A 45-year-old member asked:
After 9 years of not wearing my orthodontic retainer, my teeth are beginning to shift. what are my options?
9 doctor answers • 20 doctors weighed in
Dr. Daniel Sampsonanswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 28 years experience
New retainer or: Look into invisalign or getting braces again. Teeth can shift in our mouth even after braces, even when wearing a retainer.
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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Neil McLeodanswered
Prosthodontics 51 years experience
Nothing or Something: We straighten teeth so that they function better and look more attractive. You were off on the right tract having orthodontic therapy, but without retainers and maintenance and regular check ups things regress and the good work can be undone. You need to decide whether having pretty healthy teeth is important, and the readdress the issue. Misaligned teeth will invariably get worse.
Dr. Neil mcleod dds
dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gary Chapmananswered
Dentistry - Orthodontics 37 years experience
See an orthodontist: Options may include an active retainer for mild problems or retreatment with braces if things have gotten away too far. Retention of your orthodontic result is the most important part of treatment. Wear your retainers as long as you care, or forever, which ever comes first.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Louis Sterlinganswered
Prosthodontics 39 years experience
Return to dentist: You can either return to your orthodontist or your general dentist. Either can make you appliances that can perform minor tooth movements to realign your teeth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Zahid Ahmedanswered
Dentistry 13 years experience
See a dentist: Teeth naturally shift as we age. Movements are slow and subtle, but are an important way for your body to adapt to a changing oral environment over time. People experience tooth wear, tooth loss, and may even have oral habits that teeth will accommodate and respond to. Most common tooth movements include the bottom front teeth, even for those who have a history of braces. An orthodontist will help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Carianswered
Dentistry - Orthodontics 17 years experience
Seek opinion: It is best to seek an opinion of an orthodontist. By letting them examine you, they can determine the best course of treatment to correct your relapse. This could be as simple as a new retainer, or more complex treatment including braces. Good luck!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 55 years experience
See Orthodontist: May need retreatment with braces or invisalign (depending on severity). You may need new retainers, or removable aligners. Or you can do nothing and watch them shift. Your body changes all the time, and teeth move. That's why long-term retention is the option of choice when braces are removed. Please see an orthodontic specialist to discuss options. The longer you wait, the less your choices.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Hilary Baskinanswered
Orthodontics 30 years experience
Braces/invisalign: sounds like you will need treatment all over again. Very sorry, but that's about it. will make you wish you wore it!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stuart Hoffmananswered
32 years experience
Relapse: When patients do not wear their orthodontic retainers, the teeth will shift. The options are as follows: 1) do nothing and except the movement 2) stop the movement with new retainers 3) retreatment with either fixed braces or possibly clear aligners. W/o seeing your particular case, it is impossible to determine the best course of action.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
507 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
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