What is orthodontic relapse?
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth shift after orthodontic treatment has been completed. The movement may be subtle, such as a small gap reopening or a front tooth beginning to rotate, or it may create a more noticeable change in the alignment of the teeth or bite.
Both braces and Invisalign move teeth by applying controlled pressure while the surrounding bone and tissues adapt. When active treatment ends, those supporting structures continue to remodel. Teeth also remain subject to natural forces from biting, chewing, facial growth and aging, so they are not permanently locked into place.
Why do teeth shift after orthodontic treatment?
Relapse is more likely when retainers are not worn as directed, but it is not always the result of something a patient did wrong. Teeth and jaws can continue to change throughout life, and some movement may occur even years after treatment.
Common factors associated with orthodontic relapse include:
- Not wearing a removable retainer consistently
- Losing or damaging a retainer
- A bonded retainer becoming loose
- Natural changes related to growth and aging
- Changes in the bite or supporting dental tissues
- Teeth having a strong tendency to return toward their earlier positions
The risk of movement is especially important shortly after active treatment because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are still adapting. However, unwanted movement can also occur later in life.
How do retainers help prevent relapse?
Retainers are designed to hold teeth in their corrected positions after braces or Invisalign. Depending on the patient, an orthodontist may recommend a removable retainer, a fixed retainer bonded behind the teeth, or a combination of the two.
Retainers only work when they fit correctly and are worn according to the orthodontist’s instructions. Long-term retainer wear helps protect the time and effort invested in treatment while reducing changes caused by natural tooth movement.
If your retainer suddenly feels tight, will not fit completely or appears damaged, contact your orthodontist. Do not force a painful or poorly fitting retainer onto your teeth without professional guidance.
Can orthodontic relapse be corrected?
The appropriate solution depends on how much movement has occurred and whether the bite has changed. Very minor movement may only require monitoring, a replacement retainer or an adjustment to the retention plan.
More noticeable relapse may require a short period of treatment with clear aligners or braces before a new retainer is made. An orthodontic examination is the safest way to determine whether the teeth simply need to be held in place or moved into better positions again.
To learn more about protecting your finished smile, read Why Do I Need an Orthodontic Retainer After Braces?.
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