What Can Happen If I Don’t Wear My Retainers?

Braces are a common orthodontic treatment to help straighten teeth and correct bite-related issues. But once the braces are removed, the work isn’t quite done yet. Retainers are typically prescribed by orthodontists at Broad Street Braces in Philadelphia to help maintain your teeth’s new alignment. But what happens if you don’t wear your retainers as instructed?

Are Retainers Really Necessary?

Many orthodontic patients will need a retainer to keep their teeth in place after the braces come off. Without them, teeth will commonly relapse into their original positions in the first few months. Retainers keep your teeth in their correct positions while your teeth subside.

What can happen if you don’t wear your retainers?

Teeth can shift back to their original positions.

The most obvious consequence of not wearing retainers is that your teeth may shift back to their original positions. This can happen even if you’ve worn braces for years and your teeth have been perfectly aligned for some time. Teeth are always shifting and moving, and when the pressure from the retainers is removed, they can start to move back to their original positions. This can undo all the hard work you’ve put into straightening your teeth, and you may need braces again to correct the problem.

Bite problems can return.

In addition to shifting teeth, not wearing retainers can also cause bite-related issues to return. If you had an overbite, underbite or crossbite that was corrected with braces, not wearing retainers can cause these problems to come back. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty chewing and even speech problems.

Gum and bone tissue can be affected.

When teeth shift back to their original positions, it can also affect the surrounding gum and bone tissue. Teeth that are misaligned can put pressure on the gums, leading to inflammation and even gum disease. Additionally, bone tissue can be affected, leading to bone loss and other oral health issues.

Additional orthodontic treatment may be necessary.

If you don’t wear your retainers as prescribed, you may end up needing additional orthodontic treatment to correct the problem. This can be costly and time-consuming, and it’s much easier to simply wear your retainers as directed to avoid these issues.

Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions About Retainers

Wearing your retainers as instructed helps to ensure a lifetime of beautiful, straight teeth and a wonderful smile. Plus, it prevents further orthodontic issues that may require additional treatment. If you or your child have recently had your braces removed and misplaced your retainers, contact Broad Street Braces to schedule a consultation. Our experienced Philly orthodontists can discuss the different types of retainers available and recommend the best ones for your needs and lifestyle.

Not wearing your retainers can have serious consequences for your oral health and the alignment of your teeth. If you’ve been prescribed retainers by your Broad Street Braces orthodontist, it’s important to wear them as directed to maintain your beautiful smile and avoid the need for additional orthodontic treatment.