Retainers maintain the aligned position achieved by orthodontic treatment, preventing the natural tendency of teeth to drift back toward their original spots (relapse). Because the soft tissues and bone require time to stabilize in the new position, retention is a necessary phase of treatment. The first step in determining if you can start wearing your old retainer again is to carefully assess how it fits.
Assessing the Fit: The First Step
Gently attempt to seat the retainer over your teeth. It is normal for the retainer to feel snug, especially if it has been out of your mouth for more than a few days or weeks. This snugness indicates minor tooth movement has occurred, and the retainer is applying gentle pressure to guide the teeth back into alignment.
The retainer should never require excessive force to snap into place. If you feel sharp pain, hear a distinct clicking sound, or notice the retainer does not fully seat, it signals that significant shifting has taken place. Forcing an ill-fitting retainer can damage the appliance, irritate the gums, and potentially lead to serious issues like root damage. If the retainer is visibly warped, cracked, or damaged, it should not be worn at all.
If the Retainer Fits: Resuming Consistent Wear
If your retainer fits snugly but fully seats without causing severe discomfort, you can likely use it to correct the minor relapse that has occurred. This snugness indicates the teeth have only slightly moved, and the retainer is acting as a passive aligner to guide them back into their ideal positions.
Begin with an intensive wearing schedule, typically wearing the retainer full-time (20 to 22 hours per day), only removing it to eat and brush. This full-time regimen is maintained for several weeks until the retainer feels completely comfortable and the snugness disappears. Once the fit is comfortable, transition back to a nightly wearing schedule to maintain alignment. Check older retainers regularly for signs of wear, such as thinning plastic or cracks, as the material can become brittle.
If the Retainer Does Not Fit: When to Seek Professional Help
If the retainer does not seat fully, causes significant pain, or if you must force it, stop wearing it immediately and contact an orthodontic professional. Forcing a non-fitting retainer is dangerous because the excessive, uncontrolled pressure can lead to serious biological complications. This force can injure the periodontal ligaments, potentially leading to irreversible root resorption or bone loss.
Significant tooth shifting requires professional assessment and intervention. An orthodontist can assess the extent of the relapse and recommend the appropriate course of action. For minor relapse, the professional may be able to adjust your existing Hawley retainer or slightly trim a clear plastic retainer for a better fit. If the shift is more pronounced, you will need a new custom-made retainer, such as a vacuum-formed clear retainer (like Essix or Vivera), made from new impressions.
For more severe relapse, where alignment has changed substantially, a limited course of orthodontic treatment may be necessary. This often involves wearing a series of clear aligners or having braces placed for a few months to fully correct the movement before a new retainer is issued. Attempting to use a retainer to correct a substantial shift is ineffective because retainers are designed for maintenance, not major tooth movement. Professional options ensure the teeth are moved safely and predictably, protecting the long-term health of the roots and surrounding tissues.
Understanding Lifelong Retention
The tendency for teeth to shift (relapse) is a lifelong biological process. This natural movement is influenced by factors like pressure from the tongue and lips, the settling of the bite, and the continuous reorganization of fibers that hold teeth in place. Maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment is considered a long-term commitment.
Retention devices counteract these forces and prevent teeth from drifting. Removable retainers, like clear plastic or Hawley models, require consistent patient compliance, often nightly wear indefinitely. Fixed retainers, which are thin wires bonded to the back surface of the front teeth, offer a non-removable solution that eliminates the need for daily compliance. Having a backup plan for replacement is important, as removable retainers typically have a lifespan of two to five years before they need replacement due to wear or damage.