Worrying about whether teeth will move back after braces is not uncommon, because there have been many cases where teeth move back to their original position after braces are removed. So what is the cause of this condition? How to avoid teeth moving back after braces are completed? Let’s explore with BIK International Dentistry through the article below!
Does teeth move back after braces?
Does teeth move back after braces? The phenomenon of teeth moving back after orthodontics, also known as tooth migration, occurs when teeth move back to their original position, causing recurrence of problems such as buck teeth, underbite, crowding, misalignment… If not controlled promptly, teeth moving back after braces are removed can seriously affect the bite and aesthetics of the face.
Although the braces process helps to adjust the position of the teeth and jawbone, bringing a new, beautiful, harmonious and balanced smile, there are still cases where the teeth move back to their original position immediately after the braces are removed. The degree of tooth movement later can be more or less depending on the condition of each person’s teeth.
Why do teeth move after braces?
There are 3 common reasons why teeth move after braces:
Poor orthodontic technique
Planning braces treatment is extremely important, determined based on basic chewing methods. Therefore, if this process is performed by an inexperienced orthodontist, it can lead to adjusting the tooth tightening force too strong or too weak. This can cause the teeth to move improperly, causing them to return to their original position after braces are completed.
Not wearing a retainer
Retainers are an important tool to maintain the results of braces, by keeping the teeth in the correct position and maintaining the stability of the jawbone and gums when facing force during chewing. However, many people often do not pay attention to the use of retainers or use them incorrectly, leading to a decrease in effectiveness after braces.
Impact of impacted wisdom teeth
Most people often wonder whether braces need to be adjusted again, but they do not know that this problem is often due to wisdom teeth hidden under the gums affecting the movement of the teeth. If not checked carefully before starting orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth will cause misalignment in the teeth, affecting the teeth.
How to fix teeth that run after braces
If you find that after braces, your teeth start to run again, go to the dentist immediately for timely examination and treatment. The treatment will depend on the cause of this condition.
Use a retainer
In cases where teeth do not run much and have just started after braces are removed, the doctor will create a retainer from a jaw impression to help the teeth stabilize sooner. You need to wear the retainer for the first 24 hours, then the wearing time will be shortened until the doctor determines that the jawbone and teeth structure are completely stable, with no signs of teeth running.
Wisdom teeth removal and wearing a retainer
In the case of impacted wisdom teeth, the doctor will perform wisdom tooth extraction and prescribe a retainer. The time to wear the retainer will depend on the condition of the jawbone and teeth.
During the first 3 to 6 months, you may be required to wear the retainer for 12 to 20 hours a day.
After the next 6 months, you only need to wear the retainer after braces at night.
After wearing the retainer continuously for 12 months, the doctor will encourage you to use it 3 to 4 days a week, mainly at night when going to bed.
Re-braces
If the braces are worn many times, with a serious level of deviation, the patient may need to have braces a second time to correct this condition. In this case, the patient needs to find a more reputable dental clinic with a team of highly specialized and skilled doctors to prevent the teeth from moving again after braces are removed.
How to prevent teeth from moving again after braces are removed
To prevent teeth from moving after braces, you need to follow these steps:
- Wear the retainer correctly as instructed by your doctor and do not skip wearing it even if it feels uncomfortable, as this can cause the teeth to move again.
- Clean your teeth daily, brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss and mouthwash to prevent plaque.
- Eliminate bad habits such as tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, nail biting… because they can make teeth weak and prone to re-loosening.
- Limit eating tough, hard, sticky foods… and prioritize soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid putting too much pressure on the teeth.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for the dentist to clean your teeth and check the stability of your teeth, thereby maintaining good oral health
So, will braces cause re-loosening after braces? The answer is yes. Teeth after braces still need time to fully stabilize through wearing braces correctly, on time and taking good care of your teeth. If you detect any problems, go to the dentist immediately for timely advice and treatment.
