22 July 2015
Understanding Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse is one of the most common problems that may occur after orthodontic treatment through traditional braces or modern aligners.Relapse, however,does not happen quickly. The likelihood of it happening increases only if you fail to wear your retainers as advised by your dentist.
The following post goes into the topic and explains some of the reasons behind orthodontic relapse. We will also provide expert insight to keep it from happening.
The Movement of Teeth
The main reason behind orthodontic relapse is the movement of the teeth, which is a natural process of the body. You may ask, ‘Why bother with orthodontic treatment when the teeth will move eventually, anyway?’
Think about it and you will realise that orthodontic treatments go beyond dental aesthetics. They are for improving the function of teeth, keeping them hygienic and preventing oral injuries.Teeth movement stems from different reasons. These commonly include bruxism and genetics. Tooth loss is also a cause; when there is a gap in your smile, the next tooth may drift into it.
Orthodontic treatments prevent such shifts by applying pressure, which stabilises the bone that holds your teeth. When the orthodontic appliance is removed, the stability that holds the bone is also gone. This makes the teeth vulnerable to forces and factors that cause them to drift.
Keeping Them in Place
To keep the positive results of your orthodontic treatment from coming undone, there should be a right amount of pressure applied onto the teeth. And by that, we mean wearing your retainers as prescribed. You can remove them every once in a while, but you have make a commitment to wear them regularly.
If you have a bad case of bruxism, wear your mouth guard before going to sleep. Put it on also when taking part in contact sports. Physical trauma may also cause your teeth to move, or worse, get knocked out.
We advise you to treat your teeth with care—pre, during and post-orthodontic treatment. Relapse is a natural part of the treatment, but that does not mean you cannot do anything about it. Get in touch with us if you have some questions regarding post-orthodontic care.