1. So, why do people need further orthodontic treatment?
2. Not wearing retainers as directed
3. Bad habits
4. Tooth loss
5. Do I have to get braces again?
6. How much will it cost?
7. Start straightening your teeth today

More and more adults are undergoing orthodontic braces treatment – many for second-time braces. According to the British Orthodontic Society, three-quarters of their members are treating more adults than they were just two or three years ago.

For many teens, orthodontic treatment can be the stuff of nightmares. You may remember those painful visits to the dentist to have your braces adjusted, missing out on your favourite foods, and putting up with the jokes in school. Then, the hopeful anticipation when counting down to your last visit. The excitement as your braces finally came off,  and feeling relief at not having to go through that again.

Until you do!

So, why do people need further orthodontic treatment?

There are many reasons why previously straightened teeth shift again. Some of the most common causes include:

Not wearing retainers as directed

Please don’t feel too guilty; dentists know most of us didn’t understand the implications of ignoring their advice. Unfortunately, they weren’t trying to make you wear retainers to cramp your style; it’s because they are an essential part of the treatment process.

Once teeth have been realigned by braces or aligners, they need time to settle in their new positions. Failure to wear a retainer can mean that teeth will start to drift back, undoing all the hard work.

Bad habits

If you’re someone who grinds your teeth, clenches your jaw, or bites your nails, it may be putting enough pressure on your teeth to shift them out of alignment. Early intervention is critical here. Sometimes you don’t need full teeth straightening treatments to alleviate the issue, so make sure you are up to date with your regular dental check-ups.

Tooth loss

Sometimes losing one tooth is all it takes to cause problems for people who have had orthodontic treatment in the past. Whether you lost your tooth due to extraction or suffered an accidental trauma to the mouth, any change to your teeth can have enough of an impact to make your teeth appear crooked or gappy again.

If you notice any difference in your teeth, such as gaps, crowding or other changes that weren’t there before, or jaw pain or discomfort, these could be tell-tale signs that you may be a candidate for another round of orthodontic treatment.

Do I have to get braces again?

Not necessarily.

You may decide to embrace the natural look of your teeth without going back for more teeth straightening treatments. This will save time, money and discomfort, but it is important to remember that the implications of a crooked smile aren’t just cosmetic. You may be at a higher risk of gum disease and other oral conditions. Make sure you keep up with your regular dental check-ups and maintain a thorough home oral health routine.

Porcelain veneers are another way to give you a smile makeover instead of getting second-time braces. They guarantee a specific look at the end and are a quicker alternative, but they are only suitable to cover minor problems, and the cost could quickly run into thousands of pounds.

Many people who have had braces in the past decide to try clear aligners the second time around. These are transparent BPA-free plastic shells that have been custom made to fit your smile. They apply gentle pressure to move teeth into their optimal position. Not only is the treatment affordable and fast – sometimes you only need the aligners for a few months to reset your smile – but it’s also lifestyle friendly. Clear aligners aren’t usually noticeable when you’re wearing them, and you can easily remove them for activities like eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. That’s right – you won’t have the same food limitations when you have clear aligners, as you probably remember from when you wore braces.  Sometimes you can even opt only to wear them at night.

How much will it cost?

The cost of fixed braces can be expensive, costing up to £5000 and more in the case of lingual braces that attach behind the teeth.

Thankfully there are other options.

Affordable clear aligners from Caspersmile are a popular method that people choose to straighten their teeth when they need second-time braces. Clear aligners can be cheaper than braces, and the online options from places like Straight My Teeth are fast becoming the most popular way to complete orthodontic treatment the second time around.

Not only is it highly affordable – and there’s often special rates and promotions to take advantage of – it’s now possible to order at-home impression kits so you can have your aligners custom made without ever having to set foot in a dental clinic.

There are even clear aligner payment plans available for you to space your treatment costs out over several months.

Start straightening your teeth today

If you're considering braces for the second time, affordable clear aligners might be the best option for you. They are less noticeable than traditional braces and can be a more convenient choice for adjusting teeth. You should consult with your orthodontist to discuss if clear aligners meet your specific needs and how they compare in cost and effectiveness.