It’s exciting when your braces come off or you use your last aligner. All your hard work and dedication have finally paid off, and you’ve got a beautiful new smile to show for it! You head home with your new retainer and the best intentions to wear it exactly as directed…and initially, you do. However, over time, it becomes easier and easier to fall asleep without popping your retainer in before bed, and before you know it, you can’t even remember the last time you wore it. You may not even remember where it is!

As time goes on, calling the orthodontist to replace that retainer keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. Then one day, you notice something in your mouth feels a bit off, or see a picture of you smiling, and realize to your dismay that your teeth have shifted! If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here at Quest Orthodontics, we see many adult patients who need touch-up treatment to correct a relapse. Let’s take a look at what causes a relapse and what we can do to return your smile to its former straightened glory!

The reasons for relapse

Although infrequent retainer use isn’t always to blame for a relapse, it is the most common reason. Many patients underestimate the importance of retainers, but the truth is, that treatment doesn’t end once the braces come off or the aligners run out. The teeth and surrounding bone and gums require time to solidify in their new locations once the initial phase of treatment is complete. A retainer works to protect the teeth from the forces that want to pull them back to their previous positions and stabilize them over time. There can be other reasons for an orthodontic relapse, however. These include:

Teeth grinding – If you are a chronic tooth grinder, you probably already know some of the damage it can cause. The continuous force of that grinding can alter your bite and place a strain on your teeth. The resulting tension plays a role in how the teeth are impacted, sometimes causing them to become misaligned over time.

Genetics and natural aging – Even if you start with a beautifully straight smile that has never needed orthodontics, you may notice your teeth naturally shifting as you grow older. This is a common occurrence, especially in the front teeth, which may be more susceptible to shifting under pressure as the enamel begins to wear thin.

Tooth loss – If you lose a tooth or multiple teeth due to decay or periodontal disease, the surrounding teeth may begin drifting toward that space. If left untreated, this can lead to a misaligned bite.

Oral Habits – Certain oral habits, such as thumb sucking or nail biting, can exert pressure on the teeth and contribute to relapse. These habits should be addressed to prevent orthodontic treatment from being compromised.

Changes in Bite – Factors such as wisdom tooth eruption or changes in jawbone structure can alter the bite, potentially causing teeth to shift. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor these changes and address them promptly.

Injury or Trauma – Any injury to the mouth or jaw can disrupt the alignment of the teeth. It's crucial to seek immediate dental attention following any oral trauma.

Prevention of relapse

An orthodontic relapse can occur if teeth move positions after the tooth straightening treatment (braces). Our orthodontists have seen many cases where this has happened and now provide treatments to prevent and treat this problem.

Many patients believe that once their Invisalign treatment has been completed it is the end of the orthodontic process, however further care is needed to avoid any threat or damage. Ligaments that connect the teeth to the jaw bone are responsible for pulling teeth. Orthodontic relapse is the process where these ligaments pull the teeth back after Invisalign.

How we can treat an orthodontic relapse 

If you’ve suffered an orthodontic relapse due to not wearing your retainer or for other reasons, there’s no need to panic! We’re here to help. If you still have a retainer you’ve been wearing properly, and only minor shifting is present, we may be able to leave things as they are for the moment and just monitor your teeth for any further shifting. 

Minor movements of the teeth can also be corrected by having new retainers made. However, if the relapse is significant, we may recommend re-treatment for you. This could include traditional metal braces or Invisalign® aligners. Fortunately, correcting a relapse often takes much less time than your original treatment.

At Quest Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the following options to patients looking to straighten their smile and improve their oral health.

Traditional metal braces

Metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They’re also one of the most effective tools we have for correcting misaligned teeth. Composed of medical-grade alloys such as stainless steel and nickel, traditional braces are often used for treating both simple and complex tooth issues. They work relatively quickly at closing gaps and aligning teeth, and are also cost-effective since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.

Depending on when you had your original treatment, you may find that the newer braces are far more comfortable, subtle, and stylish than ever before. Their overall strength, durability, and affordability keep them at the top of our treatment list year after year!

The Invisalign clear aligner system

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made retainers, called aligners, to gradually straighten your teeth. These trays are completely clear, smooth, and removable. This allows for an extra measure of freedom and flexibility, as patients experience no irritation from wires or brackets, have no food restrictions, and can remove the aligners to eat, drink, and maintain their regular oral hygiene routine.

Invisalign works especially well for mild and moderate cases of the most common orthodontic issues like those often experienced with relapses.

FAQs

How long do I need to wear my retainer? 

Generally, you'll start by wearing your retainer full-time for several months to a year. This allows your teeth and surrounding tissues to adjust to their new positions. After this initial period, your orthodontist may recommend reducing the wear time to nighttime only 

What are the different types of retainers? 

There are two main types: fixed retainers (bonded to the back of your teeth) and removable retainers (clear plastic aligners). Your orthodontist will recommend the best option for you.  

What should I do if my retainer breaks or doesn't fit? 

If your retainer breaks or no longer fits properly, it's crucial to contact your orthodontist immediately. Continuing to wear a damaged or ill-fitting retainer can hinder your treatment progress and potentially lead to relapse. Your orthodontist will assess the situation and provide guidance on necessary repairs or replacements.

How does oral hygiene affect orthodontic relapse? 

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial in preventing orthodontic relapse.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a significant contributor to tooth movement and loss. When gum disease progresses, it destroys the bone and soft tissues that support your teeth. This weakened support system can lead to tooth instability and ultimately, relapse

Can bad habits like teeth grinding or thumb-sucking cause relapse? 

Yes, habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) and thumb-sucking can put pressure on your teeth and lead to relapse.

What happens if my teeth relapse? 

If your teeth begin to shift back to their original positions, you may experience:

• Aesthetics: A less appealing smile due to crooked or crowded teeth.
• Function: Difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking clearly.
• Oral health: Increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and jaw joint problems.

The severity of relapse will determine the necessary treatment. In mild cases, a new retainer or a brief period of wearing the original retainer full-time may be sufficient. However, more significant relapse may require additional orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign or traditional braces  

Can relapse be corrected with just a new retainer? 

In some cases, a new retainer may be sufficient to correct mild relapse. However, more severe cases may require additional treatment.

Get your smile back on track with Quest Orthodontics

Whatever the reason for your orthodontic relapse, we’ve got what it takes to get your smile back on track! Our talented team has years of experience, and we’re committed to providing the highest-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Decatur, Georgia, and the surrounding communities.

Touching up past orthodontic treatment will not only give you a smile you can be proud of, but it will also help ensure better oral health in the future. Even minor misalignments can make cleaning your teeth more difficult, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Call us today to schedule a consultation and let’s get started!