Getting Braces Again: What Adults Need to Know

A number of our patients are second-timers – adults and even older teens who had braces when they were younger and now need them again. The first question these patients ask is: Can I do this twice?

The short answer is nearly always “yes.” So long as your gums, teeth and mouth are healthy, your bones are strong and your roots are deep, there should be no problem restoring your proper alignment. Early treatment doesn’t in itself preclude later orthodontic work.

Can You Get Braces Twice?

Indeed. Teeth that have become misaligned after wearing braces can usually be treated through orthodontics once again. Our office sees many adults who wore braces when they were teenagers and come back later since their teeth have been moving or their bite has been altered.

Since the teeth, gums, and jaw are all healthy, a second orthodontic procedure is perfectly safe and will work successfully for most patients. This treatment might include the traditional braces, ceramic braces, or even Invisalign® clear aligners, depending on the case.

What matters most is to schedule the appointment and begin treatment before the shifting of the teeth gets worse.

Why would a second round of braces be needed?

Often, teeth shift simply as a result of aging. Just as your vision, hearing, weight and other aspects of your physical body modify as you mature, so do your mouth, jaws and teeth.

In some cases, injury or dental problems could lead to a braces re-do, but most often, teeth shift because the patient hasn’t followed instructions for using the retainer.

After braces, your teeth need time to permanently fix into their new positions in your jaw. It is the retainer, which your orthodontist will custom-make for you, that holds them in place. Some retainers are temporary but others require a lifetime commitment. As you mature, your orthodontist may periodically need to fit you with new retainers.

Proper care, beginning as soon as your braces come off, can prevent many cases of reversion. But if it’s too late for that, and you think you need braces again, they will likely be successful. After all, adults now make up as much as half the patient load in some orthodontists’ offices.

Why Do Teeth Move Back After Braces?

Most people think that their teeth are fixed into one position through braces. However, this is just an illusion since teeth always move irrespective of whether orthodontic treatment was successful or not.

Some of the common reasons why teeth shift include:

• Improper use of retainers
• Aging
• Teeth grinding
• Tongue thrusting
• Chewing of nails
• Gum diseases
• Loss of teeth causing gaps
• Bite changes

It does not imply that you had ineffective orthodontic treatment; it just means that the teeth have shifted.

To clear up any confusion, here are some answers to questions we most often receive:

In some cases, a treatment plan anticipates two rounds of orthodontia.

Generally, orthodontists want to start braces after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, for some conditions, such as a severe crossbite that is best corrected while the jaw bone is still malleable, it is important to start braces by around age 7. Sometimes this initial work will be all that’s needed, but when it isn’t, the second round of braces is often easier and shorter – and less expensive – than it otherwise would have been.

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In complicated cases, a two-stage treatment plan may be preferred.

Youngsters with severely misaligned bites or anomalous dental growth patterns may need such a laborious corrective treatment that the orthodontist will split it to give the patient a break.

How Do You Prevent Your Teeth From Moving?

• After your smile is straightened out, ensuring that your new smile stays in place comes next.
• Here’s what you can do to ensure that your teeth stay aligned
• Wear your retainer as directed.
• Replace any broken or used up retainers.
• Floss and brush regularly.
• Make visits to the dentist for cleanings.
• Deal with teeth grinding if necessary.
• See your orthodontist in case of any movement.
• The earlier the problem is detected, the easier it is to fix it.

Wisdom teeth can cause your teeth to shift.

One milestone to watch is the eruption of wisdom teeth, which generally appear in the late teens and even early twenties. These could crowd your other teeth and push them out of alignment. Your dentist can tell you if you should have your wisdom teeth removed.

Can Wisdom Teeth Shift Your Teeth After Braces?

This is one of the most common questions orthodontists receive.

While wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding in some situations, current research suggests they are not usually the main reason teeth shift after braces. Natural aging, bite changes, and inconsistent retainer wear tend to play a much larger role.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing other dental problems, your orthodontist may recommend removing them. During your consultation, we can determine whether they’re affecting your smile.

Your own behavior can affect your bite alignment.

If you bite your nails, thrust your tongue or grind your teeth, for example, you can cause them to move. Specialists can help correct tongue thrust – essential for braces success – and your dentist can make you a guard to protect your teeth from grinding. Your doctor can recommend aids to curb nail biting.

Chemotherapy and similar medical treatments can impact the health of your mouth.

There are many different types of chemo, and everyone reacts differently to them, but chemo can cause problems with your teeth and gums that could result in movement or tooth loss. It’s important to see your dentist regularly during your treatment to make sure your mouth stays as healthy as possible.

Good hygiene is No. 1.

Take good care of your teeth! People who don’t floss and brush regularly and see their dentist at least twice a year risk losing teeth from cavities or gum disease. If you’re missing teeth, the other teeth drift into the open space, changing the alignment of your bite.

How Do You Fix Teeth That Shifted After Braces?

It all depends on the extent of your relapse.

In case of slight tooth movement, you might require one of these:

• A new retainer
• Refinements with Invisalign®
• Temporary clear aligners

In case of substantial tooth movement, the following treatments could be used:

• Traditional braces
• Ceramic braces
• Invisalign®

Limited braces for moving only a few teeth

It will be a shock for many adults to know that they won’t need another complete set of braces. Small corrections can be done much faster than your initial orthodontic procedure.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Braces Again?

One of the primary factors considered when thinking about re-orthodontics is the cost.

A number of things influence the overall cost, such as:

• Teeth shift degree
• Type of treatment
• Braces or Invisalign® treatment choice
• Time frame

Insurance benefits

While some people require only small adjustment of teeth, making their treatment less expensive than the previous orthodontic experience, our team provides:

• Free consultations
• Flexibility in payments
• Price transparency
• Insurance assistance

The most effective method of receiving an estimate is an orthodontic consultation.

Many adults do not even realize how much modern technology in orthodontics has evolved since then. Digital scanning technology replaced traditional impression techniques, treatment planning became more accurate, and modern braces became smaller and more comfortable compared to old-fashioned braces.

If your teeth shifted just a little bit, treatment might take less time than the first experience because less tooth movement is needed.

Braces may be easier the second time around.

If it’s been a while since you had braces, you will be pleased at the new products available now: Invisalign, which can barely be seen and offers lifestyle advantages; ceramic braces, which can be clear or match the teeth; lingual braces that are attached to the backs of the teeth. Even if you opt for metal, they will be smaller and more comfortable than you would have endured years ago. In many cases, the treatment time will be shortened and the cost reduced.

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