Lightening doesn’t strike twice, as they say, but the same isn’t always the case when it comes to your teeth. If you wore braces once and notice your teeth are shifting again, you may be wondering if it’s possible to wear them a second time. Here’s why when it comes to your smile you may need to undergo orthodontic treatment twice.
Getting it Straight: Why You May Need to Redo Your Orthodontic Treatment
If you had braces as a teen or young adult, you may have been thrilled with your results- and eager to be done with orthodontic treatment when it ended. As a result, you may not have worn your retainer as often as you were supposed to, or at all. This may have caused your teeth to gradually shift with time.
In other cases, your teeth may have moved naturally due to age, periodontal disease, or damage to your teeth that involved tooth loss or extraction.
No matter the cause, shifts in your teeth can and do occur frequently even after orthodontic treatment with braces. The good news is that yes you can wear braces a second time!
How to Ensure Your Orthodontic Results Last
The great news about orthodontic treatment is that while you may have to do it a second time, there’s no reason you should need to do it a third. There are many things you can do once your braces are off to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. These include:
- Wearing your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily.
- Only using your teeth for food, never to open packaging or bite fingernails
- Wearing a bite guard if you grind your teeth.
- Wearing a sports mouthguard if you play sports.
Remember, if your teeth and gums are healthy, they should not need restorations that could alter the alignment of your smile. By keeping them clean and in good repair, in conjunction with wearing any prescribed retainers, you can extend your orthodontic results for as long as possible!
About Dr. Cordes
Dr. David Cordes has been a practicing orthodontist for over two decades. He earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He is a current member of the Northeastern Society of Orthodontics, Valley District Society, American Association of Orthodontics, and the American Dental Association. Whether you need braces for the first time or you’re ready to try again for a second time, schedule a consultation with us by visiting our website, or calling the number in your area. We are proud to have locations in both MA and CT for your convenience!