Perhaps you have braces when you were a teenager or maybe even as an adult. Once your braces were removed, the hope is you’d have a straight, beautiful smile for years to come. However, that’s not always the case.
The truth is, your teeth can shift over time, particularly if you don’t or didn’t wear your retainer as you should have. And when that happens, it sometimes takes more than simply popping your retainer back in.
Read on for more.
Straighten up and shift back
When teeth shift after braces it is referred to as orthodontic relapse. Sometimes the relapse is minor while other times it requires further treatment to move teeth back into their proper and corrected position.
Some reasons your teeth may shift after braces, other than not properly wearing your retainer, can include:
-Genetics: Shifting can occur as an adult, particularly if you wore braces as a child
-Teeth grinding: If you are one that grinds your teeth, this can strain the teeth and encourage them to shift over time
-Tooth loss: If you’ve lost a tooth, other teeth may begin to migrate toward the area of the missing tooth
-Worn tooth enamel: Worn tooth enamel is another factor that can cause orthodontic relapse
Regardless of the reason, Dr. Milan can help. Solutions include wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners for a time until teeth are back where they should be. The beauty if Invisalign is that it is discreet and the aligners can be removed while eating, making them ideal for adults.
Dr. Milan can also fit you with a customized retainer if your teeth have only shifted a bit. Over time, the retainer can help teeth to realign.
A consultation will determine the right solution for you.
Advanced dentistry in Birmingham, Michigan
Dr. Mitchell Milan is one of the most respected cosmetic dentists in metro Detroit. In his 20-year career, he has had the honor of transforming thousands of smiles for people just like you, wishing for healthier, more attractive teeth. Known for both his skill level and his compassion, Dr. Milan has been recognized far and wide by media outlets and, more importantly, his patients! In fact, most of his patients come to him by way of referral — which, to him, is the best compliment.
As one of the first in the area to offer advanced esthetic dentistry solutions over 20 years ago, Dr. Milan has been leading the way when it comes to state-of-the-art cosmetic, reconstructive and preventative dentistry in Michigan.
If you’d like to learn more about dental treatments customized for you, contact Dr. Milan’s office today.