You’ve spent time and money on orthodontics, and you adhered to your treatment plan, complying with guidelines and care as prescribed by your Vegas dentist. But now your teeth are moving, becoming crooked, crowded, or spreading apart to reveal gaps. What’s happening?
This scenario is all too common. In today’s blog, we’ll explain how and why teeth shift and how to prevent dental movement after orthodontic treatment. Drs. Ann Pham and Halan Tran of Miracle Dental understand your frustration. We want to help you find a solution that will guide your teeth back into ideal alignment–and keep them there! To schedule your consultation, call us today at (702) 456-0056.
Teeth Keep Moving
Each of our teeth is held in place by ligaments that attach to a socket in the jawbone. Ligaments aren’t like cement; they allow movement. When you wear braces, gentle, consistent forces push and pull the teeth, and ligaments shift, allowing teeth to move into specific locations within the jaw. After wearing Invisalign or braces, dental ligaments must stabilize the teeth in the new alignment. If a patient does not wear his retainer as directed, those loosened ligaments allow teeth to drift right back to their original, undesired positions.
Did You Know? Relapse occurs in about 70% of orthodontic patients. This means, their teeth shift out of alignment after treatment ends.
Don’t Reject the Retainer!
Many people assume that once braces are removed, or once Invisalign treatment is complete, orthodontic treatment ends. But that’s not actually true. After that first phase of treatment, when teeth are now in desired alignment, wearing a retainer is non-negotiable. A retainer gives dental ligaments time to stabilize in that ideal position.
If you wear your retainer as instructed by your dentist, you will greatly reduce your risk of relapse. Retainers are a lifelong aid to keep teeth in alignment. At first, you’ll need to wear the retainer constantly, then overnight. If you’re concerned about forgetting to wear your retainer, ask us about having a permanent retainer attached to the back of your teeth.
Bite, Grinding, and Jaw Forces
Between 20-30% of Americans experience bruxism, the subconscious grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxing often occurs while a person sleeps, so a roommate may report hearing you grind your teeth at night. Our dentists often find evidence of bruxism in patients who are unaware of their clenching and grinding. Premature toothwear, crazing (weblike cracks), and chips may result from bruxing. Some patients even develop TMJ disorder.
Bruxism, unbalanced bite forces, and tooth loss (not replaced) contribute to tooth movement. We can evaluate your teeth, and if you are a bruxer, the dentist can prescribe a custom nightguard.
PRO TIP: An Invisalign retainer is not a good replacement for a night guard to protect teeth from clenching and grinding.
Aging, Lifestyle, and The Vegas Factor
As we age, jawbone density changes, teeth continue to move, and the stress you experience during the day may lead to clenching and grinding at night. Here in Vegas, many people lead a high stress, active lifestyle and busy schedules. Don’t delay your dental visits, though. When we find and treat small issues like bruxism and shifting teeth in their early stages, treatment is more effective, comfortable, and affordable. Six-month checkups and cleanings are imperative for good oral health, but they also allow our dentists to stay on top of dental shifts that can compromise your beautiful smile.
Call Your Vegas Dentists Today!
If you’re scratching your head, asking, “Why won’t my teeth stay straight after alignment with Invisalign or braces?” then you’re in the right place. At Miracle Dental, our gentle, female dentists work with patients, meeting them where they are in their oral health journey and partnering with them for a future of great oral health and unforgettable, head-turning Vegas smiles!
Call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Halan Tran or Dr. Ann Pham today at (702) 456-0056.
