Braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic solution, and they’ve flawlessly assisted countless generations of patients with achieving straighter and healthier smiles over the years. If you had braces in the past, you probably remember being outfitted with the metal brackets and wires —and at the end of the journey, your new smile probably looked great! However, did you know that it’s sometimes possible for patients to need to undergo a second round of orthodontic treatment? There are a few reasons this might be necessary.
Why Would I Need to Wear Braces Again?
There are many reasons why someone might require a second round of orthodontic treatment, but one of the most common is “relapse”. After completing braces, it is crucial to wear your retainer as instructed in order to prevent your teeth from reverting to their original positions.
Changes in the alignment of our teeth can also gradually occur over time, even long after orthodontic treatment. This can be caused by “bite problems”, crowding, and spacing issues. Bruxism, also known as “teeth grinding”, poses a threat to alignment, as do bad oral habits including nail biting and tongue thrusting. Undergoing orthodontic treatment twice is perfectly safe, and your provider will monitor and chart your treatment progress to ensure that your smile is being safely aligned a second time.
Benefits of Wearing Braces Twice
It’s worth noting that needing to wear braces again isn’t a reason to feel discouraged! Although your teeth might need some further refinement, there are actually numerous benefits to undergoing orthodontic treatment a second time. Consider the following benefits:
- You’re further improving the aesthetics of your smile – Straightening teeth that have shifted or addressing other dental concerns can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence.
- Enhanced oral functionality – Bite issues can interfere with your ability to eat, speak, and even clean your teeth; by wearing braces again, you’ll be putting your mouth’s functionality first and ensuring that your smile looks and feels great moving forward.
- Future stability – By undergoing a second round of braces, you are actively preventing further complications and maintaining the stable results of your orthodontic treatment.
Since you have already undergone orthodontic treatment in the past, you will know all too well the importance of wearing your retainer once your braces have been removed! In any case, going through a second round of braces isn’t out of the ordinary and it can easily get your smile back on track.
About the Practice
The team at Sensational Smiles Orthodontics is so honored and happy to provide patients and families in the Ripon, WI area with an exceptional level of orthodontic care! Under the leadership of Dr. Frances Hamman, they offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic services meant to tackle a wide variety of issues. If you have any questions about the blog or believe you could benefit from another round of orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further assistance. Telephone: (920) 798-6087.
