Investing in orthodontic treatment means committing to a journey of dedication and consistency. You’ll need to wear your Invisalign or 3M Clarity aligners all day and keep up with regular appointments at Rio Grande Orthodontics. This commitment doesn’t end once your treatment does; it extends to wearing your retainers to maintain your newly aligned smile. But what happens if you haven’t worn your retainers for a while? Don’t worry—there’s still hope to regain your smile with touch-up treatment.
Touch-up treatment for orthodontic relapse is shorter than your original orthodontic treatment. Below, Dr. Gardiner, Dr. Vest, Dr. Klinger, and Dr. Kellam share their insights on how to get your smile back.
Why Did My Teeth Shift?
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth start returning to their original positions. One common cause is simply forgetting to wear retainers. We understand—it happens! But when it comes to your beautiful smile, neglecting to wear retainers for months or years can seriously set you back.
Other factors, in addition to forgetfulness, can contribute to relapse. These include age-related tooth shifting, loss, or bruxism (teeth grinding). Whether it’s been a year or even a decade since your treatment, our team is here to help you bring your smile back.
How Can I Get My Smile Back?
Start Wearing Your Retainers Again
The first step depends on how much your teeth have shifted. If your teeth have only moved after a week without your retainers, your orthodontist might suggest trying your old retainers. They may still fit and be effective.
If it’s been a month or more since you last wore your retainers, you’ll likely need a new set to ensure a proper fit and comfort. You shouldn’t wear old retainers if you haven’t used them for over a year, as this can lead to discomfort, improper fit, and even tooth damage.
Consider Other Touch-Up Treatment Options
Retainers help maintain your smile, but if they no longer fit, it might be time to explore other options:
Metal Braces: Metal braces are a tried-and-true option, especially for more severe orthodontic relapse cases. These braces use medical-grade steel brackets and wires. They apply gentle but precise pressure to move your teeth back into alignment. If you need metal braces for your touch-up, the treatment time is often shorter—typically a few months instead of 18 to 24 months.
Clear Braces: Ideal for teens and adults, clear braces offer a modern, less noticeable alternative to metal braces. They work similarly but apply gentler pressure, which might make the touch-up process take a bit longer. Still, the results are worth it! Avoid staining drinks and follow your orthodontist’s advice to keep your clear braces looking great. Our clear braces use durable, high-quality ceramic. While they’re more expensive than metal braces, we provide payment plans and accept insurance plans, including Delta Dental and DentaQuest.
Clear Aligners: For a subtle, removable option, Dr. Gardiner, Dr. Vest, Dr. Klinger, and Dr. Kellam offer 3M Clarity and Invisalign clear aligners. These aligners are perfect for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic relapses and use medical-grade, BPA-free plastic. While both brands are effective, 3M Clarity aligners can work with other dental appliances for enhanced treatment. Regardless of which aligner you choose, wearing them for 20 to 22 hours daily is crucial to prevent further relapse and delay in your touch-up treatment.
Give Your Smile A Second Chance
Like with your original orthodontic treatment, the success of your touch-up treatment relies on your commitment. With consistent effort, getting the radiant smile you desire is easier. Whether you’ve misplaced your retainers or forgot to wear them, our expert team is ready to help you get back on track.
Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll see you at one of our offices in Albuquerque, Edgewood, Espanola, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Socorro, or Taos. Your smile is worth it!