Prevent Your Teeth From Shifting
Braces are an investment in your smile’s long-term health and aesthetics. Around 42 percent of patients who’ve worn braces experience orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth revert to their original position. This relapse erases the results achieved by our Brickell, FL orthodontist, and puts your teeth at risk of decay, gum disease, and accelerated wear.
At the Brickell Center for Invisalign, Dr. Stephen Grussmark knows orthodontic treatments are a financial and time investment. If you’d like to see your straightened smile last well into the future, look out for critical contributors to braces relapse.
What Is Orthodontic Relapse?
Orthodontic relapse occurs when patients neglect to wear retainers after undergoing treatment with Invisalign or braces. There are several reasons teeth may shift out of alignment, which is why our orthodontics specialist provides retainers following your treatment. In severe cases of braces relapse, patients may need to repeat orthodontic treatment.
So, how do you know if you need braces again? The first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grussmark. He’ll evaluate your teeth and jaws to determine the best retreatment method for your needs.
Contributors to Orthodontic Relapse
Some reasons patients may experience orthodontic relapse include:
- Age — As we grow older, wear and tear take a toll on our smiles. As enamel begins to wear away, your teeth become exposed to pressure. They may shift out of their corrected position, regardless of prior orthodontic treatment.
- Lost Teeth — Missing teeth leave gaps that may allow neighboring teeth to shift into the space. Not only does this erase the work done by braces, but it also opens the door for cavities and gum disease.
- Teeth Grinding — If you develop bruxism, your teeth may experience accelerated enamel wear. Teeth grinding can push your teeth out of proper alignment and may even lead to jaw pain.
- Continued Tooth Growth — Wisdom tooth eruption is a possible culprit behind teeth movement after initial braces treatment. These extra teeth can result in an overcrowded smile, erasing the work of earlier corrective treatment.
How Do I Prevent Relapse?
To keep your smile in ideal alignment, you must wear a retainer. Thanks to modern dentistry, patients now have several options, including permanent and removable retainers. During your post-treatment consultation with Dr. Grussmark, we’ll discuss your treatment options and help you determine which retainer system best fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of retreatment for orthodontic relapse?
Straight teeth offer several health benefits that make treating orthodontic relapse a wise decision. Aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and present fewer spots for plaque to accumulate out of your toothbrush’s reach. Additionally, aligned teeth are more structurally sound and resistant to pressures from eating and teeth grinding. These factors make you less likely to lose teeth later in life or suffer from cavities or gum disease.
Why is a retainer necessary to preserve teeth alignment?
Retainers are the best way to avoid orthodontic relapse and prevent the need for braces or aligners in the future. After completing treatment with braces or aligners, your teeth and gums still need time to solidify in their new positions.
During this time, they’re more susceptible to being pushed out of alignment by pressures from eating, teeth grinding (bruxism), or continued growth. A retainer resists these forces and keeps your teeth straight and in place.
Will retreatment take as long as my first time with braces?
The length of your orthodontic relapse treatment depends on your needs and may require a full course of Invisalign or metal braces. If you’re proactive about treating misalignment when it starts to reappear in your smile, retreatment time can be reduced. If you allow alignment issues to continue unchecked, it becomes more likely that retreatment will require more extensive methods.
Don’t let the signs of orthodontic relapse get worse. Consult with our Brickell orthodontic specialist by calling 786-563-4973 if you suspect you need retreatment.
Trust Your Smile to Our Brickell Orthodontist
We want you to enjoy your beautifully aligned smile for as long as possible. If you notice previously treated teeth are starting to move out of position, call our practice at (786) 563-4973 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Grussmark. He’ll discuss your treatment options and determine if you need braces to correct the issue.
You can also fill out our online contact form, and a team member will be with you shortly. We proudly serve patients in Miami, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach, FL.