{"id":150,"date":"2026-04-07T20:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T20:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.braceshouston.com\/blog\/?p=150"},"modified":"2026-04-27T20:46:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:46:38","slug":"using-old-retainer-to-restraighten-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.braceshouston.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/07\/using-old-retainer-to-restraighten-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Your Old Retainer to Restraighten Your Teeth \u2014 Is It Possible?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Some time ago, when you first completed your orthodontic treatment<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Retainers Are Not Designed to Move Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Getting Your Teeth Back into Place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n