What happens to your teeth if you don't wear your braces? (2024)

Table of contents

  1. Tooth change
  2. Timetable for tooth replacement
  3. Influencing factors
  4. Refuge
  5. Immediate consequences of not wearing a brace
  6. Long-term risks due to irregular use of containers
  7. What should you do if your holder no longer fits?

Once you complete your braces or aligner program, you willmust wear a retainerto keep your teeth in place. Otherwise, your teeth may move and you will lose your corrected bite and smile.

This end time is called yoursWaiting time. A retainer is used to "preserve" your corrected tooth and bite position. Your provision will be used full-time (up to 22 hours per day) for four months to a year and then part-time (nights only) indefinitely.

Teeth moving and shifting naturally and other problems (such as grinding and decay)can also make them move. To ensure that your teeth don't go back to where they were before you used bracesbright teeth, you will probably have to wear a brace at night for the rest of your life.

Retainers are an important part of orthodontic treatment and help keep your teeth straight.

Tooth replacement without retainers

Your teeth will move throughout your life, and braces or aligners can help straighten them. After treatment, retainers help keep them in their new positions.

If you don't wear your braces, the fibers in your gums can pull your teeth back to the position they were in before the braces or aligners pushed them into the desired location. The longer you are without braces, the more your teeth can move.

If you don't wear your brace for a night or two it probably won't cause a problem, but if you don't continue to wear it, the shift can become bigger and bigger. After about a week it may be difficult to get your braces to fit in your mouth again. If you don't wear your braces for an extended period of time, your teeth may return to their original position.

How long does it take to switch?

How much your teeth shift without braces depends on a number of factors, including genetics and the type of orthodontic problem you had before treatment.

Generally, a few days or even a week won't cause any serious teething. Most people will be able to easily get their containers in and resume their storage period without interruption.

After a month without using a retainer, the teeth may have shifted significantly. If your braces don't fit easily over your teeth (if they feel uncomfortable or forced), you may need to have new braces made or even wear a new retainer or aligner.

If you haven't worn braces in a year, it's entirely possible that your teeth have shifted and your old braces are no longer safe to use. You must then consult with your dentist about the options for correction.

If you have not used the brace for a long time and the brace does not fit properly, causes pain or appears damaged, consult your dentist before using it. Using an ill-fitting retainer can lead to tooth damage, irritated gums, and a stuck or damaged retainer.

What happens to your teeth if you don't wear your braces? (1)

Factors affecting tooth replacement

The amount of movement your teeth can make can depend on several factors, including these:

Young people may be able to stop wearing braces after about ten years, while adults who had braces often have to wear braces indefinitely. The longer it has been since you had braces or aligners, the stronger your teeth may be. If you have just had your braces removed, your teeth are more likely to move faster when you are not using them than if it has been five to 10 years since your first orthodontic treatment. The first three months are the most critical period for keeping your retainers in place.

Immediate consequences of not wearing a brace

A retainer is designed to support your teeth as they settle into their new space. Although every mouth is different, research suggeststhat how much your teeth move in the first 3 to 12 months is indicative of what your smile will look like 10 to 12 years after orthodontics.

In other words, the immediate consequences of not wearing braces can stick with you for decades. The changes your teeth are making now will continue.

Other immediate consequences may include discomfort, especially if your teeth do not click together properly. If your teeth move too much, you may feel severe pain when you try to push the braces onto your teeth.

Long-term consequences of not wearing braces

Research shows that your teeth move the most in the short period after your braces or aligners are removed. The speed and speed at which they move decreases with time. But the consequences of not wearing braces can stay with you for a long time.

After about 232 daysthe alveolar fibers that connect your teeth to your jaw are reorganized. This means that in their current position they are closely connected to the jaw. If it has been that long, it is very difficult to use a retainer to push the teeth into place. Instead, you may need new braces or aligners to gradually change your teeth.

What should you do if your holder no longer fits?

The consequences of not wearing a brace can result in the device not fitting properly when you try to use the device again. What you want to do next depends on how bad the fit is.

Once you can slide the retainer over your teeth with relative ease, you can begin wearing your appliance as recommended by your orthodontist. It can be a little uncomfortable to do this and it may take a few days to get used to it. If you can't handle the discomfort, ask your dentist for advice.

If you cannot easily place the retainer over your teeth, do not force it. Do not push, pull or push the device into place. You could chip your teeth, damage your gums, or otherwise cause pain. If it doesn't fit, put the appliance aside and make an appointment with your dentist. Together you can decide on the right next steps.

Retreatment after not wearing a brace

Retainers, especially fixed retainers, can usually help you maintain the alignment of your teeth (90 percent); However, it is rare for your teeth to move independently with a retainer. In these cases, adjustments to your orthodontics or your overall treatment plan may be necessary.

Always wear your brace exactly as directed, including:aligner treatment companyof uw orthodontist.

If you don't wear your braces for a full month or more, your teeth will likely shift back to the point where you can no longer fit the braces in your mouth. At this point you may need to go through another orthodontic treatment plan. This may include going back to braces or aligners.

Braces and aligners align your teeth. Retainers hold the changes in place and preserve the adjustment. Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment and should be used as directed.

