Did you know that up to 50% of orthodontic patients experience a shifting smile after treatment is over? That’s because, without continued care, orthodontic treatment isn’t always a permanent fix. Factors like aging, genetics, grinding your teeth, or neglecting to wear your retainer can cause your teeth to shift back to their original positions over time. Fortunately, the team at Beim Orthodontics has all the adult retreatment options you need to take your smile back.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re experiencing shifting or misalignment after orthodontic treatment. You aren’t alone, and we’re here to tell you all about what you can do to straighten your smile.
Misalignment After Treatment: Causes
Orthodontic Relapse
Usually, treatment comes in two parts: active treatment and retention. Active treatment includes the duration of time you spend wearing your braces or clear aligners. Retention begins when active treatment ends.
The retention phase of orthodontics is just as important as active treatment. When your braces finally come off, your teeth may shift slightly without the appliance to hold them in place. This natural process is called orthodontic relapse, and at Beim Orthodontics, we do our best to prevent it as much as possible.
Long-term relapse: This type of orthodontic relapse happens long after you’ve finished treatment. If your teeth begin to appear crooked a year or more after treatment, you’re experiencing a long-term relapse.
Short-term relapse: This type of orthodontic relapse is most likely to occur soon after we remove your braces. If your teeth shift less than one year after orthodontic treatment is complete, you’re experiencing a short-term relapse.
Wearing your retainer is a huge part of avoiding orthodontic relapse! Whether removable or permanent, these appliances play a major factor in how straight your teeth remain once treatment brings them to a baseline. Without wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist, your teeth will likely shift into their original positions over time.
Other Reasons for Relapse
Even if you’ve worn your retainer diligently since your braces came off, your teeth might still shift over time. There are a few reasons this might happen:
Grinding Teeth: Grinding your teeth causes many health issues, from jaw pain to headaches. The continuous pressure on your teeth can also cause your teeth to shift even after your braces have straightened them out. Wearing a retainer usually helps prevent shifting due to tooth grinding, but if you notice misalignment, call Dr. Beim.
Genetics & Aging: The older you get, the more likely your teeth will shift out of line. Genes also play a factor in tooth misalignment, even after treatment.
Tooth Loss: Whether it’s due to an accident, decay, or periodontal disease, losing a tooth after treatment can cause your teeth to shift toward the space. Without proper treatment, you may find worse misalignment.
Treatment Options
Even though you may feel anxious about your shifting smile, our team in Lake Mary knows how to get your grin back in gear!
Retreatment
If you’re dealing with long-term or major relapse, your best treatment method is a second round of braces or clear aligners. Don’t let that thought scare you! Because you’ve already had braces, you’ll enjoy a shorter treatment duration.
You’ll also be in good company: one in five orthodontic patients is over 18. With modern technology at work, Beim Orthodontics offers the most comfortable and discreet treatment options available, including:
Metal Braces: This treatment method is excellent for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. With a system of brackets and wires, these braces straighten your teeth by applying constant, gentle pressure. They’re a durable and reliable option that ensures your treatment runs smoothly and effectively.
Clear Braces: Like metal braces, this treatment option uses a system of brackets and wires to straighten your teeth and is effective for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Instead of metal braces, clear braces use white ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth, so your treatment is less visible.
Clear Aligners: Our clear aligner treatment is an excellent option for adult patients looking to straighten their smile without the bulky brackets and wires of braces. Using a series of clear plastic trays custom-made to fit your unique smile, clear aligners straighten your teeth with comfort and ease.
New Retainer
If you’re dealing with a short-term or minor relapse, a new retainer may be all you need to set your teeth straight again! With only slight movement, your teeth are usually close enough to straight that minor adjustments can fix the problem quickly.
If you’ve lost your retainer or if your old one no longer works, Dr. Beim can custom-design a new retainer to shift your teeth in line. If your bottom teeth are the issue, we might recommend a fixed retainer.
Get Your Smile Back At Beim Orthodontics!
You deserve to have the smile of your dreams, even if you’ve already had braces or clear aligners. If your teeth have shifted out of alignment, don’t wait to schedule your free consultation — call our office in Lake Mary today!