Life can get busy, and wearing your retainers may not always be at the top of your mind. You’ll get no judgment about it at Delplanche Orthodontics. Having said that, we have some bad news. Even short lapses in your retainer routine can lead to changes in your smile’s alignment. If your teeth have shifted, it’s understandable to feel disappointed after all the effort you put into your orthodontic care. The good news is that Dr. Delplanche can stop these runaway teeth in their tracks. Keep reading to find out how!
Why Do Teeth Shift After Orthodontic Treatment?
After finishing orthodontic treatment, it’s common to notice some minor teeth shifting. Teeth are held in place by ligaments and tissues that naturally have a bit of elasticity. Even after braces are removed or clear aligner treatment is finished, these tissues still remember their old positions. They will slowly try to move the teeth back to where they started. This is why you risk your smile becoming misaligned again if you don’t wear your retainer.
Note: Let’s say you wear your retainer religiously but still notice that your upper and lower teeth don’t align as perfectly as they used to. You’re not going crazy! As we age, natural changes in our jawbone and facial structure can cause teeth to shift slightly. This is normal. It doesn’t mean you need retreatment. As long as it doesn’t bother you or create health issues, you probably don’t need to make an appointment for another orthodontic consultation.
How Can You Fix It?
You can get touch-up treatment! It’s a way to correct minor shifts that occur after your initial orthodontic treatment. Think of it as a smaller, more focused version of your original braces or aligner journey designed to address small movements in your teeth that might have happened because you stopped wearing your retainer or due to natural changes as you age.
Touch-up treatment is different than starting from scratch. It’s typically shorter in duration and concentrates only on those areas where movement has occurred rather than realigning your entire smile.
What touch-up treatment looks like exactly varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the shifting. When you come in for a touch-up consultation at Delplanche Orthodontics, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and the concerns you’d like addressed, even if we didn’t do your first round of treatment. So, if you’ve moved away from your childhood practice, your previous orthodontist retired, or you just want to try a new office, we’re here to help.
Signs You Might Need A Touch-Up Treatment
You could seek touch-up treatment if you simply don’t love the way your smile looks anymore due to minor shifts. It’s an easy way to restore your confidence and feel less self-conscious about grinning, laughing, and talking.
However, touch-up treatment isn’t always about loving what you see in the mirror. Just like first-time orthodontic patients, touch-up treatment is sometimes needed to stay healthy and comfortable.
- Tight or Ill-Fitting Retainer: If your retainer doesn’t slide in like it used to or feels uncomfortably tight, it’s a strong sign that your teeth have moved out of alignment. You should consult an orthodontist. At the very least, you likely need a new retainer.
- Visible Shifting: Small gaps, crowding, or crooked teeth that weren’t there before are clear indicators of unwanted movement. This includes if your upper and lower teeth no longer align correctly when you bite down or clench your teeth.
- Difficulty Chewing: If you find it harder to chew food properly or experience frequent issues with swallowing or digestion, shifting teeth might be to blame.
- Jaw Pain or Discomfort: Shifts in tooth alignment can stress your jaw’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If you’re experiencing TMD symptoms, you might need touch-up treatment.
- Difficulty Upkeeping Oral Hygiene: Misaligned teeth can make brushing and flossing effectively more challenging, increasing your risk for plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. If you struggle to maintain good oral hygiene, your teeth might have shifted to create hard-to-reach areas.
Treatment Options At Delplanche Orthodontics
No matter what your smile needs, Delplanche Orthodontics has got you covered. We can create the alignment you desire with little to no disruption to your lifestyle using one of our three effective, comfortable, and customizable treatment methods.
- Clear Aligners: For those who prefer a nearly invisible solution, clear aligners like Invisalign can be a great choice. These transparent trays are custom-made to fit your teeth for discrete and efficient teeth movement. They’re perfect for minor adjustments—in fact, many people get Invisalign treatment before a major event like a wedding or graduation because it is quick and easy—which makes them perfect for touch-up treatment, too.
- Traditional Metal Braces: While often associated with initial orthodontic treatment, metal braces in adulthood are still highly effective for touch-up treatments. They can address more significant shifts with precision, making them a good option if your teeth have moved more than just a little.
- Clear Braces: Need the strength of metal braces but wish you could have the subtly of clear aligners? Clear braces are the best of both! They use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile while offering the same level of control as metal braces. They’re ideal for those who might lose their aligners or who need the power of braces but aren’t a fan of the silver aesthetic.
FAQs About Teeth Moving After Treatment
- Can I Wear Your Old Retainer To Realign Your Teeth?: If your teeth have shifted, wearing an old retainer might do more harm than good. In addition to being too tight or uncomfortable, they could potentially cause serious damage to your teeth or gums.
- Will Touch-Up Treatment Take As Long As My Original Treatment?: No. Touch-up treatments are typically shorter than the average initial orthodontic process. Since they focus on minor adjustments, many patients can complete treatment in just a few months. Still, we must encourage you to be understanding and flexible during your consultation, just in case.
- Will I Need To Wear A Retainer Again After Touch-Up Treatment?: Yes! A retainer is essential to keep your teeth from shifting. Wearing your retainer as instructed will help maintain your results and protect your smile long-term—or else you might end up back here again!
Ready to Get Your Smile Back?
Don’t wait to take action if you’ve noticed some shifting in your smile. Stop the regression before it warrants a second full orthodontic experience.
Visit Delplanche Orthodontics in Beaverton, OR, and Lake Oswego, OR, and regain your beautiful, straight smile with tailored touch-up treatments. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and get your smile back on track!