog ate them!”
This is actually a complaint our orthodontists hear with some frequency. And while it sounds too far-fetched to be true, just like the old “the dog ate my homework” excuse, it actually happens!
Some of our patients feel embarrassed to admit that their friendly family pooch mangled their very important orthodontic appliance beyond all recognition. However, this is a normal occurrence, and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s far more important that you keep up with your post-treatment regimen to maintain that beautiful smile you spent so much time and effort perfecting. But why does this keep happening, and what can you do to prevent it? These are the exact questions our expert orthodontists aim to answer in this exposé on why our beloved four-legged furry friends just can’t stop “hounding” retainers when they aren’t in your mouth.
Why Do Dogs Like Retainers So Much?
The current working theory holds that dogs are attracted to retainers for a handful of reasons, including:
- Scent: The smell of saliva and plastic may be appealing to dogs
- Taste: The taste of the plastic, mixed with saliva, may be appealing to dogs
- Texture: The soft, malleable materials share some qualities with dog chew toys
- Shape: Dogs may mistake retainers that have been left out for chew toys because of their shape
- Curiosity: Dogs may just be naturally curious to investigate something their owners have been handling so much
In some cases, dogs may also be experiencing teething or dental problems of their own, and try to relieve the pain by chewing on something. The flexible texture of retainers may make them a preferred option.
How Do I Prevent My Dog From Chewing on My Retainer?
While dogs are highly attracted to orthodontic retainers, some simple retainer care tips can help keep them out of paws-reach.
- Place retainers directly into their case after removal
- Never wrap up a retainer in a napkin and leave it sitting out, even for just a moment
- Clean your retainer daily to wash away gunk and scents that dogs love
What Happens if the Dog Manages to Eat My Retainer?
If you’re reading this because your dog has already eaten your retainer, our condolences. We know that losing your retainer really bites, no matter how it happens.
After gathering the mangled remains of your retainer and discarding them, please notify your orthodontist immediately and schedule an appointment for a replacement. Retainers are effective devices that help hold teeth in their new positions following “active” orthodontic treatment. Wearing them as prescribed by the orthodontist is the most reliable way to preserve the placement of teeth that you and your doctor worked so hard to achieve.
Replacing lost or damaged retainers carries a cost. However, they should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Schedule Your Retainer Follow-Up Appointment at an AAO Orthodontist
Whether your dog ate your retainer, you accidentally threw it away, or it no longer fits properly, it’s essential to see your orthodontist as soon as possible. Wearing your retainer as instructed is crucial to keeping your dazzling smile after orthodontic treatment. Waiting too long after your retainer is damaged, or refusing to have it adjusted for a better fit, could cause your teeth to drift out of alignment.
Find an AAO orthodontist near you using our Find an Orthodontist tool, and book an appointment to get the retainer care you need today.
