Understanding the Risks of Orthodontic Relapse and How to Keep Your Smile Straight
Finishing your orthodontic treatment is incredibly exciting, but before you stash your retainer away, remember this: if you do not wear it, your teeth can—and likely will—shift out of place.
In this post, we will break down what really happens when retainers are ignored, why your teeth tend to shift, and how you can protect your hard-earned smile for the long haul.
Why Retainers Matter After Braces
Retainers are custom-made devices designed to hold your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Once your braces or aligners come off, your bone and gum tissues are still adjusting to the changes—kind of like concrete setting. If you don’t give it enough time to settle, things can shift or crack. Skipping your retainer can undo months or even years of progress faster than you might expect.
Wearing your retainer helps:
- Prevent relapse (teeth shifting back to their old positions)
- Stabilize bite and jaw alignment
- Maintain the results you worked hard for
How Quickly Can Teeth Shift?
You might think skipping your retainer for a night or two is not a big deal, but even a few days can lead to subtle tooth movement. Over time, those small shifts can become more noticeable, especially in the front teeth. Tooth movement can happen at any age, so both adults and teens are at risk.
- Week 1–2: Mild shifting may begin
- After a few months: Gaps can reopen, or teeth may crowd again
- 1+ year without a retainer: Full orthodontic relapse is possible, requiring braces or aligners again
Common Causes of Orthodontic Relapse
Several factors can cause teeth to shift after treatment:
- Forgetting or neglecting retainer use
- Natural growth and aging, especially in teens
- Wisdom teeth eruption
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
- Jaw muscle tension or tongue thrusting
Some people are naturally more prone to orthodontic relapse, which is why many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night—for life (yes, really!).
Signs That Your Teeth Are Moving
Wondering if your teeth are starting to shift? Watch for these signs:
- Your retainer feels tight or uncomfortable
- You are noticing new gaps or crowding
- Your bite feels off or you are biting your cheek or lip more often
- Your retainer no longer fits
If you experience any of these warning signs, contact your orthodontist immediately.
Best Practices to Maintain Your Smile
Here’s how to stay on track:
- Follow your orthodontist’s guidance on how long to wear your retainer—typically full-time for the first 3–6 months, then nightly for long-term maintenance.
- Clean your retainer daily to prevent bacteria buildup, but avoid using hot water because it can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
- Always store your retainer in its case when not in use—pets, pockets, and dishwashers are some of the most common retainer wreckers!
- Check your retainer for signs of damage—like stretching, cracking, or warping. Depending on the type, it may need to be replaced every 1–5 years to stay effective.
What If You Lost or Damaged Your Retainer?
Don’t panic— but don’t wait, either. The sooner you act, the better your chances of keeping your smile on track.
- Call your orthodontist as soon as possible.
- They may need to take new impressions or scans to create a replacement retainer.
- Waiting too long can lead to permanent shifting, especially in the first year after treatment.
Have Questions About Your Retainer? We Can Help!
Wearing your retainer is one of the simplest—and most cost effective—ways to protect your investment in a straight, healthy smile. Just a few minutes a day can save you from needing a second round of orthodontic treatment later on.
If your retainer does not fit properly, has gone missing, or you have stopped wearing it for a while, Tebo Orthodontics is here to help. We are dedicated to keeping your smile stay healthy, confident, and perfectly aligned! Call our team or request an appointment online.
