Can Aligners Fix Teeth That Have Relapsed?
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Can Aligners Fix Relapsed Teeth After Braces?
It can be frustrating to notice your teeth shifting after you’ve already undergone orthodontic treatment. Whether your braces came off months or years ago, minor (or even moderate) tooth movement is common if retainers weren’t worn consistently. This phenomenon is known as orthodontic relapse. Yes, clear aligners are an effective solution for correcting teeth that have relapsed after previous orthodontic treatment. They offer a discreet, comfortable way to move your teeth back into alignment—often in a shorter timeframe than your original treatment.
What Causes Orthodontic Relapse?
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth gradually shift toward their original misaligned positions after treatment. Common causes include:
Inconsistent or discontinued retainer wear
Natural aging and jaw development
Tooth loss or dental work disrupting tooth positioning
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or oral habits
Gum recession or bone density changes
Even small changes can lead to noticeable crowding, spacing, or bite issues—particularly in the front teeth.
How Aligners Treat Relapsed Teeth
Clear aligners like Invisalign use a series of custom trays to apply gentle, controlled pressure to teeth, moving them back into alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for 1–2 weeks, gradually shifting the teeth closer to their original post-braces position. The process typically involves:
A 3D digital scan to assess current tooth alignment
A personalized treatment plan—often faster than first-time cases
A sequence of custom aligners to move teeth back into place
Post-treatment retainers to maintain your results long-term
Aligners are especially effective for mild to moderate relapse cases, including:
Crowded front teeth
Spacing that reappears
Rotated or tilted teeth
Mild bite changes
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Because the teeth have been aligned in the past, relapse cases often respond quickly:
Mild cases: 3 to 6 months
Moderate cases: 6 to 12 months
Severe relapse: May require a hybrid treatment approach
You must wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day to ensure optimal and lasting results.
Retainers Are Key to Preventing Further Relapse
After your aligner treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer every night to keep your teeth in place. Without proper retention:
Teeth can drift again, even after a second round of treatment
Bite alignment can regress, especially with aging
You may face increased costs for future retreatment
Dr. Bak provides detailed post-treatment protocols to help you maintain your results for life.
Dr. Bak’s Experience with Relapse Cases
With over 25 years of orthodontic expertise, Dr. Bak Nguyen has guided hundreds of patients through successful aligner-based retreatment plans. Using advanced 3D imaging and digital monitoring, he ensures precision, efficiency, and comfort—especially for patients who’ve already been through braces.
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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