If you’re like most people, you want to know that you have the best smile that’s possible for you to have.
Maybe you’ve been waking up with headaches that come from nightly tooth-grinding, also known as bruxism. This is a common sign that you may need corrective orthodontic care.
But hold on a second! I already did that!
If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Here at Leland Orthodontics of Reno, we know that considering orthodontic retreatment options for adults can be intimidating and disheartening.
But don’t worry! It turns out things may not be as bleak as you think. That’s why we asked Dr. Leland to discuss the ins and outs of retreatment below. Let’s get started!
Who needs retreatment?
Orthodontic retreatment is necessary for patients facing what is known as orthodontic relapse.
While this may sound scary, don’t worry! Really, this just means that your teeth have shifted after your initial orthodontic treatment, most often back toward their original positions. And look, you’re not alone! Studies find that orthodontic relapse is quite common, occurring in roughly 50% of all cases.
Why am I facing orthodontic relapse?
Most commonly, relapse occurs in cases where retainers were used either infrequently or not at all. The truth is that while getting your braces off or finishing your course of treatment with Invisalign is a major step, following up with a proper course of retainer care is just as essential for long-term orthodontic success.
Once your braces are off, the teeth, jaw, and surrounding gum tissue still need time to settle in their new positions, which is where proper use of a well-fitting retainer is essential.
Will I need braces?
Not necessarily. Orthodontic relapse comes in two flavors – short-term and long-term.
If you’ve finished your treatment in the past year and begun to see backward progress, you’re dealing with a short-term relapse, Dr. Leland may be able to issue a new retainer to best suit the altered landscape of your teeth and jaws.
If you’ve been out of treatment for more than a year, a long-term relapse may require a new course of primary care. But don’t worry! Today’s braces are easier to deal with and more comfortable than ever before. Advanced technology has done away with much of the clunky system of ties and heavy-weight metal that you may remember and dread!
If you’re concerned about the look of your new braces, we also offer ceramic or clear braces. These are even less noticeable!
Also, depending on the complexity of your case, Dr. Leland may determine that you qualify for treatment with clear aligners. We print them in-house, so you can start your retreatment faster than ever and be back on track for the best possible smile of your lifetime!
Why Choose Retreatment?
It can be frustrating to look in the mirror and feel like all that work you did earlier in life (or last year) was for nothing. But don’t worry! After all, your teeth and jaw ‘know’ where to go now; it’s simply a matter of reminding them to get back in line! Even in the case of a long-term relapse, chances are that your retreatment plan will advance much more quickly than your initial course of care.
Not only do you want to see your best smile, chances are your treatment may have served to correct alignment issues in the jaw, which could have led to discomfort or grinding.
Skip the headache! Come in and see us!
Dr. Leland knows you deserve to see the best version of your smile in the mirror, and he’s ready to help you get back on track!
Consultations are always free of charge, and he’s a board-certified specialist who cares deeply about serving the people of Reno. We use only the latest in high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, and we never leave our patients until they’ve unlocked the smile they deserve. Call today!
