Most of us never expect that when our braces finally come off we will ever need them again. After all, we put a lot of work into our treatment and there’s no way we’re going to mess it up. Although you may have been completely compliant with your treatment responsibilities, factors can contribute to another round of orthodontic treatment being needed. These factors could be self-induced or something that you can’t control.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why would I need braces again?” here are some reasons why.
You Didn’t Wear Your Retainer
Your orthodontist most likely (in fact, we’re absolutely sure they did) gave you some pretty specific instructions the day you got your braces removed. Although you were probably elated that the day had finally arrived, listening to these instructions would prove to be imperative to your long-term success with your treatment.
Failure to wear your retainer can result in your teeth shifting back, which may warrant more orthodontic treatment. Our teeth shift all the time, and they shift the most the year after braces are removed. This is why proper retainer wear is strongly encouraged. To avoid having to undergo treatment again, be sure to listen carefully to your orthodontist’s instructions and ask questions if you need further clarification.
You Experienced Tooth Damage
Accidents happen, especially if you’re a more active individual. If you’ve experienced damage to your teeth, you may need orthodontic treatment again to help get your teeth in alignment again. To avoid damage as much as possible, be sure to wear a proper mouthguard when playing sports…both at games and at practice. This will help to avoid potential accidents and damage to your smile.
Your Wisdom Teeth Erupted
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but sometimes it can happen later. If you’ve already had braces and your wisdom teeth have now decided to come in, they may push the surrounding teeth aside to make room for themselves. This can impact the alignment of the teeth and cause you to have to undergo orthodontic treatment again.
It’s recommended to get your wisdom teeth removed surgically, as we no longer need them, so that you don’t have to worry about them later.
Other Reasons You Need Braces Again
There are other circumstances that may cause another round of orthodontic treatment to be needed. These include:
- Natural shifting of the teeth
- Mouth growth
- Dental issues
- Jaw problems
As you can see, you may not be able to control the reason why you need braces again, but you can take preventative measures. If you’re unsure about whether or not another round of braces or Invisalign is required, it’s best to get in touch with your orthodontist, so they can examine you. If orthodontic treatment is recommended, be sure to get started as soon as you can and always remember to wear your retainers. You’ve worked so hard for a perfect smile. Be sure to take care of it for a lifetime.
