Will My Old Retainer Re Straighten My Teeth
Retainers are orthodontic appliances commonly used to maintain the teeth's position after braces or other orthodontic treatments. They are usually custom-made to fit the patient's mouth and teeth after the braces are removed. But what happens if you stop wearing your retainer for a while and then try to put it back on? Will it re-straighten your teeth?
What is a Retainer?
A retainer is a dental device used to keep the teeth in their proper position after orthodontic treatment. It is usually made of plastic or acrylic and is custom-fitted to the patient's mouth and teeth. Depending on the type of retainer, it can be worn all day or just at night.
Why do you need a retainer?
After orthodontic treatment, the teeth tend to shift back to their original position. This is because the bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth need time to adjust to the new position. A retainer helps prevent this from happening by holding the teeth in place while the bone and soft tissue adapt.
Can an old retainer re-straighten your teeth?
If you have stopped wearing your retainer for a while and your teeth have shifted, putting the old retainer back on will not re-straighten your teeth. The retainer is designed to hold the teeth in their current position, not move them back to their previous position.
What should you do if your teeth have shifted?
If you have stopped wearing your retainer for a while and your teeth have shifted, you should contact your orthodontist. They will evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action. In some cases, a new retainer may need to be made, or additional orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem.
How can you prevent your teeth from shifting?
The best way to prevent your teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment is to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. They may recommend wearing it all day for a certain period of time, then gradually reducing the amount of time you wear it until you only need to wear it at night. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
Conclusion
If you have stopped wearing your retainer for a while and your teeth have shifted, putting the old retainer back on will not re-straighten your teeth. The retainer is designed to hold the teeth in their current position, not move them back to their previous position. Contact your orthodontist if you have any concerns about your retainer or the position of your teeth.