After finishing orthodontic treatment to achieve a straight smile, the last thing patients want is for their teeth to shift back to their original positions.
Orthodontic relapse refers to the gradual shifting of teeth after completing orthodontic treatment, which can ultimately jeopardize your new smile. The severity of the relapse can vary among patients, with some needing to invest in orthodontic treatment again.
Let’s learn more about orthodontic relapse and how you can prevent it to keep your smile straight and beautiful.
Causes of Orthodontic Relapse
The most common cause of orthodontic relapse is not wearing your retainer as instructed. Whether you had braces or Invisalign, most patients will need to wear their retainer post- treatment 24/7 for at least six months, if not a year.
After this time period, patients can typically start wearing their retainers only at night. They should continue to be worn at night, multiple times a week, for the rest of your life to prevent teeth shifting.
Retainers must be worn post-treatment because teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time. This natural tendency is called mesial drift [1]. In addition, teeth are more likely to shift immediately after orthodontic treatment due to alveolar bone changes, so wearing your retainer helps teeth become more stable and less likely to move over time [2].
Consistently wearing retainers will ensure that your teeth remain in their corrected positions and prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Seeking Additional Treatment
Patients who neglect to wear their retainers properly have a high rate of orthodontic relapse. In fact, up to 70% of patients who stop wearing their retainers will need to seek orthodontic treatment within a decade to correct their shifted teeth [3].
Fortunately, patients who need braces again after orthodontic relapse tend to have shorter treatment times. So, if you need to reposition your teeth to get your beautiful smile back, it’s worth investing in treatment so you can feel confident and have the smile you want for life.
You Can Prevent Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse can be a frustrating setback after having braces or Invisalign, but it is possible to prevent it and enjoy the long-lasting results of your treatment. Consistently wearing your retainers is the best way to keep your smile straight and prevent problems associated with misaligned teeth. Have questions about orthodontic relapse? Don’t hesitate to follow up with your orthodontist for additional information and guidance!
Sources:
1. https://www.jco-online.com/archive/1975/12/749/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996918302875
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10225999/
