You may have noticed that your teeth don’t look the same as they did after your teenage orthodontic treatment. That’s normal—life happens, and many factors cause your teeth to shift over time. In fact, one in five adult orthodontic patients is over the age of 21! If you’re considering adult orthodontics, Straight Smiles Orthodontics can help! Dr Rafaill, with his Three convenient offices in Shelby, Rochester Hills and Novi can assess your situation and recommend the best treatment plan. But first, let’s look at what may cause your teeth to shift and the options you have at your disposal.
What causes orthodontic relapse?
Many factors come into play when it comes to your smile staying straight after treatment. Sometimes, this can be due to your use of retainers; preemptively abandoning your retainers can result in teeth shifting. At the same time, relapse can also happen over time with natural factors such as:
- Aging – As your body ages, the ligaments and bones that support your teeth naturally start to weaken, which may cause slight shifting of the teeth over time.
- Tooth loss – The remaining teeth can shift when you lose adult teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease.
- Grinding or clenching – Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause unwanted pressure on teeth and jaw joints, leading to shifting teeth.
- Jaw growth: In some cases, adult teeth may shift due to a combination of jaw growth and gum recession, which can be caused by genetic factors and lifestyle habits.
How can I treat my orthodontic relapse?
No matter what your orthodontic release looks like, the professionals at Straight Smiles are here to help! Depending on the severity of your shifts, you may be treated with one of the following methods:
Monitoring your teeth
During this period, Dr. Rafaill will track the movement of your teeth and adjust your treatment accordingly. We may need to adjust your retainer and keep a close eye on your alignment to ensure no significant shifting.
New retainers
If you’ve lost your retainer, or if it’s no longer as effective as it used to be—we can provide you with a new one. By properly wearing your retainer, you can maintain the stability of your teeth and prevent further shifting.
New Minimal Treatment
If Dr. Rafaill determines that your alignment requires more serious work, he will evaluate your situation and recommend the best adult minimal orthodontic treatment option for you. Depending on your needs, he may suggest one or a combination of the following:
Braces – Braces are an excellent option for adult patients who want to correct their misaligned teeth. At Straight Smiles Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and invisible braces.
Invisalign – Invisalign is an effective adult orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate misalignments. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth into place slowly.
Get your smile straight again with Dr. Rafaill
At Straight Smiles Orthodontics, we are here to help you get your smile back on track! During your consultation, Dr. Rafaill works with you to find the retreatment option that will help your smile look its best again. Schedule an appointment today to find out which option is right for you!