{"id":125,"date":"2023-03-02T00:04:35","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T00:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthomilford.com\/blog\/?p=125"},"modified":"2023-05-19T23:25:31","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T23:25:31","slug":"can-an-old-retainer-be-used-to-re-straighten-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthomilford.com\/blog\/2023\/03\/02\/can-an-old-retainer-be-used-to-re-straighten-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Can an Old Retainer Be Used to Re-Straighten Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve recently noticed that your teeth are beginning to seem crooked, despite you having already undergone orthodontic treatment in the past, you might be feeling worried and hopeless about the future of your smile. Unfortunately, orthodontic relapse is something that happens; however, teeth can be re-straightened once more with the help of your orthodontist<\/a>. But you might be wondering if it\u2019s something you could even handle yourself with the help of an old retainer. Keep reading to learn more about why old retainers aren\u2019t usually able to re-straighten teeth as well as your orthodontist can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Old Retainers Aren\u2019t a Reliable Re-Straightening Option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth that have undergone orthodontic treatment begin to revert to their original and incorrect positions. This is often the result of patients not wearing their retainer immediately following treatment, but can also result from all sorts of things, including even just the daily forces of biting and chewing. This is part of why retainers are a crucial part of the orthodontic process; they keep your new smile intact moving forward!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s important to note that unlike braces or clear aligners, retainers aren\u2019t designed to apply gentle pressure to your teeth to reposition them; rather, they\u2019re meant to help preserve<\/em> orthodontic results and prevent relapse. And since they don\u2019t apply the steady force needed to make major changes to your smile, you shouldn\u2019t count on them to realign your teeth permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you\u2019ve neglected your retainers only for a few weeks or months, be sure to at least try them on to see if they still fit; they still might be able to help undo any minor shifting that\u2019s recently occurred. If a retainer doesn\u2019t fit snugly or causes pain, don\u2019t try to forcefully wear it, and be sure to contact your orthodontist for assistance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Ensuring Your Retainer Lasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your retainer is more-or-less a type of insurance policy for your smile after undergoing orthodontics; by wearing it as instructed, you\u2019ll be certain to get your money\u2019s worth and the resulting beautiful smile! That said, here are some tips to keep yours in great condition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n