New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Did you have braces when you were a teen or young adult? Under ideal circumstances, your results should have been permanent. However, if you face certain circumstances, you might find that your teeth are shifting out of place again. If you want to get them back in line, you might wonder if it is possible to wear braces twice. In most cases, the answer is yes! Read this blog post to learn more.
Why Might You Need Braces Again?
Even after successful orthodontic treatment, your teeth might start to drift out of their proper places again. This can happen for a number of reasons:
- You forgot to wear your retainer as often as directed.
- You lost a tooth, and other teeth are starting to drift into the empty space.
- Your wisdom teeth tried to erupt and pushed other teeth out of alignment.
- You developed bad habits that adversely affected your teeth’s positioning, such as chewing on pencils or frequently using your teeth as a tool.
Is It Safe to Get Braces a Second Time?
Before recommending that you get braces, your dental team will examine your mouth and take some X-rays. They will look at the state of your teeth and your gums. They will also make sure that your tooth roots are still long enough to undergo a second round of orthodontic treatment. (Very rarely, braces can cause the roots of teeth to shorten, so checking on them is important.)
For most patients, there are no heightened risks associated with wearing braces a second or even a third time.
Your Orthodontic Options
Depending on how long it has been since you last wore braces, you may have more treatment options now than you did in the past. Of course, metal braces are still effective and provide predictable results. However, if you would prefer something with a more subtle appearance, you can ask if you are a candidate for clear aligners or another type of orthodontic appliance that will not call a lot of attention to itself.
Keeping Your Teeth Where They Belong
Once you finish straightening your teeth a second time, you will probably want to avoid a third go-round with braces. Here are some tips to help you accomplish that:
- Wear your retainer as much as your orthodontic team recommends.
- Attend regular checkups with your dentist so they can monitor the positions of your teeth.
- Avoid bad habits that might cause your teeth to shift.
- If you grind and clench your teeth at night, ask your dentist about getting a nightguard. (You might have to alternate wearing a retainer with wearing your guard — your dentist will give you specific instructions.)
- Get missing teeth replaced as soon as possible.
Wearing braces a second time is not only possible, but it is also highly beneficial for many patients. Do not hesitate to book a consultation if you believe your teeth have drifted out of place.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group features an on-staff orthodontist who works alongside the other experts in our practice to provide comprehensive care to members of our community. If you are interested in straightening your teeth, we would be happy to evaluate your situation and recommend a treatment plan. Get in touch with our office at 203-712-4068.