When most patients finish orthodontic treatment, they hope it’s a one-and-done type of experience. However, it’s very possible to need braces more than once in a lifetime! Teeth are always shifting, and certain factors, such as not wearing a retainer, natural changes in your bite, physical trauma, or oral health issues, can all cause alignment problems to return even after successful treatment. While a second round of braces may sound discouraging, don’t fret—your orthodontist has your smile’s best interests in mind. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Might Braces Be Needed Again?
Even after teeth are straightened, they can slowly move out of place over time—much like how they moved out of place the first time! Some of the most common reasons for this include:
- Not wearing retainers as instructed – Retainers are essential for keeping teeth in their corrected position, hence their name!
- Natural growth and aging – The jaw continues to change and grow as you age, which may shift teeth around.
- Tooth loss or gum disease – These issues can alter the bite and alignment, as well as cause other serious problems.
- New orthodontic issues – Sometimes, teeth are simply stubborn and do as they please, and problems develop later in life that weren’t present before.
- Physical trauma – Teeth can move out of place due to physical trauma, often from contact sports or accidents.
How Will I Know If I Need Braces a Second Time?
If you’ve had braces in the past, keep an eye out for these signs that retreatment may be necessary:
- Crowding or overlapping teeth returning
- Gaps reopening between teeth
- Changes in your bite, such as a new overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Difficulty chewing or jaw discomfort
- Shifting teeth despite wearing your retainer
The good news is that orthodontic retreatment is often simpler than your first experience with braces! During your appointment, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine the best treatment plan for restoring your smile and halting tooth movement.
Needing braces more than once is more common than many people realize, and it certainly doesn’t mean your first treatment failed! Teeth are always changing, and orthodontic care can help guide them back into proper alignment, ensuring that your smile remains happy and healthy for the foreseeable future.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Hopkinton has served patients and families in the area for several years, offering a vast selection of orthodontic services for all ages, including tried-and-true traditional braces. If you have any questions about the blog, or believe you or a loved one could benefit from another round of orthodontic treatment, please feel free to contact our office online or by phone for more information. Telephone: (508) 917-4466.