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Can You Use Your Old Retainer to Re-Straighten Your Teeth?

March 24, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — glenpoolbraces @ 9:34 pm
Retainer

When you have braces, it may feel like forever until you are able to get them off. When you finally do, it is exciting to get away from the metal brackets and wires and begin showing off your aligned smile. However, if you do not wear your retainer as you are directed to, your teeth could begin to shift back, undoing some of the work. But what happens if you put your retainer back in? Can you shift your teeth back to their perfect locations? A dentist explains whether or not this is a good idea.

Can Retainers Realign Your Teeth?

To make a long answer short, no. Because retainers in Glenpool aren’t made to apply steady force over time in order to change the position of your teeth, they are not an ideal solution to realign them. However, they may be able to help by making minor adjustments to the position or your teeth and your bite. It all depends on how long you have neglected to wear your retainer and how much your teeth have shifted during that time. You can try to put your aligner on to see if it still fits. If it still fits snugly, it may help to undo minor shifting that has occurred in the last time you wore it. Ultimately, your retainers are made to keep your teeth in place, not to move them, but they may be able to slightly shift your teeth back in the right circumstances.

If it has been too long and your old retainer no longer fits snugly, you should contact your dentist in order to come up with a solution. With Invisalign or another teeth straightening option, you can move your teeth back to their rightful locations.

How Do You Properly Wear and Care for Your Retainers?

By wearing and caring for your retainers correctly, you will be able to keep your teeth in their aligned locations. Here is what your need to know:

  • Brush your retainer with a soft bristled toothbrush each day.
  • Use cold water to rinse your retainer after each use. Hot water could accidently damage it by causing it to warp.
  • Carry a storage case with you at all times just if case you need to take it out. By keeping it in its cause when you aren’t using it, you are reducing the probability of you losing it.
  • Keep your retainers away from pets. Always keep it in its case and out of reach so that it isn’t damaged or accidentally thrown away.

By staying on top of your retainers, you can keep your teeth in excellent shape after orthodontic treatment. If you have fallen off of track with your retainer use, contact your dentist. This way, you can get your dream smile back!

About the Author

Dr. Dalia Georgy earned her dental doctorate at the University of Oklahoma and has accumulated over 200 continuing education credits. She has also undergone extensive specialty training in braces, including courses from F.O.R.C.E. Int. and Gerety Orthodontic Seminars. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. If your retainer no longer fits because your teeth have shifted, she would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (918) 201-1414.

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