You finished braces years ago and your teeth were straight. Now one or two have drifted, and you are wondering if it is worth fixing. The short answer is yes, and Teeth Moved After Braces? Relapse Treatment at our Turramurra practice is often a simple, short course of treatment.
What is orthodontic relapse?
Orthodontic relapse is when teeth drift back towards their old positions after braces or aligners are removed. It is one of the most common reasons adults come back to see our orthodontic team. Relapse can be a small shift in one tooth, or a wider change across the whole bite.
Relapse can happen to anyone, even people who wore their retainer as instructed. The teeth and the bone around them keep changing throughout life, and small forces (tongue pressure, grinding, gum changes) add up over time.
Why do teeth move after braces?
Teeth move after braces for three main reasons: the bone remodels, the bite is not stable, and the retainer was not worn as instructed. Some patients experience a mix of all three.
How do I know if my teeth are relapsing?
The signs of relapse are usually obvious in the mirror or in old photos. You might notice:
- the lower front teeth crowding again
- a small gap opening up between the front teeth
- one tooth sitting behind the others
- the bite feeling different when you chew
A short check-up with our team can confirm the relapse and tell you how much the teeth have moved. We use a 3D scan to compare the current position with where the teeth were at the end of your first treatment.
Can I get braces again as an adult?
Yes, adult re-treatment is one of the most common things our team plans, and most cases are quicker and simpler than the first round. The teeth are usually already in a good position, so a small course of treatment can finish the job. Many adults pick Invisalign for re-treatment because the aligners are discreet and easy to fit around work and family.
You can read more about how aligners work on our invisalign page. If you are not sure whether re-treatment is right for you, our adults-orthodontist page has more on treatment for grown-ups.
What does re-treatment look like?
Most re-treatment plans are a short course of clear aligners, sometimes combined with a new fixed or removable retainer at the end. The exact plan depends on how much the teeth have moved and which teeth are involved.
Common re-treatment plans include:
- a 3 to 6 month course of Invisalign for small shifts in the front teeth
- a 6 to 12 month course of Invisalign for more general crowding
- a new fixed wire behind the front teeth if the relapse is small and the bite is stable
- a small composite build-up on a worn tooth to give the bite a stable stop
What if my old retainer no longer fits?
If your old retainer no longer fits, it is a sign your teeth have moved and a new scan is a good idea. A retainer forced onto moved teeth can feel tight or rub the gums. Do not try to push through with a retainer that no longer fits. Book a short scan so the team can see what has changed.
Our team can usually make a new retainer that matches your current bite. If the teeth have moved enough that a retainer alone will not hold them, the team will suggest a short course of aligners first, then a new retainer.
How can I stop my teeth from moving again?
Wear your retainer as instructed, look after your gums, and book a quick check if anything feels different. Most relapse can be stopped early with a short retainer check or a small course of aligners.
Three habits that protect the result:
- wear your retainer every night
- see your regular dentist for six-monthly check-ups and cleans
- book a quick orthodontic review if you notice a tooth starting to drift
How much does relapse treatment cost in Turramurra?
The cost depends on how much the teeth have moved, so we give you a written quote after the consultation. A small re-treatment with a few aligners is on the lower end of orthodontic pricing. A more involved case with full-arch treatment is closer to a first-time course.
We never quote prices online. After the consultation, we will give you a written quote and walk you through payment options, including:
- Afterpay
- DentiCare
- humm
- BUPA, Medibank, and other major health funds
What questions do patients ask about orthodontic relapse?
How fast do teeth move after braces? The fastest movement happens in the first year after braces, which is why retainers are so important in that period.
Can a retainer move teeth back? No. A retainer holds the teeth where they are. To move teeth back, you need a short course of aligners or braces.
Will I need braces again, or will aligners work? Most adult re-treatment is done with aligners. Our team will tell you which option suits your case at the consultation.
Can a new retainer be made from my old scan? No. A new scan is needed because the teeth have changed. We take the new scan at the consultation and make the retainer from it.
What if my teeth have moved a lot? A longer course of treatment may be needed. Our team will give you a time estimate and a written quote at the consultation.
Ready to talk about relapse treatment in Turramurra?
If your teeth have moved since your last round of orthodontic treatment, you do not have to live with it. Our team at Dental Specialists of Turramurra can usually fix a relapse in a few months. Call (02) 9488 7455 or visit us at Suite 1-2 / 1335 Pacific Highway, Turramurra NSW 2074, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also read more about our full orthodontics options on our website.