Orthodontic Retreatment: What Causes Teeth to Become Crooked Again, and How Can It Be Fixed?

Hello~

This is Lee Juri, the head director of Seoul Bardi Dental Clinic.

Among patients who have finished orthodontic treatment, some later experience their teeth spacing out or becoming crooked again.

It may have seemed that the teeth were neatly aligned right after orthodontic treatment ended, but why did they become misaligned again?

Orthodontic Retreatment: What Causes Teeth to Become Crooked Again, and How Can It Be Fixed?

Today, I’ll explain in detail the causes and necessity of retreatment, which many people are curious about.

1. Causes
2. Treatment methods
3. Prevention methods

I’ll explain from these three perspectives~

What are the typical causes of teeth becoming crooked again?

Retainers that are inserted and removed

First, not wearing the retainer

This is the most common cause.

After orthodontic treatment ends, teeth tend to return to their original positions.

(They have a very good memory!)

To prevent this, you need to wear a retainer,

and in the beginning, we even tell patients to wear it all the time except when eating. If you neglect to wear it or stop wearing it too early, retreatment may be necessary.

Second, changes during growth If orthodontic treatment is completed during adolescence,

because the jawbone and facial growth have not fully finished,

the arrangement of the teeth or the bite may change as the person becomes an adult.

Third, habitual issues

The position of the tongue also affects the arrangement of the teeth.

Correct tongue position Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare

The tip of the tongue should rest on the hard front part of the palate. The front two-thirds of the tongue should gently touch the upper palate.

However, many patients rest their tongue against the lower teeth or have a tongue-thrusting habit.

Pressure is applied to the teeth without conscious awareness, which can even affect tooth alignment.

Fourth, tooth loss or prosthetic problems

After a tooth extraction or prosthetic treatment such as a crown or bridge,

the position of the teeth may change.

Fifth, the original orthodontic goal was not achieved

Retreatment is considered when the treatment plan from the previous orthodontic treatment was insufficient, or when adequate results were not obtained due to poor patient cooperation or changes in oral conditions.

This would also apply if the orthodontic appliance was removed too early.

Whether retreatment is done depends on the patient.

250418 Slightly misaligned front teeth after orthodontic treatment

Retreatment is not necessary in every case.

If the degree of change is mild, it can sometimes be corrected with clear aligners, and if the patient is not very stressed by it, they may simply continue without treatment~

However, if the change in tooth alignment becomes severe and causes problems with chewing function or aesthetic stress, then it may be worth considering.

Treatment methods for retreatment

Depending on how crooked the teeth have become again,

treatment may involve all teeth or only certain areas.

250414 Retreatment only in the necessary area

1. Clear aligners
2. Partial orthodontic treatment
3. Full-mouth orthodontic treatment

If treatment is done only in part, the period can be as short as 6 months. If it is done as full-mouth treatment, it may take more than 2 years.

The treatment period for clear aligners is determined by how long the patient wears the appliance.

How to prevent retreatment

First, strictly follow the instructions for wearing your retainer.

If it is a removable appliance, be sure to wear it even while sleeping at night, and if it is a wire bonded behind the teeth, it is best not to remove it.

230513 It is best to keep the wire attached for as long as possible.

If you have oral habits such as tongue thrusting, you should consciously correct them.

Through regular checkups, you should monitor whether the position of the teeth is changing.

One round of orthodontic treatment is not the end.

If your tooth alignment seems to be changing again, please do not worry too much.

Please remember that there are now various retreatment methods that are less burdensome than before!!

#OrthodonticRetreatment #CrookedTeethAgain