Orthodontic relapse happens when your teeth shift back toward their original positions after treatment. It’s more common than you might think — especially if you stop wearing your retainer.
Here’s what Canadian patients should know about relapse and how to keep their smile looking its best.
🤧 Why Does Relapse Happen?
- After braces or aligners, your teeth and bone need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, the following can trigger movement:
- Natural changes in jaw and facial muscles
- Pressure from chewing or tongue posture
- Skipping or losing your retainer
🩺 Signs of Orthodontic Relapse
- Teeth starting to crowd or rotate again
- Gaps reappearing
- Bite feeling “off” or uncomfortable
Relapse can happen within weeks or months if you don’t wear your retainer as instructed.
✅ How to Prevent It
- Wear your retainer nightly — or as advised
- Replace damaged or lost retainers right away
- Attend regular follow-ups with your dentist or orthodontist
- Some patients benefit from permanent (fixed) retainers behind the front teeth for long-term stability
🛌 Can Relapse Be Fixed?
Yes — but it may require:
- A new retainer for minor shifts
- Short-term aligner treatment
- In some cases, retreatment with braces
Worried your teeth are moving again? Book a consultation with McLevin Dental — we’ll assess your smile and guide you on how to get (and keep) your results.