Do Teeth Move After Braces

In our experience it is very possible for your teeth to move upon getting braces off especially the first two to six weeks post braces.  The most important part of post braces is wearing your retainer.  The retainer is designed to be an exact replica of your teeth upon taking off the braces and act to hold your teeth there.  You should be wearing your retainers 24/7 and only taking them out to eat or drink.

Traditional retainers are made to be adjusted so make sure you go to your scheduled appointments with your orthodontist as he/she will check to make sure the retainer is still tight on the teeth.

As you get older it is possible your teeth may shift or move.  The movement is usually considered very slight and by wearing your retainers you can keep that movement to a virtual stand still.  It is wise to hold onto your retainers for life as wearing them at night takes no effort and can make a nice different in the slightest ways.

Bottom line, we cannot stress enough how important it is to wear the retainer.  We think orthodontist should have videos to scare teens and adults into wearing the retainers, as it is not stressed enough.  Too often have we seen patients get braces two and even three times because of their lack of motivation to wear the retainers post braces.