Will Wearing My Retainer Shift My Teeth Back
After undergoing orthodontic treatment, many people wonder whether they need to wear a retainer or not. Retainers are custom-made devices that hold teeth in their new position after braces are removed. They are important for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. However, some people are hesitant to wear their retainers for fear that they may shift their teeth back. In this article, we will explore whether or not wearing a retainer can cause teeth to shift back.
What Happens if You Don't Wear Your Retainer?
If you don't wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist, there is a risk that your teeth will shift back to their original position. This is because teeth have a natural tendency to move throughout your lifetime. The longer you go without wearing your retainer, the greater the risk of your teeth shifting back. If you neglect to wear your retainer for an extended period of time, you may need to undergo orthodontic treatment again to correct any relapse.
Why Do Teeth Shift Back?
Teeth can shift back for a number of reasons. One of the most common is due to a lack of retainer wear. When you wear your retainer, it helps to maintain the position of your teeth. Without your retainer, your teeth may start to shift back to their original position. Other factors that can cause teeth to shift back include natural aging, changes in tooth position due to gum disease, and changes in bone structure due to tooth loss.
Do Retainers Shift Teeth Back?
Contrary to popular belief, wearing a retainer does not shift teeth back. In fact, wearing a retainer helps to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in their new position after braces are removed. Without a retainer, your teeth may start to shift back to their original position over time.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Your Retainer?
The length of time you need to wear your retainer will depend on your individual treatment plan. Your orthodontist will provide you with instructions on how long you need to wear your retainer each day. In general, most people need to wear their retainer for at least a year after their braces are removed. After this initial period, you may need to wear your retainer at night or a few times a week to maintain the results of your treatment.
What Happens if Your Retainer Doesn't Fit?
If your retainer doesn't fit properly, it may not be able to hold your teeth in their new position. This can cause your teeth to shift back to their original position. If your retainer doesn't fit properly, it is important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They can adjust your retainer or provide you with a new one to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position.
Conclusion
Wearing a retainer is essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. If you neglect to wear your retainer, your teeth may shift back to their original position. However, wearing a retainer does not shift teeth back. If your retainer doesn't fit properly, it is important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position.