Westcoast International Dental Clinic Vietnam

Orthodontic Relapse Part 2

Orthodontic Relapse: Don’t Let It Happen To You!

Orthodontic Relapse is a very disappointing situation, especially if you’ve paid thousands of dollars on your recently completed orthodontic treatments. The thought of having to recreate your past efforts to counter a relapse would be challenging to endure.

The best approach to maintaining your newly corrected alignment and long-term dental health is to ensure that you don’t allow an orthodontic relapse to occur in the first place.

The key points we’ll be focusing on in this article (Part 2 - Top 9 causes for a relapse after orthodontic therapy – 4 to 1) are as follows:

Inadequate or substandard orthodontic care and treatment
The declining effects of the natural aging process
Periodontal disease can have long term negative effects that will destroy your oral health
Tooth loss and subsequent repercussions can wreak havoc with your corrected orthodontics

If you missed Part 1 of this article series (we encourage you to check it out when you can) - we’re pleased you joined us for Part 2.

#4. Ensuring you receive competent orthodontic care and treatment

Finding and working with a reputable and competent dentist or orthodontist should be one of the most important elements you consider before you begin your orthodontic treatments.

The failure to do so, could result in poorly executed, insufficient orthodontic treatments and spotty follow up care.

In the event your underlying issues were neglected to be considered and treated, the results could be costly and may promote an accelerated orthodontic relapse.

Another issue is the teeth roots, especially if they’re not properly anchored into place where they can settle in firmly.

One key treatment goal is to achieve a positive intercuspation of your upper and lower teeth by the time your treatment is finished. If this results it will be a valuable factor in maintaining stability (in most treated cases), and will aid in the prevention of a future orthodontic relapse.

By working with a top-notch dentist and an internationally recognized clinic, you will benefit from years of experience and a history of excellent results. By doing so, you’ll be eliminating the common pitfalls associated with an inferior approach and money ahead in the long haul.

Treatment planning and the early decisions that are made relative to your orthodontic care, are perhaps the most important factors involved in the prevention of a relapse. For example, the decision to extract or not extract a tooth or teeth can have an immense influence on the outcome of a case. Therefore, lack of experience or a proper analysis, regarding an extraction can lead to both positive or negative results. The focused care and attention to the fine details which you’ll experience during the evaluation and pre-screening process, if you’ve teamed up with a competent and reputable orthodontist should provide you with the assurance that all the factors discussed in this article, such as your age, genetics, and oral pre-dispositions are taken into consideration.

The collective end result should guarantee there will be no surprises and your corrected realignment and signature smile, will be preserved as they were intended to be for years into the future.

#3. How the aging process can accelerate a relapse

The natural aging process is something we all must face, and it affects every part of the human body. Sooner or later all of our physical systems, level of function, and healing ability will begin to decline not just our teeth. Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatments many years ago the results of your personal aging journey could lead to an orthodontic relapse.

For example, as you age your teeth may buckle under pressure and shift as your protective enamel begins to thin and wear out.

It won’t be unusual for you to experience your teeth weakening, becoming more brittle, and shifting out of alignment.

While other’s will fall prey to their diminishing ability to maintain a high standard of dental hygiene and maintenance due to physical limitations and disabilities. Hence, potentially negative impacts will occur much faster and become more challenging to maintain.

Therefore, it’s important to be pro-active, self-responsible and committed to living a healthy lifestyle and taking excellent care of yourself throughout your life. The reality is, by the time you’ve reached old age it may be too late to repair the damage your youthful negligence has caused.

#2. Periodontal Disease can wreak havoc with your oral health and lead to an orthodontic relapse

When your periodontal health is compromised and treatment is withheld the loss of teeth, impaired function and disappointing-compromised aesthetics can be expected and will eventually follow.

Normally, a comprehensive periodontal health evaluation and diagnosis will be included as part of your initial orthodontic assessment, and prior to the commencement of any orthodontic treatments. Diabetes, stress, smoking, misc. genetic influences and other risk factors that may be present will also need to be considered, and integrated into your treatment strategy.

According to most orthodontists, if predisposed, periodontal conditions are carefully managed and controlled, during and after orthodontic treatment in conjunction with functional rehab and strict compliance - excellent home care by the patient, achieving long-term alignment stability and the highest and best results is likely.

In contrast, if a spotty or less than hyper diligent consideration of your whole periodontal profile is minimized or over looked, it will very often result in the aggravation and acceleration of your periodontal disease and an orthodontic relapse.

The growing number of adults who engage in orthodontic treatment is increasing along with their life expectancy.

Statistics and much trial and error over the years has revealed the importance and need for follow up post treatment care. This emphasis on preserving one’s dental health, by implementing a high level of preventive periodontal maintenance and care is extremely important.

People who are more prone to developing periodontal disease, will find their risk of an orthodontic relapse will be accentuated dramatically.

#1. Tooth Loss can destroy your corrected alignment and trigger a relapse

Losing a tooth or teeth at any age and anytime can be traumatic. If you lose a tooth or teeth post orthodontic treatments and it eventually leads to an orthodontic relapse, it can be disappointing and disheartening.

When you sustain a loss of one of more of your teeth due periodontal disease or decay, the teeth surrounding the void or gap in your mouth will start migrating-drifting-shifting into that open space. When that happens not only can it be demoralizing, but it will also lead to the mis-alignment of your previously corrected bite.

The term mesial drift refers to the naturally occurring action which triggers the migration of your teeth towards the front of your smile.

Therefore, it is mandatory for you to be self-responsible and self-activated with regards to the level of home care and hygienic maintenance you engage in, especially post orthodontic treatments. That is of course, if you want to protect your investment, corrected alignment, and new signature smile for the long term.

To make sure you don’t have to redo your orthodontic treatments, it’s imperative you wear your retainers daily without fail and address - correct your myofunctional issues or neuromuscular issues before you begin your orthodontic treatments. And to make sure you take exceptional care of your teeth and gums.

If you are working, residing, or traveling to Vietnam, Westcoast International Dental Clinic is well established with 15 + years of experience in country. They can support you with any concerns you may have about orthodontic relapse or any of your other dental needs.