Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end as soon as your braces or aligners come off. The next most important step is wearing your retainers, which helps maintain your results. But what happens if you don’t wear your retainer for a day, week, or even a much longer time? There could be serious consequences. We’ll explain them below in this guide.
Why Is It So Important to Wear Your Retainer After Treatment?
Braces or Invisalign put a gentle but constant pressure on your teeth to pull them into the right position. As that happens, your jawbone and periodontal ligaments (supportive tissues) also adjust over time.
Once the treatment is complete and that pressure is taken off, your teeth naturally have a tendency to shift back. This is why orthodontists strongly emphasize retainer wear.
Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth secure in their new positions while giving time to your jawbone and tissues to stabilize.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist, your teeth can begin to shift within just a few days or weeks. You may not see any change right away, but small tooth movements continue as time passes.
After a certain period, signs of teeth shifting or relapse may occur. These may include small gaps reopening between teeth, crowding, or your teeth appearing more crooked. The risk of relapse becomes greater the longer you skip wearing your retainer.
You might also notice that your retainer doesn’t fit anymore or hurts when you wear it. Some patients even have to undergo orthodontic treatment all over again if relapse happens. By not wearing a retainer, you’re risking the time and investment you put into your treatment.
What to Do If You Have Stopped Wearing Your Retainer
It’s common for patients to forget to wear their retainer for a day or two when they have a tight schedule. If that happens, don’t panic. Try your retainer again as soon as you can.
If it fits comfortably or there’s slight tightness, wear it longer each day. Tightness in your teeth happens because of small tooth movements, but it gets better when you wear your retainer consistently.
But don’t force your retainer on your teeth if it doesn’t fit anymore or hurts when you wear it. Instead, call your orthodontist. They will tell you what to do next, which may include getting a new retainer.
Summing Up
If you don’t wear your retainer after completing your treatment, small tooth movements or relapse can occur, risking your treatment success. However, if you lose a retainer or it doesn’t fit anymore, contact our orthodontist at Capital Springs Orthodontics as early as you can. Call (512) 447-6453 today to book your appointment!