Protecting Your Smile from Orthodontic Relapse
That moment when you notice your teeth are shifting after traditional braces or Invisalign can be alarming. You invested time and effort into achieving a beautiful, straight smile, only to see it start to change. Teeth can begin to shift almost immediately after braces are removed if a retainer is not worn consistently. At Dr. Stephen Grussmark’s renowned Brickell Invisalign center, we understand this frustration perfectly. Whether you’re dealing with a broken retainer or just subtle teeth moving after braces, we are here to offer the retreatment orthodontics you need.
Serving patients from Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Kendall, our goal is to restore your alignment quickly and discreetly. Don’t let relapse undo your progress—take the first step toward lasting confidence by calling us right now at 786-563-4973.
Why Choose Our Brickell Invisalign Office For Orthodontic Care?
Choosing the right practice for your smile requires looking at a provider’s credentials, experience, and commitment to innovative care. When you choose Dr. Grussmark’s orthodontic center, you are selecting a practice built on a distinguished foundation and a dedication to achieving the best possible results.
Furthermore, Dr. Grussmark holds the highest distinction possible: he is the first and only Diamond Pro Invisalign Provider in all of South Florida. This top status is awarded to orthodontists who successfully treat at least 400 Invisalign cases per year, demonstrating vast experience with the Invisalign system.
What is Orthodontic Relapse?
Orthodontic relapse is a condition where teeth previously straightened through orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, gradually shift back toward their original positions. This can happen to anyone who has undergone orthodontic treatment, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and address them promptly.
Why Do Teeth Move Back After Treatment?
The human body is constantly in motion, and your teeth are no exception. Even after the active phase of alignment is complete, the bone and soft tissues surrounding your teeth need time—often a long time—to stabilize in their new positions. The surrounding bone around teeth needs many months to solidify and adapt to new positions after orthodontic treatment.
The natural tendency of teeth to move back is often called the “elastic memory” of the periodontal ligaments, the fibers that connect your teeth to your jawbone. When these fibers are stretched during treatment, they work hard to pull the teeth back once the straightening forces are removed. Teeth can shift for many reasons, including natural aging and external pressures from chewing.
Common Signs of Orthodontic Relapse
If you’re concerned about orthodontic relapse in Brickell, FL, be aware of these common signs and symptoms:
- Noticeable shifting of your teeth from their corrected positions.
- A return of crowded or misaligned teeth.
- Gaps between teeth that were previously aligned.
- Changes in your bite, how your upper and lower teeth come together.
- An increase in oral discomfort or jaw pain.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with a South Florida orthodontist, such as Dr. Stephen Grussmark at 786-563-4973, to discuss treatment options. We welcome teen and adult patients when orthodontic relapse occurs.
What Causes Orthodontic Relapse?
Several factors can contribute to orthodontic relapse in Brickell, FL. Here are some of the most common: Approximately 20% of orthodontic patients experience some relapse within three years of treatment completion.
- Inconsistent Retainer Wear: Retainers are crucial for maintaining your new smile after orthodontic treatment. If you don’t wear your retainers as instructed by your South Florida orthodontist, your teeth are more likely to move back out of place.
- Age-related Changes: As we age, our teeth naturally continue to erupt and shift. This can put pressure on the teeth and contribute to relapse.
- Lost Teeth: If you lose a tooth after orthodontic treatment, the surrounding teeth may drift into the space, causing misalignment.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Bruxism can wear down tooth enamel and put excessive pressure on the teeth, increasing the risk of relapse.
- Wisdom Teeth Eruption: If your wisdom teeth erupt and there isn’t enough space in your jaw, they can push other teeth out of alignment.
