Are Clear Aligners a Solution for Teeth Shifting After Braces?

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Dental Braces

When it comes to teeth straightening, braces can do wonders for you. However, even after the treatment is completed, the probability of teeth relapsing is still there as all teeth are known to shift back to their original position due to a number of factors.

This is why, when an orthodontic relapse occurs, you’ll need to undergo a quick realignment procedure to save all your efforts from going to vain.

Read ahead to learn how clear aligners can help you straighten your teeth even after using metal braces.

Take a Free Smile Assessment today to start your teeth-straightening journey with Clear Aligners.

Teeth Relapse After Metal Braces

After an orthodontic treatment through metal braces, patients can experience dental relapse as their teeth start moving back to their original position. As to why such a replace occurs, there are several factors that can potentially contribute to such teeth shifting after metal braces treatment, which include:

Talking:

While it may seem a bit unlikely at first, simply talking on a daily basis can cause your dental relapse. The reason why it can occur is due to the pressure applied on the teeth as your tongue and face muscles work in sync for you to formulate speech. Even though the pressure does not cause a substantial relapse at first, it can lead to your teeth going back to their original position over time.

Chewing:

Similar to talking, the muscle forces involved in biting and chewing can gradually start moving your teeth.

Grinding:

Bruxism is more prevalent than you’d imagine and will shift your teeth.

Missing teeth:

As a patient loses teeth whether due to an accident or a disease, the teeth in place will automatically start shifting to fill out this gap.

Gum Disease:

Gum diseases can occur due to improper brushing or flossing. When experiencing a gum disease such as gum receding, the gums start becoming weak and eventually lose grip over the teeth.This in turn causes them to pull away from your teeth, allowing them to move to other positions.

Aging:

Your dental muscles are bound to grow weaker as you start aging. Therefore, even after using metal braces, your teeth and gums may not have the strength to keep themselves aligned in place.

Gum inflammation
A woman showing her inflammed gum

Teeth Shifting After Metal Braces: How Can Clear Aligners Help

Essentially, clear aligners are conventional orthodontic devices that can preserve your teeth along with helping them keep aligned. They are a widely recommended solution by experts to treat different alignment problems, such as teeth relapse after braces. Here’s how clear aligners can help you straighten your teeth after braces:

Customized Treatment Plans

Clear aligners are custom-tailored dental devices made as per the condition of your teeth. For such intricate precision, 3D technology enables orthodontists to make a more accurate treatment plan for such teeth relapse which ensures effective teeth realignment.

Comfort and Convenience

Clear aligners are made from clear and smooth BPA-free plastic, unlike wire braces, and are also removable. This not only makes oral hygiene easy to maintain but also removes the quite noticeable discomfort felt while wearing metal braces.

Effective for Mild to Moderate Shifts

Clear aligners are ideal for fixing minor to moderately severe dental problems associated with teeth relapse after using metal braces.

Retention Phase

To make the clear alignment treatment more effective, experts can also suggest retainers alongside retainers once the patients have completed their clear aligner treatment which helps them retain the newly achieved teeth alignment.

clear aligners
A women putting on her clear aligners

Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces

  • Treatment Time: In most cases, clear aligners generally have a lower treatment period compared to traditional braces due to their ability to isolate individual teeth for enhanced alignment treatment.
  • Aesthetics: The translucent aesthetic of clear aligners makes them a viable choice for those requiring a more discreet look compared to the quite noticeable metal braces during the teeth shifting treatment.
  • Comfort: Clear aligners are relatively less abrasive to the gums compared to the conventional braces as they are made from a smooth plastic material. This can go a long way in making the relapse treatment more comfortable and stress-free.
  • Maintenance: The removability of clear aligners before eating or brushing the teeth allows them to be cleaned and maintained more effectively compared to the more fixed approach of traditional metal braces when going through the teeth shifting treatment.
  • Cost: Clear aligners are comparatively cheaper compared to traditional braces, based on the details of the cases as well as the period of treatment.

