Metal retainers rust - how harmful is this?

[Doglover8180]

It appears my overpriced metal retainer appears to be rusting.... isn't rust very bad for you if you ingest it? I clean it religiously every night - but the metal bar is the type that is surrounded by a rubbery plastic so I can't actually touch the metal - it just appears to be rusting/darkening in a particular spot. I have quit using it - because I thought rusted metal is dangerous if you ingest it.

Is this harmful? I am not sure if it's rust or not since I can't get to the actual metal but something is wrong with it - it's turning an orangey color in some spots on the wire.

[Doglover8180]

It's confirmed - the brand new overpriced retainer has rusted and I can't get to the rusty part to clean that since the plastic covers the wire..... what do i do?

I know rust can cause lockjaw/ tetanus.

Help!

[meggers]

Wow! I thought those things were made of stainless steel? Have you talked to your dentist?

[Doglover8180]

I've talked to a dentist - not the dentist who made it but I am still worried.

[meggers]

Rust isn't the cause of tetanus, from what I recall. I could be wrong though. I thought tetanus was found in soil. The reason you often find it in rust is because it is soiled basically. You often find rust outdoors, I mean.

Not that you should use the retainer though. That's still pretty unsettling.

[CW&M Mom]

Yup..tetanus comes from soil...so that is why they say if you step on a rusty nail or something..you need a tetanus shot

that just seems very strange that it would rust. Not sure what to tell you though!

[rbunnymom]

Is there a warranty on it? Check to see how often your insurance would pay for one (if it was covered by insurance). That would give you an idea if it should be going bad now.

[Gardencook]

Don't know if this will be any help. I haven't worn a retainer or bite plates for many years. They are probably made of different materials these days. However, I had a TERRIBLE time with them developing an awful taste. I tried brushing with all sorts of different toothpastes and baking soda, soaking it in mouthwash and anything else I could think of, but they tasted something like butter that had been in the refrigerator too long, and consequently EVERYTHING I ate tasted the same way. I finally tried using denture cleaning tablets and never had problems again. They also do a great job of removing coffee and tea stains from glassware. Don't know if it would be able to get under the plastic to clean the metal, but it would definitely be worth a try -- at least until your orthodontist can take a look.

[Doglover8180]

Thanks for all the feedback. Insurance didn't pay for the retainer but a retainer should certainly last several years - not several weeks.

I think Rust needs oxygen to form so that would tell me that if it's rusting - oxygen got inside there where it shouldn't have.

I would love to know if there was a warranty on it - unfortunately the Dr.'s office isn't the most reputable and I doubt they will give me my money back.

[rbunnymom]

Thanks for all the feedback. Insurance didn't pay for the retainer but a retainer should certainly last several years - not several weeks.

I think Rust needs oxygen to form so that would tell me that if it's rusting - oxygen got inside there where it shouldn't have.

I would love to know if there was a warranty on it - unfortunately the Dr.'s office isn't the most reputable and I doubt they will give me my money back.

You can file a medical licensing board complaint if he won't fix it (if you believe it is defective and under warranty still). Google your state board info. That may force him to fix it for you.