Orthodontic relapse is a phenomenon where your teeth begin to drift into their previous positions. While this can happen quite quickly, it can also slowly occur over the course of several years. That’s why it may take some time to realize it! Once you do, you might naturally wonder if you can use your old retainer to re-straighten your teeth. Keep reading to learn the answer.

Will Using an Old Retainer to Re-Straighten Your Teeth Work?

While braces are designed to guide your teeth into their ideal positions, retainers are meant to simply maintain your alignment. So, you can’t use an old retainer to re-straighten your teeth. In fact, trying to force your retainer to fit can actually damage your enamel and potentially worsen your alignment by moving your teeth too quickly. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your orthodontist directly instead of trying to address orthodontic relapse on your own.

How to Address Orthodontic Relapse

If your teeth have begun to drift out of position, the best thing to do is get in touch with your orthodontist. From there, they can take a look at the position of your teeth to determine the best course of action. If the movement is minor and your retainer still fits comfortably, then they may simply recommend wearing it as much as possible to prevent further movement. If your case is more severe, then getting braces again might be ideal.

3 Tips for Keeping Your Retainer in Pristine Condition

If your retainer smells bad or has calcium buildup, then you naturally might have a hard time finding the motivation to wear it consistently. Therefore, it’s crucial that you do everything you can to care for it properly, including:

• Don’t use harsh chemicals, like bleach, to clean it
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it each morning and evening
• Store it in its protective case anytime you’re not using it

While you can’t use your retainer to re-straighten your teeth, you can use it to prevent further misalignment. So, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist what the best course of action is for you!

About the Practice

Patients in the Marlborough area can turn to our talented team at Simply Orthodontics for everything from traditional braces and treatment for orthodontic relapse to essential orthodontic appliances like retainers. No matter what your teeth-straightening needs are, you can trust that we will create a custom treatment plan, provide you with the one-on-one attention you deserve, and do everything we can to make each step of the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you need a new retainer, are interested in learning more about orthodontic relapse, or would simply like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 281-5188.