{"id":178,"date":"2023-02-02T22:39:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T22:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthorandolph.com\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2023-07-03T18:32:36","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T18:32:36","slug":"can-my-old-retainer-re-straighten-my-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthorandolph.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/02\/can-my-old-retainer-re-straighten-my-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Can My Old Retainer Be Used to Re-Straighten My Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019re concerned about orthodontic relapse, you might be wondering if an older<\/em> retainer can be used to re-straighten your teeth and compensate for any unplanned misalignment following your treatment. Even though this might seem like a brilliant plan, is it actually a viable solution? Keep reading to learn more from your orthodontist<\/a> about old retainers and why they aren\u2019t usually able to provide you with the results you\u2019re hoping for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can Old Retainers Re-Straighten Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even after undergoing orthodontic treatment, your teeth will naturally adjust to the forces applied to them from daily activities like biting and chewing. This means that in some cases, your teeth might end up becoming misaligned after a while\u2014especially if you don\u2019t wear your retainer(s)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike braces or clear aligners, retainers aren\u2019t designed to apply gentle pressure to your teeth in order to reposition them; instead, they\u2019re meant to help preserve<\/em> orthodontic results and prevent relapse, which is when your teeth begin to shift back into their previous and incorrect position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since they don\u2019t apply the steady force needed to make major changes to your smile, you shouldn\u2019t count on them to realign your teeth permanently, no matter any amount of wishful thinking! That said, if you\u2019ve neglected your retainers for a few weeks or months, be sure to try them on to see if it still fits; they still might be able to help undo any minor shifting that\u2019s recently occurred. If the retainer doesn\u2019t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to contact your orthodontist for assistance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Caring for Your Retainer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether your retainer still fits, or you end up getting a new one, you should strive to take great care of it! Consider it a long-term insurance policy for your orthodontic treatment; it\u2019s a small price to pay for a lifetime of beautiful results. That said, here are some tips to help you keep yours intact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n