Are you an adult who has discovered that your teeth no longer appear properly aligned? Did you previously wear traditional braces as a teenager? You may be wondering if you’ll be required to return to your former ways to adjust your smile or if clear aligners are enough to fix the problem. Keep reading to discover why this more discreet option may be all you need to enjoy life with a healthier, straighter set of teeth.
What Causes Teeth to Shift After Wearing Braces?
Whether you wore them as a teenager or completed orthodontic treatment as a young adult, it’s possible for teeth to shift over time if you’re not careful.
Some of the most common reasons this can happen include:
- Unhealthy Habits – If you grind your teeth, you may notice that your smile bears the brunt of the pressure and damage caused by bruxism. Worn-down tooth enamel and jaw joint pain are most likely to occur, but it’s also possible that teeth will shift the longer you practice this unhealthy habit.
- Failing to Wear Your Retainer – After completing orthodontic treatment, dentists and orthodontists recommend that you wear a retainer. This device helps keep teeth in their new location, preventing them from shifting back to their original position. If you fail to wear it as instructed, you’ll undo all the work completed by traditional braces.
- Wisdom Teeth Eruption – When third molars attempt to erupt, they can place pressure on healthy teeth, forcing them to shift out of alignment. This can require you to seek clear aligner treatment to ensure they remain in their appropriate place.
Are Clear Aligners an Option?
It depends. In many cases, clear aligners can be enough to address minor overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment; however, the only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
If clear aligners are recommended to treat your misalignment, you will need to make sure that you are committed to a different type of treatment. Not only is this unique system more flexible, but it requires you to be more responsible when it comes to wearing your trays.
Clear aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day to ensure teeth move accordingly. Also, they must be removed before eating or drinking anything but water.
As a suitable alternative to traditional braces, clear aligners can deliver the kind of results you desire. With their discreet look and shorter treatment timeframe (on average), you can expect to see a newly aligned smile that can last a lifetime.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
At Grand Dental – Aurora, we are pleased to have a team of qualified dentists and an orthodontist, Dr. Sam Allen, who can help you take charge of your misaligned smile. By offering clear aligners to straighten teeth, we can help you undergo a more comfortable method of treatment that produces greater confidence and a more youthful appearance over time. If you would like to learn more about our clear aligner system, visit our website or call (630) 538-8302 to find out how we can help.