When I Stopped Wearing My Retainer And Now My Teeth Are Starting To Relapse. Is There Any Other Way Of Straightening Teeth?

Q.
I have had a standard metal brace for a year then I got rid of it. They then gave me a clear retainer mould of my teeth to wear every night. I wore the retainer for the first couple of months then I started to wear it less frequently until I came to the point when I did not wear it at all. During this time period, my teeth started to move again, the gaps began to return and now my teeth are straight, however I still have small gaps. I went back to my orthodontist and they have said wear the retainer everyday and I am going to do that but I am worried my teeth will return with gaps. My next appointment is in a month so I am going to trial this idea. I would like to know is there any other treatment that can straighten your teeth?
A.
Hello and thank you for your question. Relapse following orthodontic treatment is a very common problem and ideally a retainer should be worn indefinitely to prevent this from happening. If there has been very little tooth movement following your treatment then wearing your existing retainer should move the teeth back to their original position, however if the movement has been extensive then this is unlikely. If this is the case, and the teeth do not return to their original position then your options include a further course of orthodontic treatment with conventional braces or by using a series of clear aligners (similar to Invisalign). Following this treatment you will need to wear a new retainer full time (every night) and consider a fixed retainer to hold the teeth in position, or both. I really hope this helps and I wish you a very happy Christmas. Kind regards, Marcus Gambroudes.
Dr Marcus Gambroudes Changing Faces Dentistry & Facial Rejuvenation, 51 Station Road Knowle House Knowle Solihull B93 0HN Web: www.changingfacesandsmiles.co.uk Tel: 01564 320 024 View My Profile Dr Gambroudes

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