After wearing braces for many months, there is nothing more exciting than the day the braces come off and you can glide your tongue over your smooth, metal-free teeth. It takes some time to adjust to the new smile that is looking at you from the mirror, but after a while, it becomes just another part of your face, the novelty wearing off. Have you had the pleasure of experiencing this magical feeling and are noticing that something with your teeth just doesn’t feel right? It is possible you are suffering from a very common problem that many orthodontic patients experience after treatment. Continue reading to learn more.
Shifting Teeth Following Orthodontic Treatment
If you have completed your orthodontic treatment, are you noticing that your teeth seem out of place, almost as if they are shifting? You would be correct that this is occurring. This frustrating issue happens to most patients at some point following treatment. Once the teeth no longer have the restrictions put in place by braces or clear aligners, they can shift or move almost immediately, or for some, the process can take months or years. Shifting teeth can be caused by a number of reasons:
- The body changing over time
- Pressure placed on the jaw from eating and speaking
- Emerging wisdom teeth
- Teeth attempting to move back to their original location
What Can Be Done To Help?
The best solution for this problem is to wear your retainer as instructed following the completion of your treatment. It is absolutely necessary to wear your retainer in the months immediately following the removal of your braces. If you are noticing that your teeth are shifting, it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, and we can make adjustments as needed.
If you are experiencing shifting teeth, you misplaced your retainer, or if something doesn’t feel right, please contact our office located in Ontario. We want to make an appointment as soon as possible to correct any issues before a larger problem arises. We look forward to seeing you soon!
