It is natural for the teeth to want to return to their original state after the braces are removed. Even if you wear braces for three years, your teeth have a strong memory. Teeth shift as part of the aging process. They can cause crowding, abrasion and aesthetic problems by moving towards the front of the mouth, especially in the lower arch.
Changes in gum and bone health can affect the stability of your tooth positions. Poor oral hygiene can affect tooth placement, especially if you have significant changes in your health. Like diabetes, thyroid, hormone problems, osteoporosis, and many other conditions that affect bone health, it can affect the gums’ response to bacterial plaque that contributes to tooth movement. If you don’t brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, plaque and cavities can start. Caries can cause the shape of the tooth to change and the teeth to slip. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months to have your teeth and retainers professionally cleaned and checked.
Grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) can cause tooth damage and movement. Wearing a night plate while you sleep helps protect it.
How Do You Prevent Teeth from Slipping?
The only way to keep teeth from moving is to hold them in place with fixed or removable retainers, and remember to focus on keeping your gums and body healthy.
Removable Holders
Most orthodontic patients use thin plastic retainers after treatment with braces or Invisalign. Retainers are usually worn full time for at least three months and then only at night. Holders are removed for eating, drinking and brushing teeth. Removable holders can bend and may not work as efficiently over time and will need to be replaced.
Fixed Holders
It’s a common problem to forget to put on removable retainers, especially years after your braces have been removed. A fixed retainer placed behind the teeth ensures that the teeth stay where we want them.
The thin wire prevents the front teeth from moving. The wire is easy to get used to and can stay in place for many years without any problems. However, if the wire is broken or bent, it is important to have it repaired by a dentist before the teeth move.
How Do You Fix Displaced Teeth After Braces?
It all depends on how much the teeth have changed. Patients may notice a slight shift in teeth caused by not wearing their retainers as directed by their orthodontist.
If the patient misses a night or two (who should only wear them at night), the retainers may feel a little tight the next time they are used. Teeth can be worn continuously for 24 hours, only to be removed to eat, drink and brush and return to their place. Once the tension is gone, the patient can return to using them at night.
Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in place, not to move them. Therefore, patients should make an appointment with their orthodontist if the teeth have moved significantly and the retainers are not fully seated.
Wearing an improper retainer can damage teeth and gums, so it’s best to seek advice from an orthodontist and discuss options.
A small percentage of people who wear braces and don’t wear retainers long enough opt for a second braces or Invisalign treatment.
When Should You Contact Your Orthodontist?
You should call your orthodontist to make an appointment if you notice that your retainers are not sitting in place, or if you notice a noticeable change in your teeth.
