My Teeth have relapsed after removal of the braces

[Jaiyana]

Hello

I had metal braces three years ago to straighten my teeth and since they were removed twelve months ago, my teeth have relapsed slowly almost back to their original position.

I am really upset that I spend the time and money but could not keep the final results which were actually very good. I would like to know if Invisalign could be used to reposition my teeth back to where they were twelve months ago.

Also what happens once the Invisalign treatment is finished. How does Invisalign stop the teeth from relapsing back to their original position?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Jaiyana,

Thank you for your post.

After all forms of orthodontic treatment, be it fixed or removable appliance, retainers should be worn to maintain the final position of the teeth and prevent relapse.

It is not uncommon to see teeth relapse after removal of the braces and this is because the patient was not informed or given retainers to wear or they stopped wearing their retainers.

Invisalign can be used to reposition teeth and invisalign works well in relapse cases. We need to see you for assessment before we can confirm you are suitable for invisalign. Some cases are best treated with metal or ceramic braces.

After invisalign treatment is completed you will be given retainers to stop the teeth from relapsing back to their original position. The retainer can be fixed or removable. Fixed retainers are a metal wire and removable retainers are plastic. If it is removable it is down to you to ensure you follow your dentists advise and wear the retainers for the prescribed number of hours each day.