Have you noticed your teeth slowly moving out of place years after getting your braces off? You’re not alone. Many adults experience this problem, called orthodontic relapse. At Valley Dental Health in Hunt Valley, MD, we help patients get their smiles back on track with treatments designed specifically for adults.
Why Do Teeth Move After Braces?
Teeth can shift for several reasons:
- Natural aging: As we get older, our jaws change shape slightly and cause teeth to move
- Missing teeth: Gaps from lost teeth let other teeth drift out of place
- Original treatment: Sometimes braces don’t fully correct the jaw alignment
- Not wearing retainers: Teeth naturally want to return to their original positions
During your exam, we’ll carefully check your bite and jaw structure to figure out exactly why your teeth are moving. This helps us choose the best treatment to give you long-lasting results.
How We Fix Shifted Teeth
If your teeth have shifted out of place, we can help you straighten your smile again. For more complex cases, traditional metal braces are still one of the most effective options. They have the strength to move teeth that are severely out of line. Although, they’re more noticeable compared to other treatments.
For adults and teens with mild to moderate shifting, clear aligners like Invisalign are often the best choice. These aligners are smooth and nearly invisible plastic. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. You can take them out when you eat or brush your teeth, making them easy to manage in everyday life. They’re also comfortable since there are no metal wires or brackets involved.
If your teeth have only shifted a little, you may not need braces or aligners at all. In some cases, a special retainer can gently guide your teeth back into the right position. Your dentist will help you choose the option that works best for your smile.
Why We Love Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign clear aligners are perfect for fixing orthodontic relapse because:
- They’re discreet: Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them
- They fit your lifestyle: Take them out to eat whatever you want
- They’re comfortable: No metal wires poking your cheeks
- They work fast: Most cases take less than a year
- Easy to clean: Just brush your teeth and the aligners
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set. We’ll see you every 6-8 weeks to check your progress.
Keeping Your Teeth Straight This Time
Keeping your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment is an important part of maintaining your new smile. One of the best ways to prevent your teeth from shifting again is by wearing your retainer exactly as your dentist or orthodontist recommends. Over time, retainers can wear out or stop fitting properly, so it’s also important to replace them when needed to make sure they continue to do their job.
Also, talk to your dentist about replacing your missing teeth if you have any, since gaps in your smile can lead to shifting over time. Regular dental checkups are also key because your dentist can keep an eye on your bite and catch any small changes before they turn into bigger problems.
Getting Started is Easy
Unlike traditional orthodontic treatment, you won’t need to see a separate orthodontist. Our dentists at Valley Dental Health will handle your entire Invisalign treatment.
If you’ve noticed your teeth moving after braces, don’t wait. The sooner we address it, the easier it is to fix. Contact us today at 443-733-6613 or schedule a consultation online. We’ll examine your smile, discuss your options, and help you choose the best treatment to get your straight smile back.