|
Question:
I have not worn my retainers for over three years. Just recently, I noticed my upper teeth has moved a lot. Should I wear my retainer again even though it's been so long? What should I do now that my
teeth have moved? ... Visitor from KS
Answer:
Retainers are for life! NOTHING that is cosmetic in nature lasts without "a little help." Illustration: A person gets a face lift to remove some wrinkles. They suddenly appear younger. Will the wrinkles stay away? Certainly not. Another face lift will be required in a decade or so.
A retainer avoids the need for retreatment. It "retains" the position of the teeth after the braces are removed. Like wrinkles and age, crooked teeth will develop as a function of age. Count on it!
The most common area of crooked teeth with age is the lower front teeth. I won't get into why, but this is well documented in the Orthodontic literature. In the event that an individual has some crookedness that has returned, either get a retainer to stop the crookedness from worsening, or (better yet) see an orthodontist that is savvy with the Essix system of aligners and or the Hilgers thermoforming plier system. These aligners (in the right hands) can effectively and affordably improve your problem. I use them often for my patients with minor crowding, and the results are terrific.
Once straght, wear your retainers at night (during sleep) for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. If that sounds like a scary commitment, consider the fact that individuals in retainers generally do less grinding and clenching at night. If you are like my patients, you will see your retainer similar to the seat belt of a car: When it isn't on, you feel like something is missing.
If ever you lose or break your retainer, get a new set. You don't really have to wear them every night, but it will be easier to develop a habit that way. Technically, you probably only have to wear them a few nights a week. But the human mind does not have the capacity to make habits for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Forget a time or two and your retainer will tend not to fit. Every night.....get comfortable with the concept.....your teeth will thank you for it.
Editorial Staff
Return to Retainers FAQ
Return to FAQ Index
You also have the option of using Google search technology to conduct a specific search within our databases to find more specific information. Use key words or short phrases:
|
|
