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

Question

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?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

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.

Navid Zamani, DMD · Answer

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,

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

Answers (2)