Some time ago, when you first completed your orthodontic treatment, you may have been diligent about wearing your retainer as recommended. But have your habits become lax? If so, you might have noticed that your teeth are starting to shift out of place. If you start wearing your retainer again, will it restraighten your smile? This blog post explains what you should know.
Retainers Are Not Designed to Move Your Teeth
Unlike braces, retainers are not designed to apply the gentle but powerful force needed to shift the teeth. Rather, their job is simply to hold the teeth in place. Therefore, you might find that your retainer does little to nothing to get your teeth back in their proper positions. (However, there are some exceptions. If only very minor shifting has occurred, wearing your retainer might be able to correct it.)
If your teeth have drifted too far out of place, you might discover that your retainer does not even fit anymore! Do not try to force it onto your teeth; you could end up causing damage to your oral tissues or your retainer. Instead, call your orthodontist to set up an appointment.
Getting Your Teeth Back into Place
Your orthodontist will evaluate your tooth movements and take a look at your retainer as well. Based on the details of your situation, they might recommend one of the following:
- Daily use of your current retainer to correct very minor shifting of the teeth.
- A new retainer that will prevent your teeth from drifting farther out of place.
There is also a chance that you will need a new course of orthodontic treatment. This may be the best option if your teeth have shifted significantly out of place; braces can get them back where they belong and prevent the oral health consequences that often come with misalignment. If you do end up needing to wear braces again, do not be too discouraged; your second round of treatment will likely be shorter and simpler than your first.
Your retainer is not a substitute for braces! If your teeth have drifted out of place, consult your orthodontist to find out what you should do next.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is an expert in the field of orthodontics. He and our team proudly offer a range of top-quality services in our Houston office, including braces, retainers, and more. If your teeth have shifted out of place since your original orthodontic treatment, we would be happy to advise you on your next steps. Contact us at 713-862-8223.