What happens if you stop using a retainer?

When you stop wearing retainers consistently, the teeth will slowly shift and move into different positions. This means that formerly crowded teeth will become crowded and crooked again. Teeth that had spaces between then will revert to gaps opening back up.

Can I stop wearing my retainer after 2 years?

So, if you wear your braces for two years, expect to wear your retainer just a little over two years, though you will taper back from full time to nights only to just a few nights a week and this is best a lifelong strategy to protect your smile!

What happens if I stop wearing my retainers?

If you stop wearing your retainer for a short time soon after your braces are removed (when everything is soft and not settled in) you could experience movement. Also, if your treatment was for a serious condition (like severe crowding or severely crooked teeth) your teeth could also be susceptible to movement.

Why does my retainer hurt when I put it in?

As a result of only nightly wear of a retainer, after a few days, if the retainer has been forgotten to be worn whenever it is put back in the retainer may feel sore, tight or even hurt to some extent. This feeling is usually a result of pressure and this kind of discomfort tends to go away once the retainer is worn regularly again.

How long do you have to wear retainer after your braces come off?

It’s important to wear the retainer exactly as your dentist/orthodontist recommends. Otherwise, your teeth may shift, especially if you stop wearing your retainer in the first two years after your braces come off. Most people wear their retainer 24/7 for at least 6 months to a year after the braces first come off.

Are retainers supposed to hurt?

Wearing a retainer should not hurt as retainers are worn after active orthodontic/braces treatment. The main purpose of the retainers are to hold the tooth in its new position while the bone settles down. The retainers can become painful if you skip wearing them for days or weeks.