If you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment in the past, you may have been provided with a retainer once your braces or aligners came off. But while many people are prescribed these devices, sometimes they don’t wear them quite as often as they should. A night off here and there can quickly lead to weeks and months of no use, and eventually your teeth may begin to shift, and your retainers may stop fitting or become uncomfortable.
So, what happens if they do? Can you use your retainer again to bring your teeth back into alignment? Here’s what you need to know about wearing these orthotics, and what you should do if your teeth have shifted again.
The Importance of Retainers
While you may believe that once your orthodontic treatment is complete you never need to wear any type of device on your teeth again, the truth is that maintaining your new smile is a life-long effort. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, most patients will also need to wear a retainer following braces or Invisalign.
Unfortunately, however, failure to do so can cause your teeth to shift back into their original positions, undoing all that hard work to align your smile! Retainers can help by “retaining” the shape of your alignment. During the first month after treatment, you may be required to wear them 24/7, but eventually most patients only need to wear them while they sleep.
What to Do if Your Teeth Shift
If you’ve been neglecting to wear your retainer, there’s a good chance your teeth have shifted without you realizing it. You may notice that it feels tighter or more painful than usual. If you do notice any changes in your smile when the retainer is off, you may also wonder if there’s any way to realign your smile simply by using the retainer again, but unfortunately this is not a good idea, as your retainer was not designed to move your teeth, only hold them or retain them in their ideal position.
If you do experience shifting, schedule an appointment with your dentist. You could require another round of aligners, braces, or other treatment to bring your bite back into its proper place. Your dentist can also adjust certain types of retainers to better fit your arches, however this may not be a good idea depending on how much your teeth have shifted. Your dentist can determine the best course of action once you’ve been examined.
Remember, wearing a retainer is an essential part of any orthodontic treatment, so don’t skip this important step. Failure to do so can cause your teeth to shift back into their original positioning and can cause discomfort and sensitivity when you wear your retainer again. If you’ve been neglecting your retainer use, please reach out to your dentist as soon as possible to be evaluated!
About Our Practice
At Lake Nona Dental Group, we offer a wide range of dental treatments for patients of all ages, including orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. Caring for your new, improved smile is a team effort between your dentist and you. What you do when you’re not in our chair can make a huge difference in your teeth. If you’ve noticed any shifting of your teeth following orthodontic treatment, or if you’d like to learn more about how Invisalign can help straighten your bite, please contact us today for an appointment by visiting our website or calling us at 407-277-1779 in Orlando, or 407-887-1778 in St. Cloud.
