After your orthodontist removes your braces, they will likely give you a retainer to wear. While you might not want another piece of orthodontic equipment in your mouth, your retainer can prevent your teeth from shifting in the future. This guide will outline how your retainer functions and what will happen if you stop wearing it. 

What to Expect When You Stop Wearing Your Retainer

How Do Retainers Work?

Once your braces are off, there will be nothing to keep your teeth in place. This is why orthodontists recommend retainers to most patients. This device will apply pressure to the teeth to prevent them from shifting. You might need to wear your retainer most of the time at first, but you will eventually be able to keep it in your mouth just at night. Your orthodontist will likely recommend that you wear your retainer for one to three years to train your teeth to stay in place. 

What If You Stop Wearing Your Retainer?

You may have misplaced your retainer or decided not to wear it. However, doing so can put your teeth at risk for shifting. You might notice that your teeth start to overlap or that spaces appear between them. Some patients may also experience a bite shift, in which an overbite or underbite may appear again. This is what dentists call an orthodontic relapse, but you can prevent these issues by wearing your retainer as directed. 

What If Your Retainer Doesn’t Fit?

If you have gone months or even just weeks without wearing your retainer, you might find that it doesn’t fit on your teeth anymore. This may have happened because your teeth shifted out of place. Be sure to see your orthodontist if this occurs. They can fit you for a new retainer to move your teeth back into place. Just be sure to do so as soon as possible, as more severe shifts may require braces or other corrective orthodontic work.

If you are looking to straighten your smile, the team at Mosling Orthodontics will keep you educated through the whole process. This team has been working with patients in La Crosse, WI, for over 20 years. They craft a treatment plan for each individual, whether that includes metal braces or Invisalign®. They welcome patients of all ages and work to make their office as comfortable as possible, offering services like therapy dogs. To view a full list of their services, visit them online. You can also call (608) 782-1950 to make an appointment.