Orthodontics is a reliable way to get the straighter smile you love. You might’ve undergone it yourself and enjoyed the healthier bite it gave you. However, over time, have you noticed your teeth aren’t as aligned as they were? You may be worried that your grin won’t look as aesthetic as it was anymore, but can your old retainer get back the results you had? Here’s what you need to know and how your orthodontist is here to help.
Why Are My Teeth Moving After Orthodontics?
Your smile can move for a wide range of reasons after you finish up with braces or clear aligners. Natural aging, teeth grinding or clenching, and gum disease are some reasons that might have led to shifting. Even not wearing your retainer consistently can be to blame!
Regardless, a great way to tell if your grin has changed is by putting on this oral appliance. If it’s a lot tighter than before, then that’s a sign that your alignment may be on the move.
Can I Use My Old Retainer to Re-Straighten My Teeth?
You might wonder whether your retainers can shift your teeth back into their proper positions, but this isn’t the case. They are designed to hold them in place rather than actively move them. In fact, having them in if the fit is uncomfortable and drastically different can damage your teeth. You risk adjusting your bite and throwing it off, causing more trouble in the end, such as jaw pain.
What Do I Do If My Retainers Don’t Fit Anymore?
While you may feel disheartened to hear your retainer can’t correct your shifting teeth, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. You can talk to your orthodontist about what options are available to get you back to your aesthetic smile.
They will assess your grin and come up with a game plan to get you back the straight teeth you miss. In some cases, that may be a new oral appliance or a shorter round of braces or clear aligners. That way, you can feel confident showing off your healthier bite once again.
About the Author
Dr. Alex Johnson is a proud orthodontist with over 30 years of experience helping the Palm Harbor community get straighter smiles with reliable treatments like braces or clear aligners. By sticking with you throughout your service, you can avoid delays and know how to preserve your results for a lifetime. If you are worried your results are shifting after finishing your journey, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Johnson’s office at (727) 786-7550.