Have you heard the term “orthodontic relapse?” If not, it’s the phenomenon where teeth move out of their properly aligned positions in the years following orthodontic treatment. If you’ve noticed that your teeth are slightly crooked or gapped again, you might be wondering if you can use your old retainer to re-straighten your teeth. Here’s the answer!
So, Can You Use Your Old Retainer to Re-Straighten Your Teeth?
While braces apply pressure to your teeth to move them into their ideal positions, retainers are designed to keep them in their proper places. For that reason, wearing your old retainer will not straighten your teeth. It will, however, prevent them from moving further out of position. Just make sure not to force them into place. If they no longer fit, talk to your orthodontist about having a new one made.
Orthodontic Overdo: Is It Possible to Get Braces Twice?
If you are no longer happy with your smile because a few of your teeth are rotated out of position or there are noticeable gaps between them, you might be wondering if you can get braces again. It’s possible! Ultimately, whether or not you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment will depend on a few factors, including if your gums are healthy and you’re willing to commit to the guidelines provided.
Traditional Braces or Invisalign: Which One Is Right for You?
Traditional braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment that can help patients with everything from mild overcrowding to severe open bites. That said, some patients aren’t thrilled about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires again. If that’s the case for you, there’s good news: that’s no longer the only option! With Invisalign, your orthodontist can gently and gradually guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions without drawing unwanted attention to your smile.
About the Practice
Everyone’s journey to a straight smile looks a bit different. That’s why our team at Ludlow Orthodontics offers a wide range of services – from traditional braces to Invisalign. We also offer custom retainers to ensure our patients can enjoy their hard-earned results for decades to come. If you have any questions for us about orthodontic care, including what to do if you accidentally misplace your retainer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (413) 547-0300.
