Here at DiMarzio Orthodontics, we often hear from adults who are missing the straight smile they once had. Although they had treatment in their younger years, they’ve noticed their teeth shifting as they get older. If this sounds familiar to you, we have good news—our expert team can help you rediscover the smile you once loved! We offer a variety of retreatment options in our Quincy office, from traditional braces to Invisalign clear aligners. When you schedule a complimentary consultation with us, we’ll help you find the perfect solution for touching up your teeth and improving your oral health. To learn more about retreatment with Dr. DiMarzio and Dr. Marczak, keep reading below!
What causes the teeth to shift over time?
It’s not unusual for teeth to begin shifting back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment has been completed. This phenomenon is referred to as orthodontic relapse, and it occurs in almost half of all patients within ten years of treatment. These may be short-term relapses, which appear less than one year after treatment, or long-term relapses when more than a year has passed.
There are many possible reasons for a relapse, but the most common cause is irregular retainer use. Unfortunately, many patients underestimate the importance of this appliance and neglect to wear their retainer as directed after the initial treatment is completed. Once the braces come off, a patient’s teeth, surrounding bone, and gums will still need a bit of time to solidify in the new places. Wearing a retainer regularly not only helps to protect the teeth from shifting but also assists with the long-term stabilization of these components!
Other factors can be involved with orthodontic relapse, too. Chronic tooth grinding is a good example. This habit produces a continuous force that can strain the teeth, which can alter the bite and cause misalignment over time. It’s also normal for our teeth to experience some natural shifting as we age. This is especially true of the front teeth, as they are particularly susceptible to shifting under pressure due to thinning enamel on their surface.
How can retreatment help you restore your smile?
Our practice is proud to offer touch-up and retreatment options for adults as well as full orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. When you schedule a consultation with us, one of our experienced orthodontists will perform a thorough oral examination to determine what issues you’re dealing with and provide a diagnosis. They will then discuss which elements of your smile are most important to you before creating a customized treatment plan to help you meet your goals.
We have a few different options available for treating orthodontic relapse. If you’ve been good about wearing your retainer over the years and have noticed only minor shifting, our doctors may choose to simply monitor your teeth for the time being without taking any corrective action. Some minor movements will need to be addressed, however. This can sometimes be accomplished with a new or replacement retainer. Touch-up treatment may also be an excellent option here, since it’s limited in nature and able to be completed in a shorter timeframe and at less cost than full treatment!
If Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak find that you’ve had a fairly significant relapse, they may recommend retreatment. Some of our adult patients are hesitant to take braces on again in adulthood, but we’ve got good news! We have a variety of treatment options available to correct orthodontic relapse, including the following.
Invisalign clear aligners
The innovative Invisalign system uses a series of customized clear aligners to move the teeth over time. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are designed to be removed for short periods, like when a patient is eating or brushing their teeth. They’re almost invisible, which patients love, and their removability offers an extra measure of freedom throughout the treatment process. When worn as directed, Invisalign aligners can be just as efficient as braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Clear braces
Clear braces function the same way metal braces do but come with the added benefit of semi-translucent brackets. These clear brackets are able to blend in well with a patient’s natural smile, especially when they’re paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. This makes them a popular choice with older teens and adults!
Metal braces
Metal braces are one of the most popular treatment options and are available for patients of all ages. Today’s braces are much more comfortable than they used to be and can even be customized with fun-colored elastics! Traditional braces deliver excellent results and can be especially helpful in more severe or complicated cases.
Rediscover a smile you love with DiMarzio Orthodontics
You deserve a smile you love, and our expert team is here to help you achieve that! Whether your teeth just need a little touching up or retreatment is in the cards, we’ve got you covered with a range of affordable options. If you’re ready to get your oral health back on track, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Quincy office and take the first step towards the confident smile you’ve been missing!