I wore braces for three years. I got them off six months ago. I know I am supposed to wear my retainer but I just hate it. Are they really going to move back if I don’t wear it?
Thanks, Angie
Dear Angie,
I know you probably hate it, but your teeth absolutely will move if you don’t wear it. They may not move completely back to where they were when you first got your braces on but they WILL move.
More than likely, if you had severe crowding, your lower front teeth will start to overlap. Teeth that were the most difficult to move, like turned teeth, will begin to turn again ever so slightly. Before you know it you will not be able to wear your retainer because it will no longer fit. Then you will be too embarrassed to go back to the orthodontist because you think he may say, “I told you so!” Meanwhile, your teeth will continue to move.
In order to stop the movement, you will need to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a new retainer. Don’t forget, you will also need to get new impressions and you know how much people love those! So, wear the retainer….even if you only wear it at night. It is a small price to pay to keep that beautiful smile.
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