Retainer Pain Explained: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Fix It

July 24, 2025

Woman holding her cheek with a pained expression, indicating discomfort caused by wearing retainers.

Experiencing retainer pain? You're not alone. While some pressure is normal, especially if you've missed a few nights, real discomfort can be a sign of a deeper issue.

In this blog, we'll cover when retainer pain is normal, when it's a problem, and what you can do to relieve the discomfort—or replace your retainer altogether.

Why Does My Retainer Hurt?

Retainers are oral devices that help keep your teeth in the right position after braces or aligners. They prevent your smile from shifting back over time—which is why wearing them consistently really matters. There are two main types of retainers: removable and permanent.

But teeth alignment isn't just about looks. A crooked or uneven bite can lead to a whole list of problems, including teeth grinding, sensitivity, premature wear, and even TMJ issues. According to Cleveland Clinic, not wearing your retainer can also contribute to the development of an overbite. So keeping things in place isn’t just smart—it’s healthier in the long run.

Want to dive deeper into how misaligned teeth affect your oral health? Check out: A Bad Bite Can Impact Your Smile — Here's Why

Why Does My Retainer Hurt?

First-Time Discomfort

Retainer pain is common, especially for first-time users. When you start wearing one, it's normal to feel some slight discomfort as your teeth adjust to the pressure. It feels similar to the soreness you experienced when your braces were first put on.

Skipped Wear

On the other hand, skipping your retainer for several nights can lead to a different issue. Teeth naturally begin to shift back to their original position—the way they were before braces. Missing too many nights can undo the progress you've made and make your retainer feel tight or even painful.

Damaged or Warped Retainers

If you're not a first-time user and you’ve been wearing your retainer consistently, the pain could be caused by the device itself. A retainer that’s broken, warped, or no longer aligned with your teeth can create discomfort and even do more harm than good.

Retainer Pain: When It's Normal and When It's Not

Graphic showing the difference between normal retainer pain (like mild tightness or pressure) and not normal pain (like sharp, throbbing, or lingering discomfort).

Feeling some pain when wearing your retainer for the first time is completely normal. That pressure comes from the retainer gently pushing your teeth to maintain the alignment achieved by your braces. The same discomfort can happen if you’ve gone a while without wearing it—your teeth may have shifted slightly, and the retainer is working to bring them back in place.

What's not normal is when the pain starts affecting your well-being. Below is a list of signs when to replace your retainer:

Pain that lasts longer than a week
DIscomfort that hinders with eating, speaking, or sleeping
Gum irritation, cuts, and bleeding
A retainer that feels too tight, pricking on certain areas of your mouth, or cracked
A retainer that doesn't fit properly anymore

Wondering what really happens when you skip your retainer or night guard? We break it all down here: Night Guards vs Retainers [A Complete Overview]

What You Should Do About Retainer Pain

Woman holding an ice pack to her cheek to relieve retainer pain.

There's always a gray area between waiting it out and knowing when to take action. But now that you’re aware of the warning signs, it’s easier to decide what to do when your retainer starts causing pain.

Here are some things you can do to relieve retainer pain:

Stick to soft, cold foods for a day or two
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater
Apply a cold compress to reduce soreness
Never try to fix a broken or warped retainer yourself

When to Replace a Painful Retainer

If your retainer no longer fits or still causes pain—even after trying the steps above—it's likely time for a replacement. A warped, cracked, or ill-fitting retainer won't just feel uncomfortable; it can undo your alignment progress. ClearClub makes it easy with custom-fit retainers you can order from home, no dentist visit required.

Photo of a ClearClub Retainer, an affordable and convenient replacement option for warped or ill-fitting retainers.

Click the image to view product details

Made from FDA-approved, latex-free, BPA-free, and non-allergenic materials, our retainers are a smart choice for anyone looking for both convenience and affordability. You can also opt for our renewal plan to get fresh replacements delivered to your doorstep.

Don't wait for the pain to get worse. Give your teeth the upgrade they deserve.

Get Yours Today