After investing months—or even years—into straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners, the last thing you want is for your teeth to move out of place. Yet, for some people, some degree of shifting happens after orthodontic treatment is complete. Why does this happen, and more importantly, what can you do to prevent it?
Let’s break it down.
1. Teeth Are Always Moving
Our teeth are “not set in stone”. They are held in place by a dynamic system of ligaments and bone that can change over time. Even after orthodontic treatment, these tissues are still remodeling and adapting. Everyday activities like chewing, speaking, or even the natural aging process can slowly cause teeth to shift.
2. Memory of the Ligaments
During orthodontic treatment, the periodontal ligaments (the stretchy fibers that anchor your teeth to the bone) are stretched and moved. However, they have a "memory" of their previous positions. After the braces or aligners come off, these ligaments can try to pull your teeth back toward where they used to be—this phenomenon is called orthodontic relapse.
3. Bone Remodeling Takes Time
When teeth are moved into new positions, the bone around them needs to remodel to support their new location. This biological process doesn’t happen overnight; it can take months or even years. Without enough support from the newly formed bone, teeth are vulnerable to shifting.
4. Natural Aging and Wear
As we age, our bodies—including our mouths—change. The jawbone can naturally narrow over time, leading to crowding of the lower front teeth, even in people who never had orthodontic treatment before. Additionally, normal wear and tear from biting and chewing can alter the shape and alignment of teeth.
5. Skipping Retainers
The biggest reason for post-treatment shifting? Not wearing retainers as prescribed. Retainers are crucial to hold the teeth in their corrected positions while the ligaments and bone stabilize.
Consistent retainer use is key to maintaining your beautiful results.
Bonded retainers — the thin wire often placed behind your teeth — also need special care. Bad oral habits like chewing on pencils, ice, or biting nails can damage these retainers. If the wire breaks or becomes loose, teeth can start moving without you noticing. Regular retainer checks are important to catch any issues early.
6. Missing Teeth and Gum Disease
Losing a tooth leaves an empty space, and surrounding teeth tend to drift into that gap. Gum disease (periodontal disease) can also weaken the support structures of the teeth, making them more prone to movement. These factors can cause teeth to shift even if you previously had orthodontic treatment.
Do You Really Need a Retainer?
Absolutely. Everyone who completes orthodontic treatment – whether it be braces, Invisalign, or other clear aligners should use a retainer as the final step in their smile journey. You’ve invested time and effort to achieve your incredible smile — your retainer protects that investment by keeping your teeth straight and minimizing relapse.
Beyond appearance, retainers also help support the bone around your teeth as it stabilizes in its new position. Our bodies and teeth naturally change over time, but wearing a retainer helps minimize these natural shifts and preserve your corrected bite.
How long will you need to wear a retainer?
You'll likely need to wear a retainer for life, but the frequency might decrease over time. At first, you might have to wear for several hours every day but later on, just nighttime wear should be enough. Your orthodontist will advise you based on how stable your teeth are after treatment. A good reminder to keep in mind: Nighttime for a lifetime.
How long will you need to wear a retainer?
How long will you need to wear a retainer?
Orthodontic treatment is a major investment in your smile, confidence, and oral health. But the journey doesn't end when the braces come off or the last aligner is removed. Long-term maintenance, primarily through diligent retainer use and regular checkups, is essential to keep your teeth looking their best for a lifetime.
If you have concerns about your teeth shifting—or if you’ve fallen out of the retainer habit—don't hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist. A small adjustment today can save you from needing major treatment later!
If you’re new to Dubai and are looking for an orthodontist near you, give us a call at 04 394 7777. We have Specialist Orthodontists in our Jumeirah, Marina Walk, Springs Souq, and Uptown Mirdif branches.