Things To Keep In Mind When Using Clear Aligners

Even though clear aligners possess numerous advantages, they are also prone to certain drawbacks at the same time. Some of them include:

Not Suitable For Severe Cases

Clear aligners are commonly used for minor to moderate teeth alignment. Some of the severe cases may require enhanced orthodontic procedures.

Compliance Required

For the best possible results during teeth shifting, aligners have to be worn regularly as suggested as part of the suggested orthodontic care. Failure to do so can result in further alignment problems.

What Other Treatments Exist for Teeth Movement after Braces

While clear aligners can be the ideal solution for some, other alignment options are also available for treating teeth relapse including:

Traditional Braces

In most severe relapse cases, the use of metal braces may be required to accomplish the desired result. They allow precise control over tooth movement, but they are somewhat bulky and tend to irritate the cheeks and gums.

Retainers

While retainers are not a substitute for clear aligners but rather an added treatment,they can still be used to further correct the shifting issue at hand.

Other Orthodontic Devices

In some instances, other orthodontic devices may have to be considered depending on the severity of the case which is why you should probably consult with an expert first.

Smilepath Clear Aligners

  • Customized for Post-Braces Shifting: Designed for an enhanced teeth shifting treatment for dental relapse after using metal braces.
  • Discreet and Invisible: These provide a translucent aesthetic for a more discreet look.
  • Comfort: Made using smooth BPA-free material that offers more comfort with less irritation when compared to normal ‘metal braces’.
  • Removable for Convenience: Their easy removability ensures a seamless treatment experience during your daily activities such as eating or brushing and etc.
  • Effective for Mild to Moderate Shifts: Clear aligners can adjust mild to moderate tooth shifts with shorter treatment times
  • Affordable Option: Affordable, and thus increasing the chances for correction after the braces.
  • Fewer Dental Visits: A lot of the assessment is carried out telephonically, therefore clients are seen less in the offices.
  • Retainers for Lasting Results: These are offered with the intention of maintaining the alignment of the teeth after the treatment has been completed.

Know more about clear aligners as a solution for teeth shifted after braces by calling us at 1300 404 171

Clear aligners can be suitable for patients who previously wore braces but their teeth shifted back for any number of reasons. They are comfortable, discreet, hygienic, and very convenient, and thus preferred the most by many people. It is always advisable to talk to an orthodontist and find out whether a clear aligner treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.

FAQs

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are removable clear plastic appliances used to correct the positions of teeth. They are the more covert option to the conventional metal braces.

How can teeth that have moved after braces work with clear aligners?

To address difficulties caused by movement after braces, clear aligners gently realign teeth using custom-made trays.

Are clear aligners for me if I have teeth that shifted?

The most common type is clear aligners, and they are known to work best for simple to moderately complex cases. The extreme condition may necessitate the use of normal braces or other means.

How many years does it take to complete clear aligner treatment?

Clear aligner treatment takes between a few months to a year, depending on the case severity of the patient.

Do I need retainers after the clear aligner treatment?

Yes, retainers are always required after clear aligner treatment in order to make sure that your teeth do not to shift back to their previous positions.

Related blogs:

https://smilepath.com.au/blogs/blog/clear-aligners-the-minimalist-approach-to-orthodontic-care

https://smilepath.com.au/blogs/blog/dental-retainers-guide

https://smilepath.com.au/blogs/blog/should-i-floss-or-brush-my-teeth-first

  • Alex Chang

    Alex Chang

    Content Contributor

    Tech enthusiast and SmilePath advocate, Alex Chang, combines his love for cutting-edge technology with a commitment to promoting dental well-being. Drawing on...

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  • Dr. Narmeen

    Dr. Narmeen

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Narmeen is a dedicated and passionate orthodontist at SmilePath Australia, committed to creating confident smiles through exceptional orthodontic care. With her...

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