For a lot of patients, wearing retainers can feel like something of a nuisance. Now and then, some will fall off the wagon altogether, and we know it can be difficult to resume treatment—but it is never too late to try again. Dr. Pakravan and our team at Windy City Orthodontics will discuss one of the questions our patients ask when they complete their orthodontic treatment, “Can I wear my retainer after years without wearing it?”
Addressing the Consequences
First, let’s discuss some of the situations you may encounter if you haven’t worn your retainer for a long period. Dr. Pakravan can help you identify these issues and address them.
- Teeth Shifting: Without retainers, your teeth are very likely to shift back toward their original positions, undoing the results of your orthodontic treatment. When the alignment of your teeth relapses, it can also lead to new bite problems.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Shifting teeth can, of course, impact your smile and overall appearance. This can have some level of impact on your self-esteem, especially if you dealt with self-esteem and confidence issues prior to your orthodontic treatment.
- Gum Issues: Misaligned teeth can create new spaces that are difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of conditions like gum disease and cavities.
- Discomfort: As teeth begin to move again, you may also experience discomfort or pain due to shifting bite and misalignment.
- Impact on Oral Function: New or returning misalignment can also significantly affect your ability to chew, speak, or bite properly, all of which are functional issues that can impact your daily routine.
- Increased Need for Future Treatment: If teeth shift quite significantly, you might require additional orthodontic treatment, which would involve more time and an additional cost from your original treatment.
Can I Just Wear My Old One?
While this may seem like the easiest solution, the short answer is: Probably not. Here are a few reasons why:
- Fit Issues: Your teeth may have shifted dramatically over the years, meaning the old retainer simply will not fit properly. An ill-fitting retainer could cause some discomfort or actually manage to worsen alignment issues.
- Comfort and Function: An old retainer that doesn’t fit well might cause irritation or even pain, due to the components not hitting where they’re supposed to. It’s crucial to use a retainer that supports your teeth and bite as intended.
- Hygiene Concerns: Like any removable appliance, retainers can accumulate bacteria or become contaminated over time, which could pose a risk to your oral health in some cases. This can be especially true of an appliance that has been uncleaned for some time.
Resuming Treatment
So, if you should find yourself in this position, let’s talk about how to go about resuming treatment with Dr. Pakravan. You may have worked with us in the past or be new to Windy City Orthodontics; either way, we’ll make sure we get you back on track.
- Consultation: The first step, of course, is to contact us and schedule an appointment with Dr. Pakravan and our team to thoroughly evaluate your current teeth alignment and determine the proper approach for you. Our team can assess how much your teeth have shifted and whether you need a new retainer or additional treatment options.
- Get a New Retainer: If your teeth have shifted enough, you will likely need to have new impressions taken and a new retainer made.
- Gradual Adjustment: If the shift is minor, however, Dr. Pakravan may recommend starting with part-time wear and gradually increasing to full-time wear to help your teeth shift back to their original restored positions.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Once you have your new retainer, carefully follow the retainer wear schedule we set for you. Consistency will be vital to successfully correcting any shifts.
- Monitor Your Progress: You should keep track of how your teeth and bite feel as you begin wearing your retainer again. Regular follow-up appointments at our office will help make sure that everything is progressing as planned.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue practicing optimal oral hygiene by brushing and flossing as you should. Always clean your retainer as instructed to avoid any buildup of bacteria.
- Be Patient: It’s important to realize that it may take some time for your teeth to fully realign in this scenario, and that the process could possibly require further long-term treatment with Windy City Orthodontics.
Once More with Feeling!
Patients can feel embarrassed when they have a period of non-compliance, but don’t let that feeling prevent you from taking the next steps you need. Our job is to help you across your entire orthodontic treatment, and nobody is perfect. Please reach out to our Lakeview or Lincoln Park locations if you find yourself in this situation.