When to Replace Your Appliance

Even with the best care, retainers, whitening trays, mouth guards, click-in veneers, and missing tooth retainers won’t last forever. Knowing when to replace them keeps your smile secure, comfortable, and looking its best.

If you notice cracks, chips, or splits, it’s time to replace your appliance. Damaged appliances can cut your mouth, feel uncomfortable, and won’t fit properly.

Exposure to heat (like hot drinks, boiling water, or sunlight) can change the shape of your appliance. If it no longer fits snugly, replace it.

Over time, appliances can become cloudy, scratched, or discoloured. If cleaning no longer restores them, a replacement will keep your smile looking fresh.

If your appliance feels loose, wobbly, or no longer clicks securely into place, it’s no longer doing its job properly and should be replaced.

If you’ve been unwell or had a mouth infection, replacing your appliance ensures you don’t reintroduce bacteria once you’re healthy again.

Even with perfect care, most appliances should be replaced every 1–3 years depending on the type and how often you wear them. Whitening trays and retainers may last 12–18 months, while mouth guards and veneers can last longer with good care.

Keep a Backup

Always keep a spare retainer, whitening tray, mouth guard, or veneer where possible. If one gets lost or damaged, you’ll have another ready to go.

Check Regularly

If your appliance feels tighter or looser than normal, it may no longer be doing its job. Replacing it quickly helps protect your teeth and smile.

Hygiene Matters

Over time, even well-cleaned appliances can collect bacteria, scratches, or odours. A fresh replacement ensures your appliance stays safe and hygienic.

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait for a break to happen. Order a replacement early so you’re never left without your appliance when you need it most.