Why Teeth are not like fence posts

 (And bone is not like concrete)

Over the years one of our favorite sayings has been “teeth are not like fence posts stuck in concrete”.  What we mean is, unlike concrete, the bone around the teeth never hardens to the point that it becomes solid and prevents all tooth movement.  No matter how long a tooth is retained in place, the bone support will always allow movement if there is unbalanced pressure on the tooth.  This pressure can come from the bite, lips, tongue, or orthodontic appliances.  Only when all of these forces are balanced, or when retainers are used, will the tooth not move.  This is like a fence post stuck in a bucket of sand.  It will stay in place only if nobody pushes it.

Each individual’s dental, neuromuscular, and skeletal situation determines the forces on the teeth.  After the initial stabilization with retainers (a few months) your teeth may or may not try to move. Even in those cases where the teeth are stable (people who never needed braces) the balance may change years latter and the teeth will move.  It makes no difference how long the teeth are straight (either naturally or with retainers)…. if the balance of forces changes the teeth will move.

Bottom line: Yes, some people get away with not wearing their retainers  Unfortunately we don’t always know who needs retainers and who doesn’t!  And so, after all you’ve been through to get this point, doesn’t it make sense to hold what you have by wearing your retainers!