Why Are My Teeth Crooked Again After Having Braces?

Louisville, KY

You wore braces as a kid, and after months (or years) of treatment, you finally had a beautifully straight smile. But now, years later, your teeth are shifting back out of alignment. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This phenomenon, called orthodontic relapse, is common among adults who had braces in their youth. But why does it happen, and what can you do about it?

At Exceptional Dentistry in Louisville, KY, we’re here to explain the reasons behind orthodontic relapse and how you can keep your smile straight for the long haul.

Why Do Teeth Shift After Braces?

If you had braces, you were likely given a retainer to wear after treatment. One of the biggest reasons for orthodontic relapse is not wearing a retainer as recommended.

However, even if you were diligent with your retainer, other factors can contribute to shifting teeth, including:

• Poor resting oral posture
• Mouth breathing
• Tongue-tie
• Tongue thrusting
• Thumb sucking

The Role of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

A lesser-known reason for orthodontic relapse is orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). These occur when the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue don’t function properly, creating habits that put pressure on your teeth and cause them to move.

For example, if your tongue doesn’t rest properly in your mouth, it can push against your teeth over time, leading to misalignment—even after orthodontic treatment. It’s like rotating your car tires without fixing the alignment; everything may look fine at first, but eventually, problems arise again.

Consequences of Untreated OMDs

When OMDs go unaddressed, they can cause more than just crooked teeth.

Other issues may include:

✔ Chronic mouth breathing, which can lead to oral and overall health problems
 ✔ Difficulty chewing and swallowing
 ✔ Underdeveloped jaws or facial structure
 ✔ Increased risk of TMJ disorders
 ✔ Speech difficulties or impediments
 ✔ A higher likelihood of developing sleep apnea

Addressing the Root Cause to Prevent Relapse

Many traditional orthodontic treatments focus only on moving teeth into place without considering why they shifted in the first place. If the underlying cause of misalignment isn’t corrected, teeth may continue to move—even years after braces.

At Exceptional Dentistry, we emphasize early intervention and comprehensive treatment planning. By identifying and addressing issues like OMDs before orthodontic treatment, we can help ensure long-lasting results. Even adults who have already experienced orthodontic relapse can benefit from targeted treatment to prevent further shifting.

Keeping Your Smile Straight for Life

If you’ve noticed your teeth shifting after braces or want to ensure your child’s orthodontic treatment is successful in the long run, our team at Exceptional Dentistry in Louisville, KY is here to help.

Schedule a consultation today by calling us at (888) 918-3336 or visiting us at 415 Benjamin Ln, Louisville, KY 40222. Let’s work together to keep your smile beautifully aligned for years to come!