Will irregular use of retainers cause unwanted tooth movement?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Retainers are one of the most important phases of orthodontic treatment. They help hold on to the changes done during the treatment and do not allow the teeth to go back into their previous positions. It takes about a year for the tissues to mature and adapt to new positions. After the initial year of the retainers phase, the chances of teeth returning to their previous positions (called a relapse) are reduced. In your case, two teeth have shown a relapse. You should immediately start wearing your retainers so that teeth do not move away further. Retainers were made on the teeth positions obtained at the end of treatment. The teeth have shifted from the positions, but the retainers will not. So yes, teeth will have a tendency to go to corrected positions as retainers will exert some pressure as you put them on. It also depends on the duration of treatment and how long you have not worn the retainers. What type of retainers were given to you, the acrylic ones with wires or clear Essix retainers without wires? Please share the dentition photo of the entire arch and mark the teeth that you feel have moved. Also, please share the photos of the upper and lower retainers given to you at the time of completion of the treatment. I hope this helps. Thank you.