Yes, your teeth can relapse after braces or Invisalign treatment, which means they slowly drift back towards their old positions. This is very common, but it can usually be prevented by wearing a retainer as your dentist advises.
Relapse can happen months or even years after treatment, so protecting your new smile is a long-term commitment rather than something that ends when your braces or aligners come off.
Find out about our Invisalign braces in Hertfordshire, call us today on 01920 821579 or email us at info@elegancedental.co.uk
Key Points
Teeth can move back after both fixed braces and Invisalign, especially if retainers are not worn.
Relapse is caused by the gum fibres around your teeth, natural ageing and everyday pressure from your lips and tongue.
Long-term retainer wear and regular check-ups are the best ways to keep your teeth straight.
Why Do Teeth Relapse After Braces or Invisalign?
Teeth relapse after braces or Invisalign because the fibres and bone around them try to pull them back to where they started.
Each tooth sits in the jaw bone, held by tiny elastic fibres. When a tooth is moved, these fibres are stretched, and some of them, particularly around rotated teeth, take a long time to adapt. Until they settle, they act a little like a rubber band.
Other causes include:
Natural changes in the jaw and face as you get older
Pressure from your lips, cheeks and tongue
Habits such as tongue thrusting or teeth grinding
Gum disease, which weakens the support around your teeth
How Common Is Relapse After Orthodontic Treatment?
Relapse is very common if retainers are not worn over the long term.
Long-running research from the University of Washington found that fewer than 30% of patients still had satisfactory alignment of their lower front teeth 10 years after their retainers were removed.
The picture is much better with ongoing retention. A study of patients at least 10 years after treatment found that 81% of upper front teeth and 88% of lower front teeth remained acceptably aligned, with fixed retainers making a big difference to the lower teeth.
Is Relapse More Likely After Invisalign Than Braces?
No, relapse can happen after either treatment, and the risk depends far more on retainer wear than on whether you had braces or aligners.
What matters most is how far your teeth were moved, the type of movement and how consistently you wear your retainer afterwards. Teeth that were badly rotated or crowded at the start tend to have a higher risk of moving back.
See also: Are the results from Invisalign permanent?
What Are the Signs That My Teeth Are Relapsing?
The most common sign that your teeth are relapsing is a retainer that feels tight or no longer fits properly.
Other signs include:
Small gaps opening between your teeth
Front teeth starting to overlap or twist
Your bite feeling different when you close your mouth
Food catching in places it did not before
If you notice any of these changes, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Small amounts of movement are much easier to correct early.
How Can I Stop My Teeth Relapsing?
You can stop your teeth relapsing by wearing your retainer exactly as your dentist recommends, usually every night for the long term.
There are two main types of retainer:
Removable retainers, which are clear and look similar to aligners
Fixed retainers, a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth
Some people have both for extra security. Clean your retainer daily, keep it in its case and replace it if it cracks or stops fitting. Regular dental check-ups also let your dentist spot early movement and check your retainers are still doing their job.
See also: How long do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign?
Wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment is key to maximise results and avoid relapse
Can Teeth That Have Relapsed Be Straightened Again?
Yes, teeth that have relapsed can usually be straightened again, often with a short course of Invisalign.
If the movement is small, a shorter treatment with fewer aligners may be enough to bring your teeth back into line. In some cases, composite bonding can be used to close small gaps or improve the shape of teeth instead.
Do not force an old retainer back in if it no longer fits, as this can damage your teeth or gums. Your dentist will assess the movement and recommend the simplest way to restore your smile.
At Elegance Dental, we can review your teeth, check your retainers and talk you through your options at a free consultation. Get in touch today on 01920 821579 or email us at info@elegancedental.co.uk
