As many as 27 percent of US and Canadian orthodontics patients are adults, while the percentages are often much higher for orthodontics offices specializing in adult braces.
Figures like these show that crooked teeth are a reality for many. What’s more, getting orthodontic treatment once doesn’t guarantee you straight teeth for life. It’s not uncommon for people to have crooked teeth after braces. After all, braces take advantage of teeth shifting to set them straight. But they can shift right back again if you’re not careful.
Are your teeth crooked after braces? Keep reading to find out how to correct your teeth misalignment for good!
Dental Retainers
Orthodontics information indicates that wearing a dental retainer as directed once your braces come off is one of the best ways to prevent or mitigate teeth shifting.
For many, this means wearing a retainer at night for life. These devices help hold teeth in place to avoid teeth misalignment following orthodontic work. Retainers can also help to correct crooked teeth after braces if the misalignment affects only one or two of your teeth.
Dental Aligners
Can you get braces twice? Yes, but dental aligners might be better for your second time round in some cases.
The most common cause of crooked teeth after braces is failing to wear a retainer as directed. If the misalignment is too severe for a retainer but not so severe that you would need braces again, dental aligners are a great option.
Unlike traditional ceramic or metal braces, which are affixed to the teeth, clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign) correct teeth misalignment via a series of custom-fitted invisible dental trays that apply the same teeth-shifting principles as braces. While dental aligners aren’t for everyone, many people find them less invasive than full-on adult braces.
This dentist in Vienna VA recommends consulting a dental expert to ensure that aligners are the best option for your situation.
Veneers and Crowns
As cosmetic dental procedures, veneers and crowns don’t straighten your teeth in the same way that braces do. But, they can present the illusion of straight teeth. As such, veneers and crowns can be a good solution for people with crooked teeth after braces due to decay or breakage.
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain covers that fit over the front of a tooth. Crowns are tooth-like structures installed onto the structure of a remaining tooth to give the appearance of a full, natural tooth.
Both options can improve the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth. And, as the finished result often compares to the straight teeth you get with adult braces, they’re great ways to boost your confidence and your smile.
What to Do if Your Teeth Are Crooked After Braces
Are your teeth crooked after braces? If so this quick guide should help you decide what to do next.
In most cases, the easiest option is to follow your orthodontist’s advice and wear your retainer as directed. But, if you had braces a long time ago and are seeing signs of teeth shifting, these options can all get your teeth back on track!
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