Orthodontic Relapse: An Overview
Adult patients may experience an orthodontic relapse years after receiving orthodontic care. Orthodontic relapses occur when the teeth begin to shift in patients who have had prior orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion or to straighten teeth.
Treating orthodontic relapses are important to prevent further deterioration of the patient’s oral health. Dr. Izadi takes care to provide support for the retention of orthodontic treatments on patients of all ages.
When children and adults receive orthodontic care at Izadi Orthodontics, we work to ensure minimal risk of future relapse. We aim to correct the functional aspects of malocclusion and crooked teeth to prevent shifting after treatment.
Our goal is to prevent relapse with minimal inconvenience to our patients. Izadi Orthodontics promotes patient education to support the long-term maintenance of all orthodontic treatments performed at our Timonium, MD, orthodontic office.
Causes of Orthodontic Relapse
There are several potential causes of orthodontic relapse. A thorough bite analysis and orthodontic exam will help Dr. Izadi determine the cause of relapse. Izadi Orthodontics looks at the fundamental skeletal relationship in order to correct the functional cause of tooth misalignment, promoting lasting results.
Teeth can shift as part of the aging process as the facial structure changes. Tooth loss can also cause teeth to become crooked, causing tension and painful symptoms in the jaw. Another cause for orthodontic relapse may be that the initial orthodontic treatment was insufficient or did not address the orthodontic alignment of the skeletal system.
Treatment Options for Orthodontic Relapse
Treatment options for orthodontic relapses may vary depending on the degree of malocclusion and tooth misalignment. Izadi Orthodontics provides comprehensive orthodontic exams and bite analysis. All treatment plans are tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Traditional braces, self-ligating braces, or clear aligners may be used to correct an orthodontic relapse. Other patients may only need to use a retainer to adjust their teeth.
Invisalign for Orthodontic Relapse
Invisalign is often an ideal treatment for adult patients experiencing an orthodontic relapse. Invisalign is a clear braces aligner system that discreetly realigns crooked teeth. Using state-of-the-art digital imaging, the aligners will be custom-designed by Izadi. Each aligner will be worn for about a week before moving on to the next one.
Each set of aligners gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment. Izadi Orthodontics may recommend Invisalign to patients with mild to moderate orthodontic relapse as a discreet and effective way to realign their teeth. Invisible braces alleviate many of the hassles associated with traditional metal braces, including:
- Shorter treatment times
- There are no dietary restrictions
- They are more comfortable and removable
- With clear braces, the treatment is unnoticeable
- There are no risks of tooth enamel staining from permanently attached brackets
Orthodontic Relapse FAQs
What is orthodontic relapse?
Orthodontic relapse is when a patient who has received orthodontic care experiences shifting of the teeth after treatment.
Will my child have an orthodontic relapse after treatment?
Dr. Izadi is committed to providing the education and support needed to maintain results. Dr. Izadi addresses the underlying functional muscular skeletal issues that result in tooth misalignment and malocclusion, allowing for lasting results. Some patients may require retainer treatment to prevent orthodontic relapse.
Why are my teeth shifting after wearing braces?
Many patients experience what is referred to as orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapses occur when teeth shift at any point after patients have completed their orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic relapse can be caused by an insufficient orthodontic treatment that does not address the skeletal misalignment that causes tooth misalignment.
How do I stop my teeth from relapse?
Removable or fixed retainers are the most common way to prevent orthodontic relapse. After your orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers help to train and keep your teeth in their new position.
How common is orthodontic relapse?
Orthodontic relapse is more common than most people realize. Approximately half of all orthodontic patients experience some degree of relapse within ten years after treatment. You can prevent this from happening to you by wearing retainers after treatment.
How long does it take for orthodontic relapse?
If relapse occurs, it may take up to a year or more for the teeth to reposition into alignment. Orthodontic patients should wear their retainers for at least a year after treatment to prevent relapse.
Can retainer fix relapse?
A retainer can help improve minor tooth misalignment. However, we can only fix a relapse with braces again. Retainers are only helpful in preventing teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation
Are you looking for an orthodontist in Hunt Valley, MD, Cockeysville, Mays Chapel, Lutherville, MD, and surrounding Timonium communities? Begin your orthodontic relapse treatment by contacting our office at (410) 919-9806 or request a consultation online, and we will respond to you personally.