CARLETON PLACE DENTISTS ALMONTE: After Orthodontics (Braces), Do Teeth Return to their Misaligned Position?

After Orthodontics (Braces), Do Teeth Return to their Misaligned Position?

Dental Relapse in Orthodontics

CARLETON PLACE DENTISTS ALMONTE

After braces, could teeth move back and become crooked once again? We have had many questions regarding the subject.

Naturally, it is an issue that worries all those who have had or are undergoing orthodontic treatment today. To understand the subject, it is first essential to know how the teeth are embedded in the bone.

There is a structure between the tooth and the bone, called the periodontal ligament, which has functions such as supplying blood to the tooth, housing the vessels and capillaries that nourish the tooth, maintaining support, and cushioning while chewing.

Within this structure, the tooth has fibers that have elastic properties. These fibers are altered when performing dental movements through orthodontic treatments. The ligaments are stretched or modified so that the teeth can rebound to their original shape. This alteration generates a certain memory of position in the teeth, which means that, when the force is stopped, the tooth has a tendency to return to its original space.

 

Will your teeth move back again to their original place once your orthodontic treatment is over?

ALMONTE DENTIST CARLETON PLACE

Dental movement of teeth involves the “elimination” of bone towards the side to which the teeth are moving, which also generates an instability of the teeth within the surrounding bone structure. Often when braces are removed, the teeth have great mobility and can feel very loose! This biological principle is the basis of relapse. After the braces are removed from your teeth, over time they can return to their original position rendering the same crooked teeth as at the start of treatment (this tendency is even greater when the teeth are very misaligned.) This movement is known as dental recurrence or orthodontic relapse, and it is one of the biggest potential issues after completion of orthodontic treatment.

But wait! Do not be alarmed! There is a solution to counteract this relapse 

Retainers, which is a part of post-orthodontic treatment, are responsible for keeping your teeth straight.

Dental relapse is defined as what causes the teeth to return to their misaligned position after orthodontic treatment is completed.

 

 

What are retainers and how do they work?

CARLETON PLACE DENTISTS ALMONTE

Retainers are unique appliances (aligners or wires), whose function is to “hold” the teeth in place, and keep them straight for many years.

In their pure form, they should function as inactive braces, which only aim to keep your teeth straight.

It depends on the way they are used; these ensure that your teeth will stay straight and in an ideal position.

There are palatal-type retainers, fixed wire retainers (which are attached behind the teeth, so they are not seen) or removable plastic retainers, which are transparent and not noticeable.

Retainers serve to keep your teeth straight once you have completed your orthodontic treatment

CARLETON PLACE DENTISTS ALMONTE

If you want to know more information about retainers, as well as the types of retainers that exist, please contact us.

Now that you know, rest assured that your orthodontist will talk to you about retainers at the end of your treatment. The retention success depends a lot on you and how often you wear the retainers so that your teeth stay straight.

Remember that you should also go to your orthodontist at least every 6 months once the treatment is finished, to make sure your retainers are in good condition and that your oral hygiene is adequate.

Thanks for reading today. We hope you liked this article. Remember that if you have questions or suggestions you can let us know from our contact form on the home page.