Orthodontics
Lake Forest, IL – Orthodontic patients spend months, some even years, working hard to follow their orthodontist’s instructions, avoiding certain foods and taking extra time caring for their smiles while in braces. Then one day they look in the mirror and notice their smile looks a bit off – was all that hard work for nothing?
If you’re one of these former orthodontic patients who has now seen your smile shift a bit, you are not alone. This is what is referred to as orthodontic relapse, and Dr. Michael Stosich and his team at Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental can help.
So, why are your teeth shifting, and what can be done?
Reasons for orthodontic relapse
It is important to remember that our teeth are a part of a dynamic relationship that involves periodontal ligaments and bone tissue, and there are several reasons why you may feel like your smile has started to shift.
Forgetting to wear your retainer. Your retainer is an important part of your orthodontic treatment plan because it works to hold the teeth in their new positions so that the bone and ligaments can reconfigure themselves to hold the teeth there. If you don’t wear your retainer as directed, your teeth will naturally drift back to their previous locations.
Aging. Our teeth naturally shift a bit as we age, even in people who may have never had an orthodontic issue before.
Tooth loss. If you have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth will naturally shift into the remaining space.
Genetics. For some people, their biological makeup simply has a strong memory of where their teeth used to be, so it will try to pull them back.
Orthodontic relapse doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that you may not recognize at first. The most common signs as we age are crowding, which often happens in the lower front teeth, and gaps where there weren’t any before. This most often occurs in the upper front teeth. Signs to look for include noticing an area that becomes more difficult to floss, or your retainer feels tighter than usual.
So, what can you do to get your smile back?
First, start by going back to wearing your retainer at night. Never force a retainer that doesn’t fit as this can cause damage. Instead, call Dr. Stosich and he can check to see if you could benefit from a new retainer.
If Dr. Stosich doesn’t believe returning to proper retainer wear can correct your issue, he will recommend treatment. Many adults experiencing relapse may be able to benefit from clear aligner therapy to get their smiles back on track. However, if your relapse is significant or involves how your upper and lower teeth meet, full braces may be the best course of action.
Once your smile has been corrected, Dr. Stosich will create a customized retention plan to ensure your smile lasts. This could include a permanent, bonded retainer, or removable retainers that you’ll continue to wear overnight.
Take the first step in renewing your smile by calling Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental today. Whether you simply need a new retainer or some touch-up treatment, Dr. Stosich has the experience and skill to ensure you return to the smile of your dreams.
