Here’s an inquiry we get frequently (we’re talking a lot!):
“I went through treatment when I was younger. I think I can feel my teeth shifting. What do I do?”
You should, emphatically – contact us. Whether you previously went through treatment at Koch Orthodontics (we always extend a hearty “Welcome Back!”) or at another practice, we’d welcome the chance to arrange a complimentary visit to assist your needs. This post breaks down the “Need to Know’s” about why teeth shift post-treatment, and what can be done about it!
Why Teeth Shift (and May Settle “Out Of Place”) Post-Treatment
Some science: Your permanent teeth aren’t “fixed” into your jawbone. They’re held in place by tiny, elastic tissues called “periodontal ligaments.” When you undergo orthodontic treatment, your prescribed appliances stretch and compress these ligaments into new desired positions.
Once the braces or Invisalign aligners come off, these ligaments have a natural tendency – almost immediately – to begin to spring back to where they started. When these periodontal fibers begin to move back to their original positions, the teeth start to move and shift. This is known as an orthodontic “relapse.” An orthodontic relapse does not happen overnight, but rather over extended periods of time.
Fortunately, orthodontic retainers prevent the relapse and shifting of your teeth after treatment. There are multiple causes of orthodontic relapse / post-treatment tooth movement, which we’ll review later (With that being said, proper retainer wear is the best preventive measure to completely avoid an orthodontic relapse).
As stated, orthodontic relapse does not happen overnight. If the relapse goes untreated, however, you will certainly be perceptive to the telling signs:
- A feeling of “strangeness,” if not outright discomfort, when you bite down
- Discomfort in wearing your retainer (much, much more on retainer wear later!)
- Difficulty flossing
- Noticeable aesthetic differences in your teeth – crowding, gaps, etc
- Movement of your teeth
While you may not notice instantly, there will be telling signs over time of teeth shifting during orthodontic relapse.
Why Do These Relapses Happen?
The number one cause of lapsing orthodontic results is improper or infrequent wearing of retainers issued to patients at the conclusion of treatment. The retainer is designed to minimize the amount of periodontal ligament movement that can cause relapse. NOW, with that being said, there are plenty of other factors and variables to consider.
Genetics can play a role in post-treatment tooth movement. Some patients’ jaws do not conclude their development until their 20s. Nighttime bruxism, or teeth-grinding, may come into play; the same for hard-to-control “not even aware you’re doing it” habits like thrusting your tongue into the back of your top row of teeth when you swallow.
Even diligent retainer wearers can experience a relapse. We understand this! As Koch Orthodontics takes a “team approach” to providing a lifetime of healthy smiles, we do not assign blame. Please do be honest with us, however, if you come to us with concerns of an orthodontic relapse and haven’t been wearing your retainer as prescribed (we will be able to tell!)
If it’s determined a new round of treatment can be subscribed to successfully correct the relapse, proper retainer wear is an absolute must to prevent future unwarranted tooth movement!
Will I Need to Wear Braces during retreatment? is invisalign a possibility?
Another good question we’re asked frequently! Every patient’s mouth is different, and likely no two “relapses” are identical. So, seeing us for an initial examination will yield our professional recommendation on how the relapse should be treated.
In severe cases where the teeth have shifted to their pre-treatment places, traditional metal braces may very well be the necessary solution. This treatment procedure usually takes less time than your original treatment duration.
Moderate relapses are often treatable with Invisalign clear aligners (Thanks to the full suite of Invisalign services and technology available to Koch Orthodontics, our practice can treat most moderate relapse cases with Invisalign). The perks of treatment with Invisalign are ever-growing, including fewer dietary restrictions, fewer visits to the orthodontist, and a discreet, “barely there” appearance when the aligners are in your mouth.
Mild cases can even be treated with full-time retainer wear.
Again, with these removable appliances, diligence in wearing them as prescribed will be the key, as well attentive oral hygiene. If you are going through retreatment and are starting to sense you’re “veering off course” with how infrequently you’re wearing your appliances, please let us know ASAP so we can work out a solution together!
If your teeth grinding proves to be a cause of your relapse, we will also work with you to provide a prescribed mouthguard.
Don’t Settle for a mis-aligned smile!
As we stated at the start of this post, we welcome both former patients and new faces looking to correct their orthodontic relapses. We pride ourselves on providing “a lifetime of healthy smiles,” and part of that “lifetime” means helping patients who – for whatever the reason – aren’t maintaining the results they desire and deserve!
Please contact us through our website or call the office at (585) 243-3174. We’d be happy to discuss your treatment needs! No referral from a general dentist is necessary.