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FAQ: Adult Orthodontics

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Orthodontics Ask The Dentist - Dr. Elizabeth Robles

Question:
I had braces when I was in high school. I joined the military right after high school and lost my retainers (about 5 years ago). I had one made for my top teeth about two years ago, but it just doesn't feel right.

Now I need to have one made for my bottom teeth. I'm just not sure if my teeth have shifted so much that I will need to put braces back on. Can you help? ...Visitor from NH

Answer:
If you do not wear your retainers on a regular basis, your teeth will move. Your teeth moves throughout your whole life whether you had braces or not. The trick is to keep it retained the way it looked like as soon as you had your braces removed.

If your top retainer does not fit, you either have not worn them as much as you should, and/or you need to have it adjusted by your orthodontist. It all depends on how much your teeth have shifted, that a retainer will not be able to retain your teeth or you might need to have braces placed back on.

My suggestion is to have a consultation with an orthodontist to see if you do need them again and if so, for how long.

Elizabeth C. Robles, DDS

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