I had braces for 4 years, and I wore them for a while. I haven't wore them in a month, and I got my braces off 3-4 years ago. When I floss my teeth, I have a small gap inbetween my 2 front teeth. My bottom tooth started moving, but once I wore my retainers, they moved back within a week. I'm so scared of having this gap! If I wear my retainers constantly for the next few weeks will it go back to normal? I have them in now and my teeth are sore. If they do work, how long will they work for? :) Thanks. I'm freaking out, I need reassurance.
2007-02-17 14:10:16 · 8 answers · asked by *~*~*~* 4 in Health ➔ Dental
i just got my braces off....and i left my retainer off for one night and the had already started moving but i just put them on the next morning and they moved back. i f you constantly keep them on for like a week they wont be sore n e more. but since u had your braces taken off along time ago and they moved u should see an orthodontist and they will probably tell you to wear them as much as possible for a while like the do when u first get braces off. then u can wear them once a week or only at night or what ever your ortho said to do. it will be fine!!! but never leave your retainer off for a month!!!hope this helps good luck!!
2007-02-17 14:20:13 · answer #1 · answered by minnesota sweetheart 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The teeth are sore with the retainer because they fit your mouth when your teeth were in another position and they are trying to push them back to that post braces position. The gap may or may not close up again. If it does, you should continue to wear the retainers 24/7 to maintain that position for at least a month after the soreness stops or you don't feel any pressure when you place them or remove them. Then you can go back to just wearing them at night. Some patients have to continue wearing the retainers consistently at night or day or sometimes both, if they want the teeth to remain straight. The teeth just have a tendency to want to shift back to where they originally started from prior to braces or your pre-braces position. You might want to discuss a fixed retainer (permanently attached to the back of upper and lower anteriors) with you orthodontist. Some patients prefer these and it's highly advisable for lowers since they have a greater tendency to shift, crowd and get out of alignment even with the removable retainer. Talk to your ortho, he can help you make a choice based on your case and what will be best and easiest for you. Good luck and hope I've been of some help!
2007-02-17 14:30:12 · answer #2 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would have to, wouldn't it? Retainers work like braces that never change, so the teeth have no choice but to move, and I bet they'll go back to where their supposed to. I've had my braces off for 6 1/2 years now, and I still wear them every night: I feel weird sleeping without them! You should wear them every night until they go back, then after a while, you can try skipping every third night, if you hate wearing them alot.
2007-02-17 14:18:59 · answer #3 · answered by Joan H 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have a friend in the same situation as you!after getting her braces off she started getting this gap between her front teeth.her doctor said to wear retainers until the gap is gone and then wear it for one more week. after, the gap was completely gone. but you should go ask the doctor be4 it gets worse since she doesnt have the same teeth as you do.
GOOD LUCK.=]
2007-02-17 14:21:32 · answer #4 · answered by Blabbity 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people need to wear them at night to keep them from moving. It is very common for teeth to move when you stop wearing a retainer. Be glad you caught it when you did, had you waited longer you may not have gotten it back in. I stopped wearing mine and my teeth moved and I have a small space on top.
2007-02-17 14:23:43 · answer #5 · answered by Nani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry it works and u don't have to use the retainer for ever.Usually the amount of time it's used is determined by your dentist.Each person is different cuz of different problems.It will b gone forever after this so hang in there k.Bye 4 now and have a wonderful wkend.
2007-02-17 14:15:23 · answer #6 · answered by too4barbie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what you have is a problem called 'dental shiftage' and yes your retainer should work for awhile but the dental shiftage will continue through your whole life retainer or not...and it's heredatary...so there really is nothing you can do in the long run....the retainer will only work temporarily...i have a very close friend of mine that this happened to, and her teeth shifter so much she can barely talk....so...good luck with that
2007-02-17 14:15:13 · answer #7 · answered by shhyatt 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it may help but you might want to consider asking you dentist. they can help for sure.
2007-02-17 14:13:40 · answer #8 · answered by brazilian angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