Will My Teeth Shift If I Don't Wear My Retainer
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth are straight and perfect, but the journey doesn't end there. One of the most important parts of maintaining your new smile is wearing a retainer. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how often to wear your retainer, but many people wonder if their teeth will shift if they don't wear it as directed. The answer is a resounding yes.
Why Do Teeth Shift?
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time. This happens because of the pressure that our jaw and teeth place on each other. When you wear braces or aligners, they apply pressure to your teeth to move them into the desired position. However, once that pressure is released, your teeth will try to shift back to their original position. That's why retainers are so important.
What Does a Retainer Do?
A retainer is a custom-fitted appliance that is worn over your teeth to keep them in their new position. Retainers can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic and metal. They are designed to hold your teeth in place and prevent any unwanted movement. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on how often to wear your retainer and for how long.
What Happens If You Don't Wear Your Retainer?
If you don't wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist, your teeth will start to shift back to their original position. This process can happen quickly, within a matter of weeks or months. As your teeth shift, you may notice that your bite feels off or that your teeth are becoming crowded again. In some cases, your teeth may even become crooked or overlap each other.
How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?
The length of time that you need to wear a retainer will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your orthodontic issues and how well you wear your retainer as directed. In general, you should plan on wearing your retainer every day for at least a year after your braces or aligners are removed. After that, you may be able to switch to wearing your retainer only at night.
What Happens If You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will start to shift back to their original position. This can happen quickly, within a matter of weeks or months. The longer you go without wearing your retainer, the more likely it is that your teeth will shift. In some cases, your teeth may shift so much that you will need to start orthodontic treatment all over again.
How Can You Prevent Teeth Shifting?
The best way to prevent teeth shifting is to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. Make sure that you follow their instructions carefully and wear your retainer for the recommended amount of time each day. If you have any concerns about your retainer or notice any changes in your teeth, be sure to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
If you want to maintain your beautiful new smile, it's important to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. Failure to do so can result in your teeth shifting back to their original position, undoing all of the hard work that you put in during your orthodontic treatment. Be sure to follow your orthodontist's instructions carefully and wear your retainer for as long as they recommend.