If I use my old retainer, can I get my teeth to shift back to where they were?

Question

I got my braces off years ago and stopped wearing my retainer a few years after. My bottom teeth have shifted slightly (a little crowded but nothing major) and my old retainer definitely feels tight when I try to wear it.

However, if I wear it enough can I get my teeth to shift back a little to where they were (I'm trying to avoid the cost/hassle of a new retainer or invisalign)? How long should I wear it a day if so?

Answer 1

If you can manage to fit them on a little, yes- most definitely.

That's what I did.

But re-aligning them will take months seeing as it's been so long already :(

Answer 2

I'm in the same boat here. No, wearing your old retainer (even if it still fits) will not change your teeth back to their original (post braces) shape and position.

The best thing to do would be to go with braces once again. This time, make sure you wear the retainer as long as your orthodontist says you should. I am actually surprised that your teeth shifted even after wearing a retainer for more than 2 years. Yeah, braces are terrible--we both know that. However, they fixed our teeth once and they can again.

Consult your orthodontist first, however, and find out what is your most viable and helpful solution. You may also want to talk to one of the orthodontists that specialize in invisalign treatments.

The source link takes you to a website where you can find the closest invisalign practice in your area.

Answer 3

hi

can you send some pictures of your face (teeth) to my e-mail

[e-mail]

and i will look if that is possible.

bye bye

orthodontic phil

Answer 4

If has only been a year, it is very possible. I would consult your dentist just to make sure the retainer is made for that problem. A retainer is meant to maintain your teeth after braces, if your teeth have shifted too much after your braces have been off, the retainer may do more damage then harm.

Answer 5

you can but it will hurt like h**l

Answer 6

ok....what's invisalign?