With orthodontic braces, the goal is to permanently reposition the teeth in a way that allows for a healthy bite and pleasing aesthetics. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Even after successful orthodontic treatment, the teeth can shift out of place. Why does that happen, and can you get braces a second time to get your smile back where it belongs? This blog post explains some key points that you should keep in mind.
Why Teeth Shift After Orthodontic Treatment
Did you know that your teeth are not permanently fixed in place? They connect to the jawbone through stretchy ligaments, which allow for small movements. While very tiny shifts are normal, significant changes can be a cause for concern.
Your teeth’s natural capacity for movement can compromise the results of orthodontic treatment in a few ways:
- Natural aging process: Your jaw and facial structure continue to change throughout your life. These changes may introduce new orthodontic issues even after your braces have been removed.
- Missteps in retainer use: After orthodontic treatment, a retainer should be used to keep your teeth in place. If you stop wearing your retainer as recommended, your teeth may drift out of their proper positions.
- Dental health issues: Tooth loss, gum disease, and unconscious habits such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching may lead to changes in tooth alignment.
- Wisdom teeth: The eruption of wisdom teeth may place pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift.
- Injury or trauma: An impact to your mouth or jaw may contribute to new misalignment.
Evaluating Your Need for Braces Again
If you notice a change in your smile or bite after orthodontic treatment, you should consult with a qualified dental professional. A thorough evaluation will determine whether a second round of braces suits your needs. Your care team will look at several factors:
- Current alignment problems: An examination will reveal if your teeth or bite have shifted and to what extent.
- Oral health status: Your dentist or orthodontist will check for untreated dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or bone loss. X-rays may be taken to examine the length of your tooth roots. If they are too short, that could restrict your ability to get braces a second time.
- Personal goals: You may wish to improve the appearance of your smile, restore bite function, or both.
- Lifestyle considerations: Your daily activities and professional obligations may influence the type of orthodontic treatment you choose.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for a Second Round
If it turns out that a second round of orthodontic treatment is the right thing for you, talk to your dentist about treatment options. You could opt for traditional metal braces again; they are reliable and proven to be effective. However, if aesthetics are a major concern for you, you might decide to get Invisalign clear aligners instead. They feature a subtle appearance and, in many cases, can work just as well as metal braces.
Finding out that you need braces again can be disappointing, but do not get too discouraged. Hopefully, it will only be a few months before your smile is well on its way to its ideal alignment.
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental Professionals, we provide comprehensive oral care for the Needham community. We offer both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional metal braces, and we welcome adult orthodontic patients. If your teeth have drifted out of alignment, we would be happy to consult with you on your next steps. Reach out to our office at 781-202-6357.