Retainers are a vital part of keeping teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment, but many people wonder whether retainers can actually straighten teeth.
While retainers are crucial for keeping teeth straight, they aren’t designed to straighten them.
Have you been wondering whether retainers can fix crooked (misaligned) teeth? Here’s how they work and why they can’t replace orthodontic treatment.
What are retainers and how do they work?
Retainers are custom-made appliances used after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners.
Once orthodontic treatment is complete, teeth usually begin to shift back to their original positions. This is a process called orthodontic relapse.
Retainers act as a stabilising force, ensuring that your teeth remain in their newly aligned positions while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust.
There are two main types of retainers:
- Fixed retainers: A thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, providing continuous support.
- Removable retainers: Custom-moulded appliances you can take out, often made of plastic or acrylic.
Regardless of the type, the goal of a retainer is the same: to keep your smile intact after orthodontic treatment.
Can retainers straighten teeth?
In short, no—retainers are not designed to straighten teeth.
Orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners work by applying constant, controlled force. This gradually moves teeth into their desired positions.
Retainers, on the other hand, are designed to hold teeth in place, not move them.
What happens if your teeth move after braces?
If you’ve stopped wearing your retainer or haven’t been as consistent as recommended, your teeth may begin to shift over time.
This is especially common in the first for months or even years after completing orthodontic treatment, as teeth are still stabilising.
If a tooth has shifted only slightly and you’ve been wearing your retainer consistently, it may help nudge the tooth back into place.
However, this is only effective for extremely minor movements. For anything more substantial, orthodontic treatment is required.
Why can’t retainers straighten teeth?
Retainers lack the mechanics needed to move teeth effectively. Orthodontic appliances like braces and clear aligners are specifically designed to apply continuous pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions over time.
Braces, for example, use a system of brackets, wires, and elastics. These work together to apply constant pressure on the teeth.
This process involves both horizontal and vertical movements, as well as rotations to properly align the teeth and bite.
Clear aligners, such as Smilelign, operate on a similar principle but with the added benefit of being removable and discreet.
Smilelign aligners are custom-made for each patient. Before treatment begins, skilled treatment planners use specialise software that maps out the journey that teeth should take.
Each set of aligners is slightly different from the previous one, ensuring that the pressure gradually shifts the teeth into their correct positions over time.
Smilelign Clear Aligners: A discreet solution for straighter teeth
If you’re looking to get straighter teeth or your teeth have shifted after orthodontic treatment, Smilelign Clear Aligners, offer a comfortable and discreet solution.
Unlike traditional braces, Smilelign aligners are virtually invisible. This means you can achieve a confident, straight smile without the hassle or visibility of metal brackets and wires.
Smilelign aligners are incredibly easy to use. Simply wear each set of aligners for two weeks, then switch to the next set in the series. Just insert them and continue with your day as usual!
Since clear aligners are removable, you’re able to take them out for eating, drinking, and cleaning teeth. This means you’re not limited on the foods that you can eat like with braces, and you can easily maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Looking to straighten your teeth?
To sum up, while retainers are crucial for keeping your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, they aren’t designed to straighten them.
If your teeth have shifted or if you’re looking to improve your smile, clear aligners like Smilelign offer an ideal solution.
Find your nearest Smilelign provider today and take the first step towards a straighter smile.
