Adult Orthodontic Relapse
Typically, orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces is designed to fix your dental problems permanently. Unfortunately, it’s common for adults to suffer from orthodontic relapse, where your teeth slowly start to shift out of place again. It can be extremely disappointing when this happens, especially after years spent wearing braces during your youth. Fortunately, Dr. Maya Assi offers Invisalign therapy for adults to help maintain your smile.
You shouldn’t let years of wearing braces go to waste. Explore our guide to learn about orthodontic relapse and how Invisalign can help. We serve patients in Forest Hills, Margate, and Pompano Beach, FL.
Signs of Orthodontic Relapse
Visible Overcrowding: Crowded teeth make it harder to brush and floss them properly, which can gradually lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar over time. This can put your overall oral health at risk of certain issues including gum disease, tooth decay, bite misalignment, and gum recession.
Gaps In-Between Your Teeth: Shifting teeth can cause gaps to form across your smile over time. When you have too much space in-between individual teeth on either arch, it can negatively impact your speech and make it harder to chew your food. You may even find yourself slurring your words.
Gum Disease & Tooth Decay: Teeth that become misaligned again can cause you to develop pockets in your smile where bacteria and plaque can grow undetected. These areas are hard to reach with normal brushing and flossing, increasing your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay.
Jaw Pain & Discomfort: When your teeth start to shift, it can compromise the entire health of your jawbone, making normal functions such as eating and speaking more painful. This can cause you to experience persistent soreness and discomfort if left untreated.
Difficulty Chewing & Speaking: Crooked teeth can impact your ability to chew and speak with ease. You may find yourself slurring your words or struggling to eat your favorite foods. When your teeth aren’t straight, this can also throw off your bite, causing excessive discomfort unless corrected by a dental expert.
Fixing Orthodontic Relapse
The sooner you address your orthodontic relapse, the better off your smile will be in avoiding certain dental complications. Fortunately, most patients can correct and even reverse the effects of orthodontic relapse with the help of Invisalign therapy. Rather than wearing clunky, intrusive metal braces again, Invisalign clear aligners let adults regain a straight and beautiful smile without having to sacrifice their favorite foods and in less time!
During your initial consultation with Dr. Assi, she’ll evaluate the health of your teeth to help develop your custom Invisalign trays. That way, you’ll be able to fix your orthodontic relapse with a treatment plan that’s convenient and won’t cause changes to your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my teeth start to shift?
If you’re experiencing any of the signs of orthodontic relapse, we encourage you to call our Coral Springs, FL practice at (954) 603-3508 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Assi. She’ll be able to evaluate your smile and determine whether you may benefit from Invisalign therapy. Our team will also take impressions of your teeth to help create your custom trays to wear to help prevent your smile from shifting any further.
Can Invisalign® reverse my misaligned or crooked teeth?
Yes! Invisalign is an excellent treatment for reversing the effects of orthodontic relapse and fixing misaligned teeth. Not only is this an effective, minimally intrusive option, but you won’t even feel that you’re wearing your aligners. As long as you wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with a straight, healthy smile.
Why is Invisalign® the best choice for orthodontic relapse?
Most adults prefer Invisalign because these clear aligners are discreet and comfortable. You won’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods or deal with any wires and brackets. Along with providing a functional treatment, Invisalign can achieve the same results as braces would in just half the time. They’re also the perfect choice for treating orthodontic relapse, as patients who have previously had braces are likely to be excellent candidates for Invisalign.
How can I preserve my smile after retreatment?
Wearing a custom retainer is the most important habit for achieving lasting results from Invisalign therapy. Wear your retainer regularly for as long as Dr. Assi recommends. Your teeth can start shifting more quickly, especially in the time period directly after orthodontic treatment. Once your treatment is complete, a retainer and regular visits at our Coral Springs, FL office will help solidify your straight smile and prevents further orthodontic relapse.
Dr. Assi Can Treat Your Orthodontic Relapse
It’s important to recognize the signs of orthodontic relapse and treat it for the sake of your appearance and oral health. Fortunately, Invisalign treatment from Dr. Assi can straighten your smile with no restrictions and in just half the time of traditional braces. To learn more about how our Coral Springs, FL team can reverse your orthodontic relapse, call us at (954) 603-3508 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment. We also serve patients in the Forest Hills, Margate, and Pompano Beach, FL areas.