After you finished with orthodontics, you might’ve been excited about finally having your results. You were able to show off an aligned smile, but have you noticed it’s starting to look more crooked again? The movement might leave you worried about your grin, but you may wonder whether your old retainer can re-straighten your teeth. Here’s what you should know.
Why Are My Teeth Moving Out of Alignment?
A smile can shift for a wide range of reasons, whether you’ve undergone orthodontics or not. Natural aging, teeth grinding or clenching, and gum disease are just a few culprits that might be to blame.
However, not wearing your retainer can also be an issue. Not keeping up with it as you should can lead to movement, so if it feels a lot tighter than it did before, then your grin is likely not as aligned as it once was.
So, Can My Old Retainer Re-Straighten My Teeth?
With that said, you might wonder whether your old retainer can re-straighten your teeth. After all, they look just like clear aligners; however, this isn’t the case. This oral appliance is designed to hold your grin in place rather than move it. If you have it in when it fits uncomfortably, then it can actually damage your teeth. Your bite may be adjusted in a way it shouldn’t be and thrown off, leading to more trouble, like jaw pain.
What If My Retainer Doesn’t Fit?
Since wearing an ill-fitting retainer is a bad idea, you might be left confused about what you should do. Simply put, visit your dentist about it! They will be able to see how your smile is moving and offer ways to get it back to perfect.
In some cases, you may just need a new oral appliance if your bite hasn’t been impacted too much. If it has been affected, then another short round of orthodontics, such as clear aligners, can help. That way, you get back the healthier bite you once had.
About the Practice
Do you struggle with misalignment or a malocclusion? Our team at Shinkawa Dental is dedicated to helping the Fresno community get the straighter grins they deserve with effective solutions like Invisalign. Led by compassionate dentists, we will stick by your side throughout your time with them and let you know how to maintain your results afterward. That way, you revel in the confidence an aligned grin can give you. If your teeth are on the move, schedule an appointment or call our office at 559-226-5656.