Can I go 3 weeks without my retainer?
During this time, a week without your retainer may cause some minor shifting. Your retainer may feel a bit tighter on your teeth when you place it back in again. Throughout the rest of your retention phase, it’s still possible for your teeth to shift a bit if you go without wearing your retainer for a week.
How long can you go without your retainer before your teeth move?
Most orthodontists agree that you should wear your retainer consistently for anywhere between three to 12 months post-treatment. You can then move to wearing your retainer only at night once your teeth have stabilized in their new position.
Will my teeth shift without retainer for a month?
Retreatment After Not Wearing a Retainer If you go an entire month or more without wearing your retainer, your teeth will likely shift back to a point where you will no longer be able to fit your retainer in your mouth. At this point, you will potentially need to revisit an orthodontic treatment plan.
Can you wear your retainer after not wearing it for a long time?
If you stopped wearing your retainer for a substantial amount of time, you shouldn’t just attempt to start wearing it again. Your teeth may have already started to shift back towards their original positions, and if you try to force your retainer in, you could hurt yourself.
Will my teeth shift back if I wear my retainer?
So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is yes, sometimes. If your retainer doesn’t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.
Is it bad to wear your retainer after not wearing it for a long time?
A few months or years: Don’t even attempt to wear an old retainer if it’s been several months or years! It’s very unlikely to fit, and it could become stuck, cause pain, and even potentially damage your teeth and tissues. Instead, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist and take your old retainer with you.
What happens if you don’t wear your retainer for a week?
The concern here with not wearing it for a week is that one can become complacent and the time between wearing it increases. This is not good and all of the discomfort one experienced during ortho treatment and money spent on ortho treatment may be of no use if one stops wearing the retainer.
How often do you need to replace your retainer?
Most people end up wearing their retainer daily for 1 month, and then they can go to nightly retainer use. Later, to keep teeth in place for life, you may be required to wear the retainer every night or at least 4 nights per week. As time goes by, you may need to replace your retainer so it keeps its strong holding power.
How long do retainers last after braces?
Regular retainer use will help keep your teeth in position after braces, as well as help to reduce the gradual shifting that occurs with age. The problem is retainers are not made to last forever. They need to be replaced when they become broken or damaged or you notice they are not fitting right.
Can I get a new retainer if my teeth shift?
Even if you skipped out on wearing your retainer for a while and your teeth have started to shift, you may still be able to get by with a new retainer. However, some patients need orthodontic treatment again if their teeth have regressed significantly.