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

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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?

Answered by Dr. Asma Parveen

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asma Parveen is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in preventive and restorative dentistry. She does root canal treatment (endodontics) and dental fillings, tooth extraction and minor oral surgeries. She is well versed in the management of gum diseases (periodontics). She also does cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers. She can provide oral health education and preventive care counseling. She can provide pediatric dental care and dental trauma management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At March 30, 2018
Reviewed At July 6, 2023

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asma Parveen is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in preventive and restorative dentistry. She does root canal treatment (endodontics) and dental fillings, tooth extraction and minor oral surgeries. She is well versed in the management of gum diseases (periodontics). She also does cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers. She can provide oral health education and preventive care counseling. She can provide pediatric dental care and dental trauma management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asma Parveen is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in preventive and restorative dentistry. She does root canal treatment (endodontics) and dental fillings, tooth extraction and minor oral surgeries. She is well versed in the management of gum diseases (periodontics). She also does cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers. She can provide oral health education and preventive care counseling. She can provide pediatric dental care and dental trauma management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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