Metal Mouth Message Board

It's been 7.5 years since I had my braces off (and 7.5 years since I logged onto this board... can't believe I remembered name and password).

I wear my Hawley retainer faithfully, almost nightly. There has been a gradual shift of my upper teeth such that I'm beginning to become unhappy with my smile.

I have consulted with my dentist, who recommended Invisalign and did quite a hard sell. But I remembered today that I still have my positioner, which I haven't worn since the immediate brace-free period. Can wearing the positioner on a very regular basis (when I'm at home, at night) re-align my teeth?

I'm going to try it, but I wondered if anyone had experience in the matter. If this works, I'm going to find an orthodontist to make some other sort of retainer- there's no way the Hawley could prevent the shifting my teeth are doing....

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Update: The positioner appears to be working after 12 hours of use. There is a slight change already! I can commit to 3 hours a day, often more, of wearing this positioner... so I will. I suppose I should take some before/after photos too.

The one issue is that it's wreaking havoc on my gums.

are you done with your Hawley? Do you not think it worked?

Did this work? I have relapsed teeth as well and I am curious...