Do adults teeth fall out of alignment after braces?

[JustBrian]

When I was a teen, I had braces. After they were taken off, my teeth pretty much all fell out of alignment. I didn't wear my retainer as much as I was supposed to. Now that I'm well into my 30s, I'm more conscious about my horribly misaligned teeth and want to get braces again to correct it. But my question is, could they fall back out of alignment again? I always assumed they did before because they were still growing/moving, but I'm not sure. Also, do you still have to use a retainer as an adult? I would hate to invest all that time and money into trying again just to end up back where I started again. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

Brian

[007Jaws]

Teeth can become misaligned regardless of being an adult. Retainers are for life. Generally there's a time period of wearing retainers 24/7 after braces. Then, it is only at night. Good luck in your decision.

[ljms]

Yes! Absolutely!

According to the information I recieved when I got my braces, the retainer protocol is to wear the retainer all the time for six months, at night for six months, and then at night for two or three nights a week for as long as you have teeth.

I've also learned that adult teeth tend to be even more unstable than teenage teeth so orthos often recommend premanent retainers for the front four to six teeth.

[JustBrian]

For LIFE? Ugh. I'm going to have to think a lot on that. Hardly seems worth a lifetime of discomfort just to try to gain a little self confidence. I might be better off just getting veneers or something else.

Regardless, thank you both for your quick responses, they were very helpful.

[hj55]

Retainers are not uncomfortable. I have been brace free since 2010 and my teeth have not moved at all. I have fixed retainers top and bottom and also use Essix retainers. I am now 60 and quite happy to continue to use them!

[plugnickel69]

Retainers are not uncomfortable. I have been brace free since 2010 and my teeth have not moved at all. I have fixed retainers top and bottom and also use Essix retainers. I am now 60 and quite happy to continue to use them!

I totally agree with hj55. Why be unhappy every day? Permanent retainers are little hassle and keep everything in place.

[LithpingLitha]

Teeth shift throughout life, regardless of retainers. All of my relatives had perfectly straight teeth and as they aged, their teeth began to shift.
It's been a shocking reversal, since I was the only one of the family with crooked teeth needing braces. Now I wear my retainers to keep the shape (thought there have been some changes, nothing drastic) and I feel that they really should have invested in retainers when theirs began shifting. If they had, perhaps their teeth would still look great.

[mrwata]

I'm getting my 2nd set of braces because my teeth shifted…
My new orthodontist told me after 2-3 years of braces, I'd have to wear retainers for life.

[Snowglobe32]

I wore braces for almost 4 years and I have had them off for 1 1/2 years....I feel that it is very important to wear your retainers. They are meant to retain your teeth in the proper position. If you don't wear them, there is a good chance your teeth will not stay in proper position. I wear mine everyday. Some days with longer wear time but I think in the 1 1/2 years, I have missed maybe a total of 48 hours without a retainer at one time...

I believe that retainers should be worn for the rest of your life...or as long as you want straight teeth. You don't have to wear them everyday (except for when they first come off), but you do have to wear them and continue to get dental checkups. Why people spend thousands on braces only to neglect their teeth once they are off is beyond me...why even bother? Like someone else posted, teeth will shift over your lifetime, that is why it is important to continue with check ups throughout your entire life.

If someone is put off at the idea of having to wear retainers, it would probably be best to save your time and money. How hard is it to wear a retainer when you are sleeping???

[sirwired]

After you get through the original 24x7 retainer period, night-only wear isn't that bad at all. And unlike, say, mouthguards, retainers last for a really long time.

[ItsFreyja]

Another vote here for "yes, teeth keep shifting." I'm about to get rebraced as a 30-something to correct all the teeth that have been displaced over the last 20 years by my mild crowding. Needless to say, I will wear my retainers faithfully for the rest of my life!!

[vaselina]

Retainers are not that bad, and definitely worth it after all the pain and torture we must go through.

[SkyWolf]

I've had my braces off for seven years now and I only wear my retainers six to eight hours a night while I sleep. There really not uncomfortable once you get use to them. My teeth have not shifted at all either but it is for life.

[jaime]

JustBrian, I think a lot of braces-wearers have the same reaction you did when they learn that retainers are for life. However, I really think it's something you'll just get used to doing. It'll just become part of your routine and you'll barely think about it anymore. Kind of like brushing your teeth or washing your face before bed. Adding another step into your daily routine certainly seems like a hassle at first, but eventually it'll just be habit.