Will My Teeth Move Back If I Start Wearing My Retainer Again? | Advice from Dr. Mei & Dr. Leo at Dominion Orthodontics
Will My Teeth Move Back If I Start Wearing My Retainer Again?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at Dominion Orthodontics—and it’s trending all over forums like Reddit. So, we went straight to the source: Dr. Mei and Dr. Leo, the trusted orthodontists at our Mechanicsville and Glen Allen locations.
Here’s what they had to say.
Dr. Mei Explains: “Retainers Hold Teeth in Place—They’re Not Designed to Move Them.”
If you’ve stopped wearing your retainer for a while and noticed your teeth shifting, the good news is that not all movement is permanent. However, it depends on how long it’s been—and whether your retainer still fits.
“If your retainer still fits and just feels a little tight, you can usually wear it again to gently guide your teeth back,” says Dr. Mei.
“But if it no longer fits or feels painful, it’s time to schedule an appointment.”
Dr. Leo Adds: “Don’t Force It—You Could Do More Harm Than Good.”
“We see a lot of patients who try to wear an old retainer that doesn’t fit anymore,” says Dr. Leo.
“If your teeth have moved significantly, forcing a tight retainer can cause damage - not just discomfort.”
Instead, Dr. Leo recommends coming in for a quick exam to evaluate your options. This could include:
A new custom retainer that fits your current tooth position
A minor refinement with clear aligners
Or in some cases, a short phase of braces if movement is more severe
How Do You Know If It’s Too Late?
You should reach out to your orthodontist if:
The retainer won’t seat fully
It causes noticeable pain or pressure
You see visible changes in your bite or smile
The retainer has become warped or cracked
At our Glen Allen and Mechanicsville offices, we’ll evaluate your smile and let you know if it’s possible to get back on track with your old retainer—or if another approach will work better.
Can Retainers Really Move Teeth Back?
According to Dr. Mei and Dr. Leo, here’s the general rule:
✅ If It’s Been a Few Weeks or Months
You might be able to shift the teeth back into place with your old retainer—but only if it fits properly.
❌ If It’s Been Longer or the Fit Is Off
You’ll likely need professional guidance and possibly a new treatment plan to correct the shifting.
The Best Way to Prevent This From Happening Again?
“Wear your retainer every night—even years after treatment,” says Dr. Mei.
“It’s the single best way to keep your smile exactly how you want it.”
Live in Mechanicsville or Glen Allen and Worried About Shifting Teeth?
We’ve helped hundreds of local patients correct small shifts and avoid starting treatment from scratch. Dr. Mei and Dr. Leo are here to make your next step easy—whether it’s a replacement retainer or a clear aligner touch-up.
👉 Schedule your free consultation today at Dominion Orthodontics in Mechanicsville or Glen Allen and let’s bring your smile back.
