Ask a doctor

It is possible for my teeth to move again after 5 years?

I have had my braces off for about 5 years. I wore my retained for about 2 years day and night and then after those 2 years I have worn my retainers every single night. I have lost my upper retainer moving and fear that my teeth will move. I have not gotten my wisdom yet and I'm 22 my mother and father both haven't gotten their wisdom teeth either so I don't think I'll get them any time soon. Is it possible for my teeth to move again after 5 years?

Doctor Answers 2

November 22nd, 2016

Teeth moving

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

HI, thanks for sending your question. Unfortunately teeth can move if retention is not consistently worn after orthodontic treatment. Some options exist at this time like getting new retainers to maintain the same position, or if the current position of the teeth is not desirable to have treatment done to reposition in a more straight alignment. Either way I encourage you to consult with a qualified provider in your area. All the best,

Navid Zamani, DMD
November 20th, 2016

Teeth can ALWAYS move

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Teeth move when force is applied, they don't spontaneously move.  If bite forces change, if habits change, etc then your teeth can move.  You can help avoid this by getting new retainers.  Having worn retainers for as long as you did allowed the bone to get more dense/supportive.  They may NOT move, but they CAN.

Learn more: http://www.drtimmerman.com/custom-cosmetic-dentistry/

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD
*Treatment results may vary

Related content

View all Braces reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.