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      • Gum Disease
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      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
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      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
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        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
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    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
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      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
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Thinking About Getting Braces Again? You Certainly Can!

  • September 20, 2022
  • 10:43 am
  • Braces
  • Braces, braces as an adult, Orthodontic Dentistry
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

Did you know that braces aren’t just for teenagers? Adults could get braces, too, either for the first time or a second time if their teeth moved back into their original positions after having braces the first time.

We’ll discuss getting braces again as an adult to improve your smile or bite.

What Is Orthodontic Relapse? 

One of the main reasons to get braces again comes from what we call orthodontic relapse. This process occurs when your teeth gradually return to their original positions following successful orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign. 

The top cause for this? Unfortunately, it’s because many patients stop wearing retainers after their braces come off. Orthodontists may recommend wearing retainers for life after your braces are removed. Sometimes, you may only need to wear them at night to ensure your teeth stay in place.

Short-term orthodontic relapse may happen in a year, while long-term orthodontic relapse can take up to 10 years to appear. 

Patients may need to wear retainers for life because their teeth, jaw, and gums need extra time to stabilize after braces shift them over.

Other factors that may lead to orthodontic relapse include genetics, aging, tooth loss, and teeth grinding. 

Related Post: Teeth Grinding Causes and Treatment

You Have More Options Now for Getting Braces Again

Did you have traditional metal braces 20 or 30 years ago? Have your teeth shifted back into their original positions?

You don’t necessarily need to have traditional metal braces again.

Invisalign offers one option. These are acrylic plastic trays that your orthodontist will switch out every two to four weeks to help move your teeth into the correct positions over time.

Ceramic braces are white or clear, and they look invisible against your teeth, giving you a confident smile without the shiny metal braces showing up every time you flash your pearly whites. First available in 1987, ceramic braces can give your smile a full treatment if your orthodontist believes Invisalign isn’t right for you.

Costs May Be Lower Now When Getting Braces Again

As a teenager, your parents probably paid for your braces. Now, prices may have come down to where they are more affordable than before. As you have more options and braces are much more readily available, costs and prices may have come down over the past 20 to 30 years.

There might also be some financing options available for getting braces again as an adult. Your orthodontist will discuss your financial choices as you discuss possible treatments.

Your Teeth & Roots May Still Be Strong

If you’re interested in getting braces again, your orthodontist will examine your mouth to see the current conditions of your teeth, gums, jaw, roots, and bone structure. Your doctor will determine if your teeth are strong enough to shift around in your mouth again. 

Like before, your overall treatment plan can take several months, depending on how much moving your teeth need to do. They will progress gradually over time until they settle into the right positions.

Your orthodontist will look at an x-ray of your mouth to see the current positions of your teeth, what the roots look like, and if your bone structure is healthy. Any missing teeth will also be taken into account when determining if getting braces again is suitable for you.

Having Braces Again Can Improve Your Bite, Too

Braces and other orthodontic treatments can align your teeth properly in your mouth for a beautiful smile. However, getting braces again can do more for you than improve your confidence. 

Aligning your teeth can help reduce your risk of developing cavities or plaque build-up, alleviate jaw pain, reduce issues with chewing or swallowing, and help with an overbite or underbite.

Related Post: FAQs About Overbites

Get Your Smile Back Again

Lastly, we’d like to say having a beautiful smile can improve your confidence. Straightened teeth can transform your appearance completely when you smile, feel happier, and get more endorphins released into your bloodstream to help elevate your mood and relax your body.

Not only does a new smile help your physical health, but it can also help your emotional well-being as you navigate through social situations and professional settings with your newly found confidence. 

Talk to Your Orthodontist in Springfield, Missouri, About Getting Braces Again

Do you want to get the bright smile back you had earlier in life? Are you experiencing pain that might come from tooth misalignment? 

The orthodontic care staff at Parkcrest Dental Group, led by Dr. Steven Harrison, can help you if you want to look into getting braces again as an adult. You can get your smile back!

Contact us or call (417) 887-1220, and we’ll take care of you.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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