Teeth Moving After Braces Even With Retainer Reddit
Getting braces is a significant investment that requires a lot of time, money, and effort. Once the braces are removed, patients are often fitted with a retainer to ensure that their teeth remain in their new position. However, some people have reported that their teeth move even with the use of a retainer. This article will discuss why this happens and what can be done to prevent it.
Why do teeth move after braces?
Teeth are not fixed in place; they are constantly moving throughout our lives. Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth to move them into their desired position. Once the braces are removed, the teeth may still try to shift back to their original position. This is because the ligaments and bone tissue around the teeth need time to adjust to the new position. If the teeth are not held in place long enough, they may start to shift back.
Another reason why teeth may move after braces is due to natural aging. As we age, our facial structure changes, which can cause teeth to shift. Also, if the patient does not wear their retainer as instructed, the teeth may move back to their original position.
Why do teeth move even with a retainer?
A retainer is designed to hold the teeth in their new position until the ligaments and bone tissue have adjusted. However, even with a retainer, teeth may still move. This can happen for several reasons:
- The retainer is not worn as instructed: Retainers must be worn consistently as instructed by the orthodontist. If the retainer is not worn enough, the teeth may move.
- The retainer is not fitting properly: If the retainer is not fitting snugly, it may not be holding the teeth in their new position effectively.
- The retainer is damaged: If the retainer is damaged, it may not be holding the teeth in their new position effectively.
How to prevent teeth from moving after braces
There are several things that patients can do to prevent their teeth from moving after braces:
- Wear the retainer as instructed by the orthodontist: This is the most important step in preventing teeth from moving after braces. Patients must wear their retainers consistently as instructed.
- Take good care of the retainer: Retainers should be cleaned regularly and stored properly when not in use.
- Attend follow-up appointments with the orthodontist: Regular check-ups with the orthodontist can help catch any issues early on.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can help keep the teeth and gums healthy, which can prevent teeth from shifting.
Conclusion
Teeth may still move even with the use of a retainer. This can happen if the retainer is not worn as instructed, does not fit properly, or is damaged. Patients can prevent their teeth from moving after braces by wearing their retainer consistently, taking good care of it, attending follow-up appointments with the orthodontist, and practicing good oral hygiene.