Will wearing my retainer fix my teeth

March 24, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — glenpoolbraces @ 9:34 pm

When you have braces, it may feel like forever until you are able to get them off. When you finally do, it is exciting to get away from the metal brackets and wires and begin showing off your aligned smile. However, if you do not wear your retainer as you are directed to, your teeth could begin to shift back, undoing some of the work. But what happens if you put your retainer back in? Can you shift your teeth back to their perfect locations? A dentist explains whether or not this is a good idea.

Can Retainers Realign Your Teeth?

To make a long answer short, no. Because retainers in Glenpool aren’t made to apply steady force over time in order to change the position of your teeth, they are not an ideal solution to realign them. However, they may be able to help by making minor adjustments to the position or your teeth and your bite. It all depends on how long you have neglected to wear your retainer and how much your teeth have shifted during that time. You can try to put your aligner on to see if it still fits. If it still fits snugly, it may help to undo minor shifting that has occurred in the last time you wore it. Ultimately, your retainers are made to keep your teeth in place, not to move them, but they may be able to slightly shift your teeth back in the right circumstances.

If it has been too long and your old retainer no longer fits snugly, you should contact your dentist in order to come up with a solution. With Invisalign or another teeth straightening option, you can move your teeth back to their rightful locations.

How Do You Properly Wear and Care for Your Retainers?

By wearing and caring for your retainers correctly, you will be able to keep your teeth in their aligned locations. Here is what your need to know:

• Brush your retainer with a soft bristled toothbrush each day.
• Use cold water to rinse your retainer after each use. Hot water could accidently damage it by causing it to warp.
• Carry a storage case with you at all times just if case you need to take it out. By keeping it in its cause when you aren’t using it, you are reducing the probability of you losing it.
• Keep your retainers away from pets. Always keep it in its case and out of reach so that it isn’t damaged or accidentally thrown away.

By staying on top of your retainers, you can keep your teeth in excellent shape after orthodontic treatment. If you have fallen off of track with your retainer use, contact your dentist. This way, you can get your dream smile back!

About the Author

Dr. Dalia Georgy earned her dental doctorate at the University of Oklahoma and has accumulated over 200 continuing education credits. She has also undergone extensive specialty training in braces, including courses from F.O.R.C.E. Int. and Gerety Orthodontic Seminars. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. If your retainer no longer fits because your teeth have shifted, she would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (918) 201-1414.

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Braces are undoubtedly one of the most reliable and effective teeth-straightening treatments available. When it comes time to have them removed, however, it’s up to you to maintain your new and improved smile. One of the best ways to do so? By wearing your retainer. If you’ve neglected to wear yours and are starting to see your teeth drift back into their previous positions, you may be wondering if using an old retainer to straighten your teeth is an option. To learn the answer, read on!

So, Can Retainers Realign Teeth?

In short, the answer is no. While braces are designed to place just enough pressure to guide your teeth into the desired positions, retainers are meant to simply hold your teeth in place. With that being said, if your retainer still fits snugly and comfortably, then you should definitely continue to wear it, especially if you are starting to notice some unwanted movement.

What You Should Do If Your Retainers Don’t Fit

If your retainer no longer fits due to orthodontic relapse, don’t panic. Instead of trying to make them work, get in touch with your orthodontist. From there, they can assess the situation and determine the next best steps. If the relapse is relatively minor, they can provide you with a new retainer to prevent further movement. If the relapse is more severe, they will likely recommend re-treatment with traditional braces or Invisalign.

How to Care For Your Retainers Throughout the Years

Wearing your retainers should be a lifelong commitment, especially if you want to enjoy a straight, healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. To keep yours effective and in pristine condition, make sure to:

• Brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste after each meal.
• Rinse your retainer with clean, cold water after each use.
• Place your retainer in a storage case when not in use.
• Get a replacement if your retainer chips or cracks.
• Keep your retainer out of reach from pets and kids.
• Don’t eat with your retainer in your mouth.

While your retainer is an effective oral appliance, it’s not designed to straighten your teeth. So, if your teeth have shifted out of place, notify your orthodontist instead of attempting to remedy the situation on your own.

About the Practice

Dr. Alan Carlotto and Dr. Sam Alkhoury are both exceptional orthodontists who prioritize patient education. They also understand that accidents happen, and whether you misplaced your retainer or just forgot to wear them consistently, they can help you get your straight, beautiful, healthy smile back. To learn more about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Simply Orthodontics – Milford via our website or by phone at 508-473-2002.

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