I didn’t wear my retainer and now my left lateral incisor has rotated back – what can I do?

Q.
Hi,

I had orthodontic braces taken out about 3 years ago and I didnt wear my dentures because they were really uncomfortable. Most of my teeth have remained straight but left lateral incisor has rotated back.

Will wearing my retainers now correct the rotation? What else can I do to correct it?

A.
Dear Enquirer,
The simple answer is to try your retainers in…if they fit, then you’re in luck, but if not, which I have a feeling they won’t, then you will need to wear the braces again to correct the rotation.
If you don’t want to wear braces, you can have a veneer placed on the rotated tooth which will correct the rotated look of the tooth.
All the best,
Sunita
Dr Sunita Verma Sparkle Dental Boutique 311 Boston Road, Hanwell, London, W7 2AT Web: www.sparkledentalboutique.co.uk Tel: 020 8567 4344 View My Profile Dr Verma
May 3rd, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Chloe Says :

I just got my retainers and my orthodontist said i have to wear it day and night for 6 months, is that necessary? cant i only wear it on nights? because its hard getting used to it.

May 3rd, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Eddie Says :

Follow the advice of your orthodontist – they know best

May 25th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Mariana Says :

I wonder if somebody could get in touch. I am an Invisalign patent and havebeen using my night retainer now for many years. I really cannot go on using it for the rest of my life and I was told to expect to use it for a maximum of two years.

May 26th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Derrick Says :

Hey, I had braces for 2years about 5years ago and wore my retainer on a daily basis. My top retainer was removable and my bottom was permanent which I am still wearing now. Firstly, should I get this retainer removed as the dentist told me to keep it in? as it has been a while now? Secondly, as a result of misaligning my teeth, I find I have an overbite. Also, my front two teeth slightly overlap where the one tooth is also slightly longer. I am happy with my smile, however, I would like to know if there is anything I could do to get rid of the overlap/overbite without having to wear braces again. I read up on cosmetic dental contouring and was wondering if that could help. Is it possible to get my tooth filed down? I would greatly appreciate it if you could reply. Thanks

May 26th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Jayce Says :

Dear Enquirer, I cannot give you a definite answer without seeing you. Please consult your orthodontist for guidance.

June 3rd, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Rhea Dillion Says :

I had braces not long back but have had them twice (the dentist put them my front four teeth to loosen the dozen or so baby teeth i had still to lose, then to striaghten both of my lateral insicors and I foolishily didn’t wear my retainer) at 17 is there any way for me to straighten them up or will I be plauged with my wonky teeth for the rest of my life or until they fall out and I need dentures.

Thanks 🙂

October 6th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Tristin Says :

Is it just Invisalign that you have to wear retainers for life? I have other friends who have had orthodontic treatment in the past and have now been told they no longe ned to wear there retainers.

October 6th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Brittney Says :

Hi We recommend for all orthodontics you wear long term retainers, which can mean for life. There are some factors that may reduce this time, such as what age you had orthodontics, how far the teeth have moved and the tooth position between the lips and tongue. However to be absolutely certain of no relapse (especially after your time and financial investment!) it is best to wear your retainers for as long as possible.

October 6th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Antony Says :

I have a quick question, I am doing Invisalign and it is going well up to now with the exception of one tooth which does not seem to be moving. It is my left lateral incisor. is there anything I can ask my dentist about this? anyway more pressure could be exerted on this toth? because at this rate the rest of my teeth will look great and this one will look terrible. thanks

October 6th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Julie Says :

Invisalign has great problems in rotating small lateral incisors. I find that an attachment with more rotation will be required at the refinement stage. It takes longer and your dentist may need to do 2 refinements

October 14th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Milo Says :

im a bit worried about having invisalign or any brace for that matter as i have quite short roots. saying that though, i really want to have my teeth straightened, especially the ones at the top as they are just horrible and crooked. What is the chance that invisalign will cause damage to my roots and if it is a big chance are there any other options to help me straighten out my horrible smile? thank yo

October 14th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Lexi Says :

short roots can be a problem with orthodontics and I would suggest that light forces are used, as in Invisalign and that you consult an expert

May 11th, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Ruby Says :

I have not worn my retainers in a year and a half. They’ve moved slightly now as my wisdom teeth are coming through. If i try to wear them now, will my teeth move back to the way they were before?

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