DID YOU KNOWAligners work for many orthodontic problems and can cost thousands less than braces.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding and knowledge of general oral health topics. It is not intended to provide dental or other professional health advice and is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition or symptom. If you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment, you should consult a dentist or other qualified health care provider.

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What happens to your teeth if you don't wear your braces? (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your teeth if you don't wear your braces? ›

As you went about normal day-to-day activities, like eating and chewing, with your braces in place, your teeth were held firmly in position. Now, without the support of your braces, your roots can shift and return to their previous misaligned position, doing away with all of the hard work that your braces did.

What happens to your teeth if you dont get braces? ›

You May Be At Risk of Cavities and Tooth Decay

For example, if your problem is overcrowding, it's going to be difficult for you to clean all areas of your teeth. Furthermore, food debris and bacteria tend to hide in tiny spaces. If brushing is hard, you can just imagine how difficult it would be to floss your teeth.

What happens to your teeth if you leave braces on too long? ›

Removing brackets is the Best Option– The biggest issue with leaving brace/ brackets on for years and years is the damage caused to the teeth as a result of dental plaque. Unless you are extra meticulous with your oral hygiene, eventually, your teeth will begin to rot.

What happens if you never take braces off? ›

If you aren't cleaning your teeth well, you give plaque a chance to build up on your teeth. And if this turns to tartar, your dentist will have to remove it before it leads to gum disease. Nerve damage. This is possible if you wear your braces for too long.

How much will your teeth move if you don't wear your retainer? ›

Your bite will probably change after a month of not wearing your retainer, and your teeth will most likely move back toward their original positions. Therefore, it would be best if you got fitted for a new retainer at your orthodontist's office as soon as possible.

Can your teeth go back without braces? ›

Yes. Clear aligners, retainers, dental bonding, and dental crowns are just a few of the options available to help you straighten your teeth without braces. What is the cheapest way to straighten your teeth? Clear aligners are often less expensive than other options like braces or veneers.

Will my teeth get worse if I don't get braces? ›

Increased Risk of Oral Health Conditions

Crooked teeth are difficult to keep clean. They create small spaces that can easily trap plaque, bacteria, and food debris. As these dangerous particles continue to accumulate over the hours, days, and weeks, they dramatically increase your risk of oral health issues.

Is 4 years of braces normal? ›

The average amount of time for braces is between 1 and 3 years. But you may need them for a shorter or longer amount of time depending on your circ*mstances. Here are some factors that can impact how long you need to wear braces.

What's the longest someone has had braces? ›

Aug. 28, 2012 -- Why would an orthodontist leave braces on a kid's teeth for 11 years? That's what Devin Bost of Oregon says his orthodontist did to him, from the time he was 7 until he was 18 years old.

Can you have braces for 10 years? ›

While the average time a person will wear braces is between 1-3 years, orthodontia is tailored specifically to each individual person by design. So the most honest answer is…it depends.

Why do my braces hurt so bad I want to cry? ›

It's important to remember that some degree of pain is normal during orthodontic treatment because your teeth need to shift in order to achieve proper alignment. The pressure exerted on the teeth during this process can cause soreness, aching, or discomfort.

Can braces take 5 years? ›

How long the patients should wear them depends on their condition. For some, it can last for four years, while others may have it on for only a year. However, there are instances where the duration of keeping the braces on is due to personal and circ*mstantial reasons.

Why do braces take 2 years? ›

You're probably wondering, “Why do braces take 2 years?” Again, that goes back to making sure we give your bones time to repair themselves as your teeth move.

Is it bad to wear your retainer after years of not wearing it? ›

A few months or years: Don't even attempt to wear an old retainer if it's been several months or years! It's very unlikely to fit, and it could become stuck, cause pain, and even potentially damage your teeth and tissues. Instead, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist and take your old retainer with you.

What's the longest you can go without retainers? ›

Generally, a few days or even a week will not allow for severe teeth shifting. Most people will be able to get their retainer in easily and resume their retention period uninterrupted. After a month of not wearing a retainer, teeth may have shifted significantly.

How quickly do teeth move with braces? ›

By the end of the first month, you may see your teeth have moved slightly. From there, each time you get your braces adjusted, your teeth will move just a little more. After several months, there will be significant movement, and people you know may notice your teeth moving.

How long can braces stay on teeth? ›

The average treatment time for traditional metal braces is 12-24 months. Someone with a mild overbite and only a couple of crooked teeth may only need 12 months. Someone with a severe overbite, a crossbite, several crooked teeth, and impacted teeth may need every day of that 24 months.

Can teeth shift years after braces? ›

It's taken years to move your teeth into their proper positions, so you can expect it to take years to move back. Don't expect a quick stop here! Without something to hold them in place, such as a retainer, your teeth will continue to shift for a couple of years, at least.

How long is the longest you can have braces for? ›

The Maximum Years for Braces Can Vary

The braces' average time to make corrections ranges from 12 to 18 months. It can take up to 36 months or longer to finalize corrections in some problematic cases, although estimating the maximum years for braces to work is difficult. Every mouth is different.

How many years does it take for braces to come off? ›

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, average treatment time is about 22 months, but this length can vary significantly by patient. At Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics, the average time for braces treatment is 16-20 months.

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