Your dog ate it. Or you placed it in a napkin and accidentally threw it away.

Retainers are an important part of Orthodontic treatment. Although it might seem like treatment is done once the braces are taken off, our bodies are constantly changing. The position of our teeth is largely determined by a balance of the muscles of our lips and cheeks against our tongue. Proper Orthodontic treatment takes into consideration this balance and places the teeth in the most stable position that is possible. Over time, the tonicity of our muscles changes and may lead to a shift in tooth position. This can be minimized if retainers are worn long term.

If your retainers do not fit or have been misplaced, it is best to get new ones made as soon as possible to avoid any tooth movement. The more time that passes, the greater the chance of minor to moderate tooth movement. Always remember to put your retainer in the case when it is not being worn!

If you were lucky enough to have naturally straight teeth and never needed Orthodontic treatment, retainers can still be used to maintain your teeth in their current position and prevent future tooth movement with aging.