Will my teeth move a lot if I do not wear retainers for a week?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have stupidly just flushed my retainers down the toilet. I had braces removed eight years back and have been wearing them religiously every night since. Unfortunately, there is a storm here. So, all the dental practices are closed. I am worried that my teeth will move before I get an appointment next week. I have a mold of my top and bottom teeth from when I first got my braces removed but I had to change my retainers after getting new crowns and a porcelain veneer in my two front teeth. So, the new ones I flushed down the toilet are different but I would say only slightly. Is there a benefit of wearing these molds until I can get a replacement retainer?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is quite unfortunate that you flushed your retainers and I completely understand your concern regarding the relapse of your orthodontic treatment in the absence of retainers. Now, coming to your question regarding the old retainer, you cannot wear the old retainer as it is not going to help you since a minor change in dentistry means a lot. But, do not worry. Only a week of not wearing the retainers would not make much of a difference since you have been wearing them for quite a long time. My advice to you would be to wait for your appointment and get the retainers.