One day, you wake up and notice your teeth have shifted a little. You frown. Then you remember that you have an old retainer. You dig out from the back of a drawer, rinse it off, and pop it back in. Your orthodontist told you to wear it to keep your teeth from shifting, so it should move things back, right? Unfortunately, that strategy probably won’t work. Continue reading to see why you should see your orthodontist instead.
Retainers Are Designed to Hold, Not Move
This is the main issue. A retainer is made to maintain the position your teeth were in at the end of your orthodontic treatment, not to put them back. Braces and clear aligners apply controlled, gradual pressure to move teeth, and a retainer cannot do that, unless the amount of shifting is very small. Kind of like forcing a square peg into a round hole—significant orthodontic relapse is not the problem a retainer was designed to handle.
It Can Actually Hurt Your Teeth
If your teeth have moved significantly since your retainer was made, putting it back in can actually do real damage. When an appliance doesn’t fit, it puts uneven pressure on your teeth and can stress your roots, irritate your gums, and in some cases, even cause more shifting. If your retainer feels very tight or painful going in, that’s your cue to take it out. Continuing to wear it could make things worse, not better.
How Much Have Your Teeth Actually Moved?
Some minor shifting may not require any treatment beyond getting back into a consistent retainer routine (perhaps with a new, properly fitted one). In other cases, with more significant movement, retreatment might be the next step.
The only way to know which situation you’re in is to have an orthodontist take a look. Trying to self-correct without that evaluation is often a fast track to further issues and deeper expenses.
What Should I Do If My Teeth Have Shifted?
If you’ve noticed your teeth shifting, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. When alignment relapses are caught early, it is much easier and less expensive to fix them. Depending on your situation, your orthodontist may recommend a set of clear aligners, a short round of braces, or refit you for a new retainer to prevent further movement.
As you can see, getting your alignment back on track is usually very doable. You just need the right tool for the job, and a specialist who is invested in your smile as much as you are.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel is a passionate orthodontist who loves educating his patients. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. During his orthodontic residency, he was elected class president. Today, Dr. Ben brings positivity and experience to patients of all ages. Call (847) 548-4330 or visit our website to schedule a consultation at Grayslake Orthodontics.
