I lost my retainer but I have been wearing it for 5 years, will my teeth start separating again if I don't get a new one?

Question

I have gaps in my teeth and I got my braces off 5 years ago and have worn a retainer every single night since and I also have a permanent retainer on my top and bottom but I can't afford a new plastic retainer so will my teeth start separating again????

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

A lot depends on what the condition of your teeth were before orthodontic treatment and what type of orthodontic treatment was utilized to straighten your teeth. But my experience (25+ years) has shown that if you don't wear a lower retainer, the lower front teeth will begin to shift over time. Upper teeth generally remain pretty straight (again depending on the condition of the teeth before orthodontic treatment and the type of orthodontic treatment used to straighten them).If you want to ensure that your teeth remain straight for the rest of your life you will wear retainers for the rest of your life.Good luck!

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

At this point, the bone around the teeth is fairly solid, but it is still common to get a little bit of movement. It may not be enough to bother you, but it might.

I lost my retainer but I have been wearing it for 5 years, will my teeth start separating again if I don't get a new one?

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