Just How Permanent Are the Results You Get from Braces?

If you think about methods that people use to make their teeth look perfect, there’s a good chance that braces are pretty close to the top of that list. Braces have been used for several decades to straighten teeth. But are the straightening results you get from them permanent? 

Natural Movement

The idea that the teeth will remain in their new position without any further care or maintenance is a common fallacy. The reality is that teeth naturally move on their own over time, and they’ll tend to revert back to where they were before braces if left to their own devices. Teeth tend to naturally move over time anyway. As you age, your teeth tend to move forward, especially those on the bottom arch.

Retaining Results

Fortunately, you don’t have to resign yourself to paying for braces for your child only for the results to inevitably be undone. Ever heard of retainers? They’re dental devices designed specifically to keep the teeth where the braces put them. Some retainers are removable, while others are fixed to the backs of the teeth. If your child has a removable retainer, they’ll need to wear them the whole time for the first few months, except for when they are eating, drinking, or brushing their teeth. After that, they’ll be able to wear them just at night.

Future Orthodontic Care

Sometimes we have the best of intentions but don’t do a very good job of following through on them. If the teeth move, further orthodontic treatment may be necessary. A second round of braces or maybe an Invisalign treatment can put them back where they’re supposed to be. If they only miss wearing the retainer for a night or two, the movement may be small enough that the retainer can encourage them back into position. Keep in mind that it’s best to not wear a retainer that just doesn’t fit anymore. Doing so can damage the teeth and gums. Just go see the orthodontist to get advice for how to proceed.

Since you’re the one paying for your child’s braces, it’s only normal to want to know how long you can expect the results they create to last. The bad news is that you can’t just have the braces removed and expect the teeth to just stay where they’ve been moved to. The good news is that with proper care and discipline, your child can enjoy the benefits of having worn braces for the rest of their life.

Need to schedule an orthodontic checkup? Contact us today to set up an appointment.