Let’s say you had braces when you were younger. If your teeth have shifted out of place since then, can you receive orthodontics a second time?
For the vast majority of patients with good oral health, the answer is “yes” – and in fact, your treatment is likely to be easier for round two than it was for round one. Keep reading to learn why you might need braces twice and what you can do to avoid a third treatment!
Failure to Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
Teeth are generally resistant to movement. Even after completing an orthodontic treatment, they’ll want to shift back into their original, crooked positions. That’s why many patients are instructed to wear a retainer. As the name suggests, the purpose of a retainer is to retain your new dental alignment. If you don’t wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist, your teeth can gradually move back out of place.
Wisdom Teeth Threw Off Your Alignment
While it is true that teeth don’t like to move, they’re often forced to when third molars grow in. Many people don’t have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth, so as the molars start to emerge, they shove already existing teeth out of the way – or at least try to. Depending on when you received and completed your first round of orthodontics, growing wisdom teeth could very well have thrown off your previously perfect alignment.
You Grind or Clench Your Teeth
Another thing that can make your teeth crooked all over again is teeth grinding or clenching. Also known as “bruxism,” this habit puts excess pressure on your teeth. In severe cases, the pressure can force your teeth into awkward positions – similar to how braces use pressure to straighten out your smile, actually.
How to Avoid More Dental Drifting
While it’s difficult to avoid dental drift that results from growing wisdom teeth, you can prevent yourself from needing a third treatment by wearing your retainer, following your orthodontist’s instructions, and getting a nightguard for bruxism if necessary.
You’ll also be glad to know that a braces retreatment is often easier! After all, you already know how to take care of your orthodontics, and your pearly whites aren’t likely to be more crooked than they were before. Your beautifully straight smile will be restored in no time!
About the Author
As a certified orthodontist and prosthodontist, Dr. William “Vaughn” Holland is well qualified to retreat your teeth with traditional braces or clear aligners. To schedule your consultation and straighten your smile once and for all, call his office directly at 904-388-4600 or submit your request online.