It is very common and almost a right of passage to have braces during teenage years. This is because kids are more malleable, they have all their adult teeth by this time, and they are still growing, which gives us more treatment options to correct bite problems. However, many adults that had treatment in their teens were only instructed to wear the retainers for 2 years. Unfortunately, research has proven that this is not long enough. We now know that retainers need to be worn for life. Teeth do have a tendency to move back to their original position. Also, teeth naturally shift with age, so regardless if you had orthodontic treatment as a teen or not, your teeth would likely still get more crooked over time.

Wear Your Retainer!

The good news is, this can be fixed! And since we now know that retainers are a lifetime commitment, you will not have to worry about fixing your teeth ever again. I cannot stress enough the importance of a retainer, wearing a retainer is the top reason why more than 50% of people who had braces as teens require them again as adults. A retainer is a major part of the treatment process. It keeps your teeth from slipping out of alignment again. This can happen because the ligaments that attach your teeth to your jawbone require time to adjust to the realignment. For whatever reason, if you didn’t wear your retainer as long as you were instructed it is likely that your teeth will be pushed back to their previous crooked state.

Have A Dental Relapse? Try Invisalign!

If you are one of the unlucky people that is experiencing dental relapse, it is best to see an orthodontist as soon as possible so that the treatment won’t last as long as before. On a positive note, adults who have had orthodontic treatment in the past are often candidates for Invisalign Treatment. However, the longer you put it off, the worse the issues can get, meaning you’ll have to wear braces or Invisalign for a longer period of time. It also means that you’ll be more likely to develop issues associated with crooked teeth such as gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. If you are noticing that your teeth are starting to feel crooked again, the best course of action is to visit your orthodontist as soon as possible.

 For more information about braces treatments and other helpful oral health tips from the experts at South Surrey Smiles, feel free to contact our office to set up a free consultation.