Braces are a tried-and-true form of orthodontic treatment that has assisted countless patients over the years with a wide variety of orthodontic issues, ranging from minor misalignment to complex bite problems. That said, if you’ve worn braces in the past, you may have noticed that despite the treatment’s efforts, your orthodontic issues seem to have returned. Does this mean it’s going to require a second round of orthodontic treatment? It might – but don’t worry, this is for your smile’s benefit! Here’s what you need to know.
Why Would I Need a Second Round of Braces?
Often, teeth shift as a result of aging – just as your vision, hearing, or other aspects of your body might change over the years, your teeth and jaws are the same way. Sometimes this just naturally happens, or it might be the result of issues like bruxism, as well as the arrival of the wisdom teeth.
However, many patients who end up needing braces a second time often suffer from orthodontic relapse, which refers to when the teeth shift back to their original, incorrect positions following orthodontic treatment due to a patient not wearing their retainer. Since this device is made specifically for retaining your results, failing to wear it as instructed means the teeth can easily revert back.
It’s also worth mentioning that in some cases, physical injury or certain dental problems can also warrant orthodontic treatment. For example, sustaining a blow to the face during a sporting event might lead to the teeth shifting out of place.
The Benefits of Wearing Braces Twice
Regardless of why you need to wear braces again, there are numerous benefits to wearing braces a second time, including:
- Braces can tackle a very wide range of orthodontic issues, ranging from crookedness to overbite, underbite, crossbites, and more, meaning that no matter what sort of problems you’ve developed since your last round of braces, they can be addressed.
- Your results are far more likely to remain for the long run this time around, since you’ll probably feel more inclined to take better care of your teeth and wear your retainer as needed.
- Braces of today are simply better than the braces of the past; they’re now more comfortable, more effective, and even more subtle with the addition of new, more natural-looking colors and materials.
The bottom line is that it’s perfectly okay – and sometimes necessary – to wear braces a second time, especially if your orthodontic relapse is causing issues that affect your oral functionality or harm your teeth. Don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist to kick off your second orthodontic journey.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Russell Teasdale, the team at Evolution Dental has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Portland and the surrounding area for several years. They offer a wide range of services including orthodontic solutions like traditional braces, Invisalign, and beyond. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (503) 974-3829.