If you completed orthodontic treatment in the past, you may have been very strict about wearing your retainer at first. After all, you did not want to lose all your hard work with braces or clear aligners! However, habits change over time, and perhaps you have become a little lax. Maybe your teeth have started to shift out of place. If you start wearing your retainer again, will that get your smile back where it belongs? This blog post discusses whether it is possible to restraighten your teeth with an old retainer.
Retainers Are Not Designed to Move Teeth
In most cases, it is not possible to use an old retainer to correct new shifting of the teeth. That is simply because retainers are not designed to move the teeth; they are simply meant to hold them in place. Therefore, they do not apply the force needed to carry out any sort of significant tooth movements.
Risks of Using an Old Retainer
Not only is using an old retainer to straighten teeth ineffective, but it could also be dangerous! Attempting to use it when your teeth have moved too much can lead to complications. For example, it may not sit correctly on your teeth, which could lead to discomfort or even damage to your oral tissues. You might also end up causing damage to the retainer itself.
Consult a Professional for Guidance
If your teeth have shifted out of place following orthodontic treatment, the best thing to do is consult with your orthodontist or dentist. They will examine your teeth and assess whether your old retainer still fits and functions properly. If the changes to your teeth are minor, the orthodontist might recommend daily use of your current retainer to address the slight movement. After a few weeks of consistent use, you may notice that your teeth look and feel better.
For more pronounced shifting, a new retainer might be suggested to prevent additional movements. In cases where teeth have moved significantly, your care team could advise starting a new course of orthodontic treatment. Do not be too disappointed if you need to use braces or clear aligners again; your second round of treatment is likely to be shorter and simpler than your first.
Retainers are for maintaining your smile, not for moving it! If your teeth have shifted since you finished orthodontic treatment, seek professional guidance on how you can regain a straight set of teeth.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Newington, our team is pleased to provide a broad range of treatments, including clear aligners, traditional metal braces, and orthodontic retainers. If you are looking to restraighten your teeth after orthodontic treatment, we can advise you on how to do so safely and effectively. Contact us at 860-856-6201.