Can retainers be used to straighten teeth?

Question

i know, retainers are USUALLY used to keep your teeth straightened but i was wondering if you can use it to straighten my teeth, or at least close me gap [& please dont recommend teethgap.com] my teeth aren't THAT bad... i dont think..

well anyways do you think that a retainer will help straighten this?

and also, would a orthodintist [or however u spell it] give me a retainer without me having braces 1st? anyways, here are my teeth:

http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=4EfrJLhA5mUCR5j7U8Zo&shareName=MMS&messageState=RETRIEVED

Answer 1

Retainers are meant to be worn after braces to keep the teeth from moving back into their original places. I doubt that a retainer alone could fix teeth that are not already straight. Braces are a much faster and safer process that, if done right, will work every time.

There is, of course, Invisaline. These are not retainers, per se. They are more like fully encompassing braces. They are stronger than retainers and are updated frequently to make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible.  

Answer 2

I had braces on since 2004-2006. The braces are off but I have to wear retainers for 3-4 more years to prevent my teeth from moving out of place. Retainers are not used for straightening teeth. They are used to prevent teeth from moving out of place AFTER braces are worn and taken out. I have done a lot of reading up on this subject and I learnt alot of stuffs regarding braces and teeth straightening from my orthodentist. Your problem can be solved with braces. It's more expensive than a dental treatment (about 2K-4K ). The plus points are improved confidence, healthier teeth and gums as cleaning will be easier and saliva won't spurt out as easily. It's worth it.

Answer 3

retainer and braces are devices that helps our teeth to be congested thus it puts each teeth in its proper position and direction..The only difference between the two is that, the retainer is just temporary and more often it is for the teeth that only needs attention while in brace it is already permanent and this is usually given to those who has a big problem to their teeth,,,,,,that's what i know,,,