Orthodontic Relapse – Sweeny, TX

Why Choose Sweeny Family Dentistry for Orthodontic Retreatment?

• Skilled dentist with orthodontic training
• Invisalign and traditional braces available
• Friendly, attentive team

Causes of Orthodontic Relapse

There are a number of reasons why orthodontic relapse might occur:

• Failure to wear a retainer. If you did not wear your retainer as often as recommended, your teeth are likely to drift out of place. Even years after competing orthodontic treatment, you should continue to wear a retainer for at least a few nights each week.
• Physiological changes. Weight loss, weight gain, and simply growing older can all have an effect on dental alignment.
• Other factors. Shortly after orthodontic treatment, elastic fibers in the gums may pull teeth out of alignment. Variables involved in your original course of treatment, such as its duration and nature, might also have a bearing on whether it is successful on a long-term basis.

Reversing Orthodontic Relapse

Pop your retainer in your mouth. Does it feel a little tight? That is a sign that orthodontic relapse has already begun. Consistently wearing your retainer for several days in a row might be all that is necessary to get your teeth back into their proper places.

Also, keep in mind that retainers have a limited lifespan. If yours is more than a few years old, or if it has visible signs of damage, it is time for you to visit your orthodontist and ask for a new one. At your appointment, your orthodontist will also evaluate the positioning of your teeth and determine whether you need more than a new retainer to get your smile back into its ideal shape.

In some cases, the only way to address orthodontic relapse is via retreatment. That is to say, you may need to wear braces or Invisalign again for several months or longer. Although you might balk at the idea of “starting over,” it will be worth it in the end.

Benefits of Retreatment

If you have to undergo orthodontic retreatment, you can expect to experience some significant benefits:

• Improved oral health. Well-aligned teeth are less prone to cavities and breakage.
• Improved confidence. Remember how awesome you felt when you finished your first orthodontic treatment? You can recapture that feeling after retreatment.
• Advances in orthodontics. If it has been a number of years since your first orthodontic treatment, you might be surprised by some of the advances that have taken place since then. You retreatment may be much easier and more convenient than you anticipate.

Have you experienced a degree of orthodontic relapse? Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Funk. Not only is he a skilled general dentist, but he also has extensive knowledge of orthodontics. He is looking forward to helping you get your smile back on track!