Dr. Angela is often asked this question: “My teeth have shifted, can I just wear my old retainer to correct them?” It is a logical question, and the answer is not as simple as a yes or no. This is why we want to delve into some of the minutiae. From braces treatment for adults to teens Invisalign near you, we always have you covered at Palm Beach Orthodontics, so allow Dr. Angela and the team to dig into this latest topic!
How Do Retainers Work?
The first thing we want to talk about is how retainers work. The main function of a retainer is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their pre-treatment alignment. When you’ve had braces or other forms of orthodontic work done on your teeth, a retainer will help to prevent your teeth from moving while your tissues and bones readjust to their new alignment. It’s not meant to move teeth into alignment, merely to prevent them from moving out of alignment.
So, can a retainer shift teeth back?
Can a Retainer Correct Minor Crowding?
If you have had some crowding due to the movement of your teeth, it’s possible that a retainer will be able to move your teeth back to alignment. However, this will only be the case if you’re able to slide the retainer in without discomfort. If you can slide the retainer in, and it feels comfortable in your mouth, it will likely prevent your teeth from moving out of alignment and possibly move them back to alignment. In situations where you notice teeth moving with a retainer, it’s important to monitor the changes and consult our team if you have concerns.
However, this is not usually the case, and if you’ve had some crowding, this will not correct it. In order to correct this, you will need to have braces or other forms of clear aligners to achieve the desired results once again.
The Risks of Wearing an Old Retainer That No Longer Fits
So, here is where we need to make one thing very clear: it’s not possible for you to force an ill-fitting retainer to work for you. If you find that your teeth have shifted, and you’re trying to correct your teeth with a retainer that no longer fits you, you could end up damaging your teeth. While you might hope that an old retainer can push teeth back, if your retainer is tight and does not want to go into your mouth as it should, it’s likely a sign that your teeth have shifted too far for you to correct your teeth without further treatment.
When to See an Orthodontist
If you find that you need to correct your teeth once again, it’s best for you to come in for a consultation with Dr. Angela and the brilliant team at Palm Beach Orthodontics. We can determine the extent of tooth movement and determine the correct course of action moving forward. This could be a new retainer, clear aligners, or even metal braces.
For many patients, a retainer to keep teeth from shifting is an essential part of post-treatment care, so it’s important to follow post-care instructions. Clear aligners are great for adults who have found that their teeth have shifted as a result of a previous orthodontic correction. Clear aligners such as Invisalign or Spark Aligners can be very effective in re-correcting your teeth, but professional consultation is always best.
The Bottom Line
All in all, remember that retainers are a very big part of your overall correction. However, there is a point at which you will realize that you must correct teeth that have shifted too far to be corrected with a retainer. If you notice teeth shifting with retainers, in this case, you can end up doing more harm than good.
If you have concerns about crowded or shifting teeth, we can help. Call Dr. Angela and the team today!
Rachel is our office manager and financial coordinator, and has been been an integral part of Dr. Angela’s team since 2005. With over two decades of experience in both general dentistry and orthodontic fields, including specializing in insurance Rachel’s expertise and enthusiasm have made her a beloved fixture at PBO.