Orthodontic Retreatment
Teeth Move!
Teeth can shift throughout your life, whether or not you’ve had orthodontic treatment. Even after years of braces, teeth can still move. Some patients stop wearing retainers even after a decade or more, only to find their teeth gradually begin shifting.
To prevent unwanted tooth movement, retainers are essential. There are two types: removable and permanent retainers. Our orthodontists prefer relying on removable retainers, even when a permanent retainer is placed, as they offer a more realistic chance of maintaining straight teeth over a lifetime.
Some people believe full-time wear of a removable retainer is required for a few months post-treatment and then claim that it’s no longer necessary. This advice can be dangerous, as teeth are likely to shift. A lifetime of nightly retainer wear is the only guarantee that teeth will stay straight.
You could be an ideal candidate for this type of treatment. However, each situation has to be individually evaluated for the probability of a good outcome. If crowding is too severe, this treatment approach may not be practical. If opposing teeth don’t allow the preferred aesthetic alignment, this simple cosmetic modality might be inappropriate. That being said, many patients have been surprised and pleased with what we can accomplish with such a focused and basic realignment.
Life happens to all of us
Unfortunately, sometimes retainers are forgotten, and teeth shift before it’s noticed. If the teeth haven’t moved too far, wearing retainers full-time for a while can help nudge them back into the correct position.
However, if teeth have shifted significantly, the retainer might not fit. In this case, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine the next step (always bring your existing retainer to the consultation).
Depending on the extent of orthodontic relapse, limited or comprehensive retreatment may be recommended. For mild to moderate relapse, retreatment could include braces on anterior teeth for a short period or Invisalign.
If relapse is moderate to severe, comprehensive retreatment may be recommended, potentially involving complete Invisalign or braces with elastics or rubber bands. A permanent retainer is highly recommended for retreatment.
