Are Your Teeth Moving Despite Wearing Your Orthodontic Retainer?

So you got your braces are off, and you’re doing everything your orthodontist advised to maintain that precious new smile. That includes wearing your retainers every night, or whichever post-orthodontic regimen your orthodontist has recommended. But what happens when you’re following these steps and, despite your prudent care, your teeth begin shifting again?

Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to serve Utah County with a variety of orthodontic services. Our experienced orthodontists provide quality service and care from Provo to Payson. Before calling one of our offices across Utah Valley, learn more about why your teeth might be shifting despite wearing your retainer.

Why Your Teeth Might Be Shifting

There are numerous types of retainers you can receive after your orthodontic treatment, each offering different advantages and disadvantages. But one thing is for sure: no retainer will be able to accommodate all of the changes in your mouth over the first few years following your treatment. Your teeth will “settle” into a natural place, and your gum line will naturally change once your braces come off. In many cases this will only improve your smile. But it’s not uncommon for the settling of your teeth to slightly shift your alignment.

Bigger shifts in alignment can occur for a number of reasons. You’re still growing after your treatment, and the genetic instructions of your DNA will still have some influence on your teeth over time. Further, your oral habits can affect the shifting of teeth after braces. Grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, and even the positioning of your tongue throughout the day can cause shifting in your teeth.

How Can You Prevent Post-Orthodontic Shifting

The most important thing to do if you notice your alignment shifting is to call your orthodontist. With so many possible factors, it’s hard to know what is causing your shifting teeth. But your orthodontist is an expert, and can work with you to figure out how to prevent your shifting teeth. In the meantime you can focus on your habits. Do you clench your jaw? Do you notice that you grind your teeth at night? All of these things can play into shifting teeth.

In any case, make sure you tackle this issue early on, as the more your teeth shift, the more difficult it will be to maintain that great looking smile you have when your braces come off.

Come Into Trapnell Orthodontics Today!

Whether you’re having problems with shifting teeth after getting your braces off, or you’re seeking to begin orthodontic treatment, contact us today! You can schedule a consultation here.