Getting braces as a teen is one of the great milestones of adolescence, but more often than not, teens forget to wear their retainers. When these teens grow up to become adults, it can be a little frustrating knowing that they used to have a beautiful straight smile, and now their teeth are crooked again.
Sound like you? It may be time for a smile tune-up at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics! There are so many retreatment options for adults, and with modern technology and discreet appliances, there’s no better time than now to reclaim your straight smile!
Orthodontic Relapse: The Reason Your Teeth Shift After Treatment
You’re not alone if you forgot to wear your retainer as a teen. Our orthodontists recommend that patients wear their retainers for 12 hours per day for a year after treatment and then night time wear indefinitely into adulthood. Although this is a standard process, many adult patients seek retreatment because they neglect their retainers after their first round of braces. Without the retainer, your teeth could face short-term or long-term relapse.
Short-Term Relapse:
This form of relapse occurs shortly after your orthodontist removes your braces. Short-term relapse happens when your teeth shift back to their original positions less than one year after active treatment.
Long-Term Relapse:
This form of relapse can occur at any time throughout your life, which is exactly why retainers are so important to the treatment process. If your teeth begin to appear crooked a year or more after treatment, you’re experiencing a long-term relapse.
Don’t Worry: We Can Help!
Watching your teeth slowly shift back to their old positions can be upsetting, but our Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics team is here to help. There are several potential treatment routes to ease your smile back in shape.
We Can Fit You for Another Retainer
Sometimes the solution is as simple as getting a new retainer! If you’re dealing with a short-term or minor relapse, the Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics team can fit you for your next retainer. With only slight movement, your teeth are usually straight enough that minor adjustments can fix the problem quickly.
We Can Set You Up With a New Treatment Plan
If you’re dealing with long-term or major relapse, your best treatment method is usually a second round of braces or clear aligners. Don’t let that thought scare you! Because you’ve already had braces, you’ll likely enjoy a shorter treatment duration.
You’ll also be in good company: one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. With modern technology at work, Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics offers the most comfortable and discreet treatment options available, including:
Invisalign: Our clear aligner treatment is a great option for adult patients looking to straighten their smile without the brackets and wires of braces. Using a series of clear aligner trays custom-made to fit your unique smile, clear aligners straighten your teeth with comfort and ease.Â
Depending on your orthodontic condition, clear aligners may be a great option for adults looking to straighten their smile without attracting notice.
Clear Braces: Like metal braces, this treatment option uses a system of brackets and wires to straighten your teeth and is effective for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Instead of metal brackets, clear braces use white ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth, so your treatment is less visible.Â
Metal Braces: This treatment method is excellent for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues following a long-term relapse. With a system of brackets and wires, these braces straighten your teeth by applying constant, gentle pressure. They’re a durable and reliable option that ensures your treatment runs smoothly and effectively. Get the Smile You
Get the Smile You Deserve at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics!
Adult orthodontic treatment is getting more and more popular as the years go by, and it’s not surprising why! With our modern and discreet treatment options, straightening your smile has never been easier. If you’re unhappy with the grin you see in the mirror, schedule your free consultation at one of our convenient locations.