What Causes Teeth to Shift After Braces and Invisalign?

It’s always a moment of excitement and relief when you have completed your orthodontic treatment. What many don’t know, or may learn the hard way, is that your teeth are still prone to moving again even after treatment. Dr. Updike, an Irvine orthodontist, discusses what causes teeth to shift after braces and Invisalign, and how to prevent it from happening.

 

Not Wearing Your Retainer

The number one reason why teeth continue to shift after treatment is due to not wearing your retainer as recommended. When the initial treatment is over, it is a crucial to continue to wear your retainers. This is because our teeth have memory and may want to move back to its original place. Nowadays, there are many types of retainers offered. We recommend discussing which option is best for you and your lifestyle.

 

Treatment Naturally Shift

As we get older, our bodies tend to change. Some of these changes may include your teeth shifting. Some pregnant women also experience teeth shifting as their bodies change over the trimesters. It’s important to acknowledge this possibility and continue to wear retainers to minimize the amount of movement.

 

Treatment Was Finished Early

Patients may become impatient and remove their braces or stop their Invisalign treatment prematurely, but this may lead to your teeth shifting back to its original place quicker. We recommend following your orthodontist’s treatment plan until the very end, we promise it will be worth it.

 

If you are looking for an orthodontist in Orange County, CA or Irvine area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation! Our friendly staff is ready to assist with any additional questions you may have.