If you already went through your orthodontic journey earlier in life, you probably remember being diligent about caring for your braces. Your bite issues gradually went away, and you started to enjoy a straighter smile. But now that some time has passed, you may be noticing your teeth aren’t quite as aligned as they were when your treatment ended. Does that mean another round of braces is needed? Here’s why this movement happened and how this service can still benefit you.
So, Do I Need Braces for a Second Time?
Your vision, hearing, and other aspects of your body can change with age, but your smile can shift over time too. For some people, this happens due to teeth grinding or gum disease, while others might have their wisdom teeth erupting to blame for unexpected crowding.
For many, the main culprit is orthodontic relapse. This is when your grin moves back to its original position after going through braces or clear aligners. Not wearing your retainer as directed can lead to this, as this oral appliance is designed to preserve your results. It’s important to keep it in as directed to keep your teeth where they are for a lifetime.
Will I Benefit from Another Round of Braces?
Hearing that you may need braces again isn’t always the most exciting news, but they can still benefit you. Just like always, this orthodontic treatment is versatile and can address a wide range of misalignment and malocclusion, including minor cases. Better yet, you may find them more comfortable than you remember, as dental technology has advanced and has made the brackets and wires smaller and more effective than before.
If your teeth haven’t moved too dramatically, then your second round may be shorter than your first. That said, this varies person to person. You’ll get your results and a straighter smile once again, but you may be more likely to wear your retainer and preserve your renewed look.
Needing a second round of braces is something that happens to plenty of people. While you may not be entirely open to this idea at first, it can help you feel confident about your grin once again.
About the Practice
Want to get a healthier bite? Our team at Richardson Orthodontics is dedicated to helping patients straighten their misalignments and malocclusions. Led by Dr. Tamara Jones and Dr. Stephanie Amerson, we stay at your side throughout your time with braces or clear aligners; that way, you avoid delays and know how to keep your smile straight for a lifetime. If you think you need another round of orthodontic treatment, schedule an appointment or call our office at 972-238-7101.