Should I Consider More Treatment If I’m Not Happy After My Braces Are