Have your once straight teeth begun to drift out of position? If so, then you may be thinking of finding that old retainer of yours in an attempt to address orthodontic relapse. However, this likely isn’t the best idea for the look or function of your smile. Keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t use an old retainer to straighten your teeth, what to do if you do experience orthodontic relapse, and why you should consider Invisalign!
Why You Shouldn’t Attempt to Straighten Your Teeth with an Old Retainer
If you once wore a retainer to keep your teeth in place, you may be thinking of finding it in an attempt to straighten them again. However, it’s important to remember that retainers aren’t designed to address misalignment. As a result, they don’t have the ability to shift crooked, crowded, or spaced-out teeth into their properly aligned positions. So, unless your orthodontic relapse is incredibly minor, don’t reach for your old retainers to do the job.
How To: Address Orthodontic Relapse
In the early stages of orthodontic relapse, your retainer can help. If wearing it is comfortable, do so for 22 hours a day. This will at the minimum prevent further unwanted movement in your teeth. If the orthodontic relapse is more moderate or severe, however, then visiting your orthodontist is the best option. During this visit, they can examine your teeth, determine the extent of the movement, and provide you with recommendations on the next best steps.
Why You Should Consider Invisalign
If the last time you underwent orthodontic treatment was 10+ years ago, you may only be familiar with metal braces. However, patients today can opt for Invisalign, a discreet, comfortable, highly-effective teeth-straightening treatment. In addition to coming with no dietary restrictions, the clear aligners deliver results quicker (in about 12-18 months on average). The best part? The trays are entirely removable, which means no cumbersome oral hygiene routine either!
Orthodontic relapse can be discouraging. However, reaching for your old retainer isn’t the answer, especially since an ill-fitting one can wreak havoc on the look and function of your smile. Instead, get in touch with your orthodontist to schedule a consultation. After that appointment is on the calendar, you’ll be a significant step closer to a straight, beautiful smile again!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we have two exceptional orthodontists leading our team: Dr. Sadaf Mostafavian and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. As a team, they provide personalized care and create custom treatment plans to help patients with all kinds of orthodontic issues achieve the smile of their dreams. So, whether you’ve just recently begun to experience orthodontic relapse or have been struggling with it for years, they can help! To schedule your initial consultation, visit our website or call 603-437-0331.