{"id":63,"date":"2024-03-04T18:23:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T18:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casadysquareorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=63"},"modified":"2024-04-12T18:26:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T18:26:13","slug":"can-my-retainer-realign-my-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casadysquareorthodontics.com\/blog\/can-my-retainer-realign-my-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Can My Retainer Realign My Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Did you know that your teeth have muscle memory? That means if you\u2019ve recently completed orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile, there\u2019s a good chance that they\u2019re going to try to shift back to their previous placements. Thankfully, your orthodontist can provide a retainer<\/a> to help keep your pearly whites in their intended placements while your mouth adjusts to the new normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many patients, however, either forget or choose not to wear their retainer as directed and come to regret it. As their pearly whites shift back after their initial therapy, they wonder whether wearing a retainer after the fact can re-align them. If you\u2019re curious, keep reading to learn more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Retainers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A retainer is an oral appliance that you\u2019re given after you\u2019ve completed your orthodontic therapy to maintain your results. They\u2019re custom mouthpieces that stabilize your teeth in their new positions, so they resist the natural force of everyday use, like biting and chewing. It helps them stay in place long enough for new bone growth to develop so they can eventually remain put on their own. When used properly, they\u2019re a cost-effective method to ensure that your initial investment continues to pay off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Retainers Straighten Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Typically, these holders can\u2019t be used to straighten your grin. It simply doesn\u2019t apply the amount of force needed to pull or push your pearly whites back into place. This appliance is built to keep teeth still, not induce pressure and movement. It\u2019s possible that yours can help you readjust if you\u2019ve noticed minor relapses after a few weeks or months without it, but that\u2019s usually the exception to the rule. While it\u2019s possible under certain circumstances for your retainer to re-shift your teeth, it\u2019s not usually the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Make the Most of My Retainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining your oral appliance is the best way to keep it in prime condition so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits it provides. Some tips to care for it properly include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n