Can I wear my old retainer to straighten my teeth?

Does wearing an old retainer to straighten teeth work? As it turns out, yes, it can. Retainers don’t just keep your teeth in place, after all. Because they are custom made, they can also help improve any minor oral issues you might find years after having your braces removed.

Can you use an old retainer to make a new one?

If your old retainer doesn’t fit, we can create a new one for you. The new retainer will only be able to keep your teeth where they currently are; it cannot always realign your teeth back to their fresh-out-of-treatment position.

Can a retainer move teeth back?

So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is yes, sometimes. If your retainer doesn’t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.

What happens if you snap your retainer?

Whether you break or lose your retainer, it’s important to contact your orthodontist right away to prevent any shifting of your teeth, which can happen immediately. You will need to return to your orthodontist to have new impressions taken and a new mold made of your teeth. The sooner you can do this, the better!

Can I buy my own retainer?

It is possible to order custom retainers online. “I’d say people choose this because it’s cheaper since you’re not going to a licensed professional to get your stuff,” Garrison-Jeter says. There are several teeth straightening companies that sell direct-to-consumer dental retainers on their websites.

Should I replace my old retainer?

Ideally it should be worn more long term ie not just be worn at night time, so that your teeth have a constant force acting on it. However if you are damaging your teeth or gums to get it in and out or other teeth that have not been displaced are becoming painful, then it is best not to wear your old retainer.

Will my teeth mold affect my retainer?

The new retainers will be made perfectly, but your teeth may have shifted since the impression was taken. Therefore, the mold may result in a retainer that does not fit as well as it should. If the mold is recent though, you should be fine. There is a chance that your teeth mold could be damaged when the new retainer is being made.

What are clear plastic retainers made of?

From care to composition, we tried to cover everything you need to know about clear plastic retainers! What are clear retainers made of? Clear retainers are made of high-quality transparent plastic. If you want to get technical, they are made out of polypropylene or polyvinylchloride (PVC) material.

Do orthodontists use retainers to straighten teeth?

Some orthodontists do use clear retainers to adjust teeth slightly. It might be easier, cheaper, or faster than using braces. If you are using your retainer to keep your teeth straight after braces and you forget to wear it for a while, then it could be used to move your teeth back in the correct place.