Can Aligners Fix Teeth That Have Moved After Braces?
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Can Aligners Fix Teeth That Shifted After Braces?
It’s not uncommon: after years of wearing braces, your teeth slowly begin to move out of alignment again. Whether due to forgetting your retainer, jaw growth, or natural shifting over time, this situation is called orthodontic relapse—and it happens to more people than you might think. Yes, aligners are an excellent solution for teeth that have shifted after braces. With a custom-designed series of trays, aligners gently guide your teeth back into their ideal position—without metal wires or brackets.
What Is Orthodontic Relapse?
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth start drifting from their aligned positions after previous orthodontic treatment. This is especially common when:
Retainers weren’t worn consistently after braces
Teeth and jaw continue to shift with age
There’s crowding or spacing that was never fully resolved
Natural tooth movement occurs due to biting, grinding, or missing teeth
Relapse can affect both cosmetic appearance and functional bite alignment. In some cases, even small shifts can lead to issues with chewing, speech, or oral hygiene.
How Aligners Correct Relapse
Clear aligners like Invisalign work by applying targeted pressure to gradually move teeth back into their original, corrected position. The process includes:
A 3D digital scan to assess your current alignment
A personalized treatment plan using past orthodontic records (if available)
A series of custom-made aligners worn in sequence
Optional attachments or minor procedures to optimize movement
A final retainer plan to lock in the results
Aligners are especially effective for mild to moderate relapse cases, such as:
Minor crowding or overlapping of the front teeth
Small gaps or midline shifts
Slight bite issues re-emerging after treatment
What to Expect from Retreatment
Treatment time: Often shorter—3 to 9 months, depending on the extent of shifting
Wear schedule: 20–22 hours per day
Comfort: Smooth plastic aligners are discreet and easy to wear
Monitoring: Regular check-ins (in person or virtual) to track progress
Aftercare: Nighttime retainers to maintain results for life
If your case is more complex (involving skeletal relapse or major bite changes), your provider may recommend braces, elastics, or a combination plan.
Why Act Early?
The longer you wait to address shifting, the more likely your teeth are to continue moving—making treatment more complex and longer. Early intervention with aligners can:
Prevent further misalignment
Save time and cost
Restore your original results without starting over from scratch
Avoid future discomfort or functional issues
Dr. Bak’s Expertise in Treating Relapse Cases
With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen has helped countless patients reclaim the results of their previous braces using clear aligners. His digital approach ensures that even subtle shifts are corrected precisely—resulting in fast, comfortable, and long-lasting outcomes.
Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).
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