Round Two: Is It Okay to Wear Braces Twice?

Braces are often considered a rite of passage for many people during their youth; these tried-and-true metal brackets and wires have assisted countless patients when it comes to straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. That said, braces aren’t always a one-and-done type of treatment; in fact, it’s quite common to end up needing another round of orthodontic treatment! Here’s more about why braces might be needed a second time, and some tips for ensuring an easy and stress-free process.    

Why Might I Need to Wear Braces Twice?

The biggest reason for patients needing to wear braces a second time is orthodontic relapse. This simply means that the teeth weren’t able to remain in their new positions following orthodontic treatment, and they eventually reverted to their incorrect locations. Orthodontic relapse often occurs due to patients not wearing their retainers following their first round of treatment. These devices “retain” the teeth and prevent movement in the crucial months immediately after your braces come off.

Teeth can also move as a result of aging, physical trauma or injury, poor oral hygiene, or even when neighboring teeth are lost. It can also happen when new teeth—like the wisdom teeth—begin to erupt. It’s also worth noting that sometimes, treatment plans call for two rounds of braces initially! Your orthodontist will be able to let you know if your individual circumstances warrant braces again; they’ll be prioritizing your future oral health first and foremost.

Tips for Ensuring Successful Orthodontic Treatment

Whether you’re used to wearing braces or you’re still adjusting to the lifestyle, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth treatment process:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day; oral health issues like cavities and gum disease can cause treatment setbacks.
• Follow all dietary guidelines closely and avoid any bad oral habits that might harm your orthodontia.
• If you participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to prevent dental and orthodontic emergencies that might delay your treatment.
• At the conclusion of your treatment, when your braces are removed, wear your retainer as instructed to prevent relapse. 

Most patients who end up wearing braces a second time express that round two was far easier than round one; however, it still requires due diligence on their part. That said, if your orthodontist has recommended wearing braces again, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that your smile is in jeopardy; it may just mean your teeth are stubborn!

About the Practice

Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Framingham and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages, including tried-and-true traditional metal braces. If you’ve worn braces in the past but noticed that your teeth have seemingly become misaligned again, let us help! If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 250-0170.