Will Retainers Shift Teeth Back Into Place 6 Months After Braces? (photo)

Question

I got my braces off six months ago. My teeth shifted because I haven't worn my retainers ever since. If I wear them now, will my teeth go back to being straight?

Maya V. Oliver, DDS · Answer

It is important for retainers to be worn immediately following braces removal or your teeth are prone to shifting.  Most retainers are meant to "retain" or hold the teeth in place. If there is mild shifting, then it is possible for retainers to shift the teeth back.  If the shifting is more than mild, then there are always minor retreatment options such as active retainers or Invisalign Express.

Sam Veshkini, DMD · Answer

It is possible to correct the relapse by using the retainers consistently, however if that did not help, an  Invisalign for a very short time can correct the problem and straighten the teeth again.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

It has been 6+ months.  I would not try to force to use the old retainer.  If you try to put your old retainer in and you feel a lot of pressure or it's painful or it's hard to put in, then it's time to see your dentist or orthodontist again.  Because of the minor shift, there is an Express Invisalign treatment available now where it's quick to get you straightened out again.  Good luck.

Anisa Omar, DDS · Answer

Retainers main job is to keep teeth in a position.  If your teeth shifted slightly and the retainers can fit again, it may be possible that the teeth will go back to the ideal position.  However if the retainers don't fit, it is indicative that the shifting was moderate and you may have to correct the relapse and get new retainers.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

You certainly can try. If there was a very minor movement, you might have a chance. Otherwise please consider a short term braces or a short term Invisalign. The last one became a popular option in recent years, because of lower cost and aesthetically  pleasing way to get straight teeth back.

Stuart J. Hoffman, DMD, MS · Answer

Retainers do exactly what they say they do, "retain" or hold the teeth in their corrected positions. I'm not sure why one would go through the process and cost of correcting one's teeth and not follow their orthodontist's instructions of wearing the post treatment retainers. Before you try to "jam" the retainers in the mouth, its very important to make a follow up appointment with your orthodontist to  re-evaluate your teeth and determine IF the current retainers fit or can be adjusted. With minor tooth movement and tight retainers, wearing them 24/7 for a determined time may move them back into place. Only an orthodontist can determine that. If the teeth have moved to a point where the current retainers do not fit, clear aligner therapy is an option (Clear Correct, Invisalign, etc..) There are other types of removable spring loaded retainers that can also move teeth. Again, before you do anything, PLEASE make a follow up appointment with your orthodontist.

Natwarlal Tibrewal, BDS · Answer

The retainers can move them only if they have shifted very minimally. If they don't fit, you can go for a short duration smile correction treatment and then just remember to wear the retainers forever.

Rob van den Berg, DDS, MS · Answer

Retainers typically keep your teeth straight when worn just at night. For active tooth movement like your case they should be worn full time. If your retainer still fits you can start wearing it and you should see improved alignment quickly. Let your doctor know you're back on board, I'm sure he/she would be happy to make any needed adjustments.

Scott Frey, DDS · Answer

It really depends on what type of retainers you have, and how far your teeth have moved from their original position. 

	If your retainers don't fit at all that isn't a good sign, but it sounds like you can put them back in. Either way I'd swing by whoever gave you the retainers and tell them what happened. They may be able to make some adjustments with them to get your teeth moved back where they need to be.

Jacqueline Demko, DDS, MSD · Answer

It is possible, especially if you have your original retainer from when your braces were removed. However as Dr Koutsoukos said "The retainer is not to move teeth, but to maintain them in the position they should stay in after braces. You need to go back and speak with your orthodontist and see what he says." so don;t forget to take your retainers with you when you go for your appointment.

	 

	Don;t be embarrassed about going in, your not the first or the last to do this.

Will Retainers Shift Teeth Back Into Place 6 Months After Braces? (photo)

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