Braces

Wearing old retainer after four years... 01/31/2007

Question:

i once wore braces and wore my retainer regulary for less that the time that i should have. i have recently noticed that my two front teeth have gotten slightly crooked.i was wondering if it is still ok to wear my retainer after i have not done so in the past four years. if i do so will they negatively effect my teeth?

Answer:

If you can re-insert your retainer and it seats all the way, there would be no harm in doing so. I suggest , however, if it does not fit well, that you revisit your orthodontist. He could take a new impression and make a removable aligner that would create the desired results.

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Response by:

Walter C Buchsieb, DDS, MS Professor Emeritus - Clinical, Associate of Dentistry College of Dentistry The Ohio State University