Do I Need Braces Again?

While braces are often seen as a permanent fix for crooked teeth, this isn’t really the case. If you don’t follow your orthodontist’s aftercare instructions, you may end up needing a second round of orthodontic treatment. Luckily, it’s unlikely you’ll need a whole set of braces again to get your smile back on track.

Reasons You May Need Orthodontic Treatment Again

The main reason patients need orthodontic treatment again is due to failing to properly wear their retainers. Once your braces are removed, your orthodontist will give you a retainer to wear for a prescribed amount of time to maintain your straight smile. There are several types of retainers, and they are all relatively low-maintenance and unobtrusive compared to braces.

Unfortunately, many patients are eager to not have appliances in their mouths anymore and drop the ball on wearing their retainers properly. Other times, patients lose or break their retainer and fail to get it replaced. In any case, neglecting proper retainer use can result in regression, where your teeth start to move back to their original positions.

Another reason you may need orthodontic treatment again is due to unexpected growth. Many patients get braces in their teenage or pre-teen years, which is a good way to help direct healthy growth. But if growth continues and accelerates in an unexpected direction, you could end up with crookedness, spacing, or misalignments that require more treatment.

Some injuries to the jaw can result in issues needing orthodontic correction as well. Bruxism is a common issue that can alter the positioning of the teeth. This condition is often caused by stress and is identified by chronic teeth-grinding either during the day or during sleep.

Treatment Options to Consider

It’s not often that a patient needs the same level of treatment they originally did, so you can explore faster, more convenient options than braces. Invisalign is a great option if you need more substantial correction a second time around. The aligners are completely clear, giving you a clean looking smile for the duration of treatment. You can also remove the aligners for a limited amount of time each day for meals or if you’re participating in a sporting event. This treatment option typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, which is notably shorter than many treatment plans with braces.

There are even shorter options available for cases where not as much correction is needed, such as Invisalign Lite. This variation of Invisalign works the same way as the conventional version, only it can be finished in as little as six months. You might also qualify for Invisalign Express if you have extremely minor corrections, which lasts six months or less.

If you think you may need orthodontic treatment again, contact Dabney Orthodontics today and schedule a free initial consultation. We will do a thorough exam and suggest treatment and payment options to fit your lifestyle and your budget.