If I Stop Wearing My Retainer Will My Teeth Move
After months or years of wearing braces, you finally get your retainer. You wear it diligently every day, only removing it to brush your teeth and eat. But after a while, you start to wonder if you can stop wearing it. Will your teeth move if you stop wearing your retainer?
What is a Retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made device that is worn after braces to keep your teeth in their new, straight position. It is usually made of plastic or acrylic and fits over your teeth, sometimes with a wire that goes across the front of your teeth. You wear it every day, usually for the first few months after getting your braces off, and then at night for a few more months or even years, depending on your orthodontist's advice.
Why Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Your teeth may look straight after braces, but they are not completely stable in their new position. They need time to settle into their new position and for the surrounding bone and gums to adapt to their new location. Wearing your retainer helps to hold your teeth in place while this happens.
What Happens if I Stop Wearing My Retainer?
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth may start to shift back to their original position. This is because the tissues and bone around your teeth are constantly changing and adapting, and without the retainer to hold them in place, they may start to move back to where they were before braces.
How Quickly Will My Teeth Move?
How quickly your teeth move back to their original position depends on several factors, including how long you wore braces, how severe your original orthodontic problem was, and how long you have been wearing your retainer. In some cases, teeth can start to move back within just a few weeks of not wearing a retainer, while in others it may take months or even years.
Can I Start Wearing My Retainer Again?
If you stop wearing your retainer and notice your teeth starting to shift, it's not too late to start wearing your retainer again. However, you may need to wear it more often than before to help your teeth move back to their correct position. Talk to your orthodontist for advice on how to proceed.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
How long you need to wear your retainer depends on your individual case, but most orthodontists recommend wearing it every night for at least a year after getting your braces off. After a year, you may be able to wear it less often or only as needed to maintain your teeth's position.
What Happens if I Lose My Retainer?
If you lose your retainer, it's important to get a replacement as soon as possible. Your teeth may start to shift back to their original position without the retainer to hold them in place. Talk to your orthodontist about getting a replacement retainer.
Conclusion
Wearing your retainer is an important part of maintaining your straight teeth after braces. If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth may move back to their original position. If you notice your teeth starting to shift, talk to your orthodontist for advice on how to proceed.