Question 1

hi docs, would my teeth shift within 4-5 days without retainer?

Accepted Answer

YES: Post orthodontic treatment now recommends a retainer forever!    if you have a retainer and don't wear for a few days and is very tight going back in, the teeth are moving.   If you don't wear the retainer for awhile, it will no longer fit.

Question 2

i lost my retainer, and i wont get a new one until a week and a half from now. will my teeth shift in that amount of time?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: I have seen teeth shift in as little as three days. It all depends on how long you have had your retainer. The longer you have had it the less your teeth will shift. If you just got your braces off, your teeth will shift more. Why is it taking that long to get your new retainer?

Question 3

if you haven't worn your ivisilgn retainer for a month due to it breaking and your teeth shift, can you wear a ivisilign retianer to shift them back?

Accepted Answer

No: More likely no, you need to be evaluated by the dentist/orthodontist that started the case so see if they can make adjustment or need to go another direction to put you back on track

Question 4

the leave-in retainer (lower bar) i've had for 10 yrs fell out and dentist can't see me for a week.  will my teeth shift around too much before appt?

Accepted Answer

No: Understand however that the best person to see is the Orthodontic Specialist that made your original fixed retainer.

Question 5

i have had a bonded retainer on my bottom teeth for the past 6 years. a few days ago, the one side came loose and so it is not secure. i can only get an appointment with the orthodontist next friday. if my teeth shift, will bonded retainer fix it?

Accepted Answer

Bonded retainer: A retainer doesn't fix malposed teeth. It holds them in their corrected positions. You should be OK until your appointment if it is within a week or two.

Question 6

if i dont wear my retainers will my teeth shift back (or jaw) to where it started before treatment or even worse?

Accepted Answer

Relapse: Failure to wear orthodontic retainers as directed can result in your teeth shifting.

Question 7

can retainers be tightened to move teeth back?

Accepted Answer

Oops: If teeth have shifted you're only seeing the tip of the iceberg.  If change is minor retainer adjustment may help, but not entirely fix, the problem.  Get to orthodontic specialist asap before problem gets worse.  If problem severe enough, re-treatment may be necessary, and new result not as optimal as previous result.  Don't wait, call now.

Question 8

are my teeth loose because of spring retainer?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: If the teeth that are actively being moved by the spring are loose, this is because of the movement and bone response. When a tooth has pressure applied, the bone actually resorbs on the side it is pushed toward and fills in on the side away from the pressure, (called "osteoblasts" and "osteoclasts"), causing the teeth to feel loose until the bone stabilizes.

Question 9

can just a retainer make my teeth straight?

Accepted Answer

No: Retainers only are designed to retain what the end point of orthodontics created.  Moving teeth require active appliances.  See your dentist/orthodontist for what is best for you.

Question 10

would a retainer slightly straighten teeth?

Accepted Answer

RETAIN - er: A retainer is designed to retain teeth in their final position after orthodontic care has been completed. You may need an appliance that actively moves teeth, and that may be possible in your situation. Consult with a local orthodontist for your options.

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Doctor answers about:

Lost retainer teeth shift

A member asked:

Hi docs, would my teeth shift within 4-5 days without retainer?

A member asked:

I lost my retainer, and i wont get a new one until a week and a half from now. will my teeth shift in that amount of time?

A member asked:

If you haven't worn your ivisilgn retainer for a month due to it breaking and your teeth shift, can you wear a ivisilign retianer to shift them back?

A member asked:

The leave-in retainer (lower bar) i've had for 10 yrs fell out and dentist can't see me for a week. will my teeth shift around too much before appt?

A member asked:

I have had a bonded retainer on my bottom teeth for the past 6 years. a few days ago, the one side came loose and so it is not secure. i can only get an appointment with the orthodontist next friday. if my teeth shift, will bonded retainer fix it?

A member asked:

If i dont wear my retainers will my teeth shift back (or jaw) to where it started before treatment or even worse?

A member asked:

Can retainers be tightened to move teeth back?

A member asked:

Are my teeth loose because of spring retainer?

A member asked:

Can just a retainer make my teeth straight?

A member asked:

Would a retainer slightly straighten teeth?

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