Orthodontist in 23228 | What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?

Horsey OrthodonticsDecember 10, 2017

Richmond, VA Orthodontist

The time immediately following the removal of your braces is the most critical for keeping your teeth straight. Wearing a retainer for the time prescribed by our team is the best way to maintain the smile you have worked so hard to achieve. If you neglect to wear your retainer, your teeth may move back into their original position. This is what may happen if you do not wear your retainer after treatment with braces.

After One Week

Your teeth will begin to move back into their initial place as soon as your braces are removed. Everyones teeth shift at different speeds and even the slightest shift can impact how your retainer fits. Wearing your retainer at night is especially crucial in the first week to prevent any relapse.

After One Month

After a month of not using your retainer, you may notice that your bite has changed and your teeth have started to move back into their original position. At this point, you will need to schedule another appointment with our team to get fitted for a different retainer. You may also need to return to wearing your new retainer during the day as well as at night.

After One Year

Going a year without wearing a retainer means that your teeth will have continued to move back to their original position and may even be crooked. The solution may be to restart treatment with braces. By wearing your retainer as instructed, you can prevent this from happening.

Keeping your teeth straight can be as simple as wearing your retainer after getting your braces off. Not wearing your retainer will make you lose the smile you spent time and money on to achieve. While it may take you a while to get into the habit of wearing a retainer, it will be worth it in the long run.

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Patient reviews

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Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with our amazing team!

       
   Horsey Orthodontics
   1023 Google reviews 
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      Posted on Google  
   Tasha Nabi 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional kind and courteous. Love the results.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Andrea Balch 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 7, now 8 year old, had an expander to help make room for her teeth to come in, and braces to straighten everything out. She just got everything off and her teeth look amazing. She had a great experience and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again if she needs a second round later. Thanks!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Tyrina Bridges 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were patient and informal to my daughter. Dentist offices can be scary and they made it so warm and welcoming
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Sopheap Chheang 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Love it
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Alecia price 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is our first time here to Horsey Orthodontics and the service was amazing!!! My daughter enjoyed her service, everyone was very professional, made us feel comfortable. Dr. Smith and Hanah was amazing and we’re so happy we came here.
  
 
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   Maketa Washington 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Horsey and his staff is awesome...Great customer service and very knowledgeable.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Winter Washington 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I like being here because I like to get my braces done
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Somaya Musawer 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
They helped me straighten my lower teeth, and helped me whiten it more than it was before.  I personally would recommend this place and I loved the braces I have and my power chains. They don’t tighten it that much and it’s a perfect amount to eat and it doesn’t hurt. Thank you so much!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Lindsay Blackman 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Front desk was very professional and polite. Ari did a great job!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Carrie Thornton 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Great experience! Wouldn’t trust anyone else for braces! 2 of kids have been here and the experience is always professional and great!
  
 
 
  
 
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