Skip to main content
(215) 234-3030 Contact
What Can Happen If I Don’t Wear My Retainers? Philadelphia, PA
woman covers her mouth because she has bad breath

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.

Posted on behalf of Broad Street Braces

1819 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA , 19148

Phone: (215) 234-3030

Email:

Mon – 8am to 5pm
Tue – 8am to 5pm
Wed – 8am to 5pm
Thu – 8am to 5pm
Fri – 8am to 1pm

Our Patient Reviews

Broad Street Braces

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 387 reviews

Felicia W

Excellent staff, excellent service with trusty expertise. It was overall a great experience for my son and myself. We are highly satisfied with all the services performed today.

Alisa O

I am pleased with this Orthodontist location because they are very prompt with appointments. It's never a long wait. The staff is kind and willing to fix misunderstandings quickly. They actually play relaxing music in the office. My favorite staff member is Trinh because she answers questions gracefully. Trinh always greets me with a smile. Glad I chose this dental office.

Phuong H

Really nice office. Very clean and modern. Everyone is friendly, especially Trinh. She is great. Love taking my son here.

Refie H

The staff is really friendly, very satisfied with the service. The place is cozy, and also clean, seriously I recommend it to anyone who wanted to have the braces on

Kevin A

My mom received THE BEST service here. Consultations & visits were a breeze & the staff was always so kind. Their bilingual employee, Sara, was very helpful because my mom only speaks Spanish.

Hung C

This is my son’s first time here. This Office is very nice and very professional. Great service. Mrs. Trinh did an excellent job helping us translate Vietnamese. She is really nice and did a great job! Thank you so much!

Angela D

Great experience!! welcoming and good at what they do. Ask for amanda- she's the best!

Thang N

Many friends told me that Trinh always does a great job and I am very lucky today to have her put my braces on! They look great. I am looking forward to coming back for my second appoinment. The treatment coordinator, Rachel is very friendly and welcoming. She is awesome. I would recommend anyone who is interested in braces to come to Broad Street Braces. You would love Dr. Neil!