Common Retainer Issues and Their Troubleshooting
| Feels Tight/Causes Soreness | Inconsistent wear; teeth have slightly shifted. | Increase wear time (full-time, except for eating/brushing) until comfortable. Do not force it if it causes sharp pain; call your orthodontist. |
| Broken or Cracked | Dropped, handled roughly, or chewed on. | Stop wearing it immediately. Save all pieces and contact your orthodontist right away to order a replacement. Wear your previous aligners/retainers if available. |
| Fixed Retainer Came Off | Biting into hard/sticky foods, the wire detached from the tooth. | Cover any sharp ends with orthodontic wax. This is an orthodontic emergency—call your orthodontist immediately to schedule a re-bonding. |
| Smell or Bad Taste | Buildup of bacteria, plaque, and fungus. | Clean more thoroughly. Brush daily with a soft brush and clear antibacterial soap or a dedicated cleaning solution. Soak regularly in a retainer cleaner. |
| Cloudy or Discolored | Mineral deposits (tartar) or exposure to colored drinks/mouthwash. | Avoid wearing while drinking anything but water. Soak in a white vinegar/water solution or a retainer cleaning tablet to restore clarity. |
| Lost Retainer | Leaving it out of its case (often wrapped in a napkin). | Always store it in its protective case. Contact your orthodontist immediately to order a replacement and prevent significant orthodontic relapse. |
Treatments for Orthodontic Relapse Near You
The good news is that orthodontic relapse in Brickell is often treatable! The specific approach will depend on the severity of the relapse. At Dr. Stephen Grussmark’s orthodontic practice, we offer various orthodontic retreatment options to address relapse and get your smile back on track.
- Retainer Use: In mild cases, consistent wear of your existing retainers, as instructed by your South Florida orthodontist, might be sufficient to correct minor relapse. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in their ideal positions, not to move them.
- Retreatment with Braces or Aligners: For more significant relapse, retreatment with braces or clear aligners like Invisalign may be necessary. The duration of retreatment is usually shorter compared to the initial treatment.
- Minor Tooth Adjustments: In some cases, minor adjustments like dental bonding or reshaping individual teeth might be enough to address the relapse.
Preventing Orthodontic Relapse
If you’re experiencing orthodontic relapse, considering retreatment offers several benefits:
- Restored Smile Aesthetics: Retreatment can help you achieve the straight, beautiful smile you desired from the initial treatment.
- Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Enhanced Confidence: A confident smile can positively impact your personal and professional life.
- Long-lasting Results: By addressing relapse promptly and following your orthodontist’s instructions, you can increase the chances of maintaining your straightened smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teeth are most likely to relapse?
Teeth that were initially more crowded or misaligned are most likely to relapse. This is especially true for the front teeth, both upper and lower. These teeth are more visible and may have less bone support than other teeth.
How long does it take to correct orthodontic relapse?
The time it takes to correct orthodontic relapse depends on the severity of the relapse. In some mild cases, wearing retainers consistently for a designated period might be enough. More significant relapse may require wearing braces or aligners again, but typically for a shorter duration compared to the initial treatment. The exact timeframe will be determined by your orthodontist after examining your situation.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment a second time?
Dental insurance coverage for orthodontic treatment varies depending on the specific plan and provider. Some insurance plans may offer partial coverage for relapse treatment, especially within a certain timeframe of the initial treatment. However, it’s not guaranteed. It’s always best to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage details related to orthodontic relapse treatment.
Does orthodontic relapse hurt?
Relapse itself typically doesn’t cause pain. However, the process of correcting the relapse, whether through retainer adjustments or wearing braces/aligners again, might cause some temporary discomfort or soreness similar to what you experienced during the initial treatment. This discomfort is usually mild and manageable.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Appointment with Dr. Grussmark Today
Don’t let the frustration of teeth shifting after braces or clear aligners steal the confidence you worked so hard to gain. Every day that passes allows your teeth to move further out of alignment, making the necessary retreatment longer and more complex.
If you’re noticing a gap widening, a slight change in your bite, or if your retainer feels tighter than usual, please don’t hesitate. Call our Brickell orthodontic office at 786-563-4973 right now. Let Dr. Grussmark’s compassionate team guide you back to a perfect, lasting smile.