Teeth Shifting? Here’s How to Protect Your Smile
Have you gone a while without wearing your retainers? Then tried to pop them back in, only to find they don’t quite fit anymore? That might mean your teeth have shifted after braces. Teeth shifting after braces is more common than you might think, and it's often easy to fix.
Retainers keep your smile straight after your braces come off. But even with the best intentions, life happens. Even occasional lapses can allow natural forces in your jaw to shift your teeth.
At Weaver Orthodontics, we help you keep your teeth in place. Whether you’ve had a minor shift or need help getting things back on track, we’ve got solutions.
How Braces and Clear Aligners Move Your Teeth
To understand how braces and clear aligners work, it helps to know a little about how your smile changes. Braces and aligners use gentle pressure to guide your teeth into place slowly, and over time, your jaw naturally adjusts to support their new position. It’s an amazing natural process, and we can safely shift your smile into a straighter position.
But here’s the catch: your teeth, bones and gum adjust even after braces come off. That’s where retainers come in.
Why Teeth Shift After Braces
So, why do teeth move even after treatment? Teeth have memory! The gums and the bones take years to remodel to the new tooth positions. The gum fibers are like rubber bands, and they want to pull your teeth back to where they were before.
That’s why retainers matter. They hold your teeth in place while things stabilize. Without regular wear, your teeth may shift again, sometimes more quickly than expected. And it’s not just skipped wear that can cause a shift. Other things play a role too:
Natural changes in your facial structure
Grinding your teeth while you sleep
Gum issues that affect the support around your teeth
Pressure from surrounding teeth
Some teeth are more stubborn than others. The front ones love to shift if you’re not watching them closely.
How Retainers Help Hold Your Teeth in Place
Your retainer’s job is simple: it holds your teeth exactly where they’re supposed to be. Wearing it consistently keeps your teeth from drifting, giving your jaw time to adjust to the new position fully.
Your orthodontist may recommend 22 hours of wear a day initially, then gradually tapering to nighttime use. But consistency is key. If you go too long without wearing them, your retainers might not slide in as they used to. That’s why following your orthodontist’s plan and wearing them consistently is essential.
There are three main types of retainers:
Hawley Retainers
These are the classic ones made of acrylic and wire. They’re sturdy, adjustable, and molded to your mouth.
Essix Retainers
These look like clear aligners and are made of molded plastic. They’re barely visible, low profile and very easy to wear!
If you’re unsure which type is best for you, our guide on the importance of retainers breaks down the pros and cons of each kind, including care tips and what we recommend for long-term success.
We’ll walk you through the options and help you choose what fits best with your day-to-day life.
How to Tell if Your Teeth Have Shifted
Not sure if your teeth have moved? Here are some clues:
Your retainers feel tight or don’t fit at all
You see teeth that look slightly out of line
Your bite feels off when you chew
Sometimes it’s subtle. But if something feels different or looks off, it’s worth getting checked.
What to Do If Your Teeth Have Shifted
Caught a shift early? Good news! Your retainers might still be able to help. In many cases, going back to full-time wear can guide your teeth back where they belong.
If your teeth have moved too far for retainers to work, we may recommend aligners or orthodontic retreatment to bring them back into place. The good news is that the fix is usually simple when we catch the shift early.
How to Prevent Teeth Shifting
The best way to keep your teeth from moving is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing your retainers. A few simple habits can go a long way:
Wear your retainers as directed
Don’t delay replacing lost or broken retainers
Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
Keep up with brushing, flossing, and cleanings
It’s best to take care of gum problems or other dental issues early before they affect your teeth.
Let us know if your retainer feels tight or doesn’t fit right. We’ll take a look and see what needs to be done.
Need a Retainer Replacement Plan? Here’s How to Keep Your Smile on Track
Retainers play a big role in keeping your smile straight. However, we understand that life doesn't always go as planned. That’s why we offer retainer insurance, a simple and affordable way to replace lost or damaged retainers without the stress.
Enrollment costs $895, with a $35 copay per retainer, far less than the usual $250 replacement fee. You can pay the fee upfront or roll it into your existing treatment contract to keep your monthly payments the same. When you need a new retainer, just give us a call.
Please note:
Your account must be current to enroll.
This certificate is non-transferable.
A separate fee will apply if your teeth have shifted and additional treatment is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainers?
Usually, 22 hours a day for the first few months. After that, most patients wear them overnight. For many, it’s a lifetime commitment that’s well worth it.
Can retainers fix shifted teeth?
If your teeth have only shifted slightly, yes. Full-time wear may be enough. But if the shift is more significant, we’ll discuss aligners or other options to straighten your teeth.
What if I grind my teeth?
Grinding can put pressure on your teeth and may affect their alignment over time. A night guard can protect your smile and work alongside your retainer.
Can gum disease make my teeth shift?
Yes. Gum health issues can affect the foundation that supports your teeth, which may lead to shifting. In some cases, it can also affect whether braces are a good option. That’s why it’s important to address any gum concerns early. In our blog, we talk more about the connection between periodontal disease and orthodontic treatment.
Let’s Keep Your Smile Where It Belongs
You’ve put time and care into your smile, and we’re here to help you keep it that way. If you’ve noticed any changes or think your teeth might be shifting, schedule an appointment with us at Weaver Orthodontics in Swampscott, MA. We’ll take a look and talk through the best way to support your smile moving forward.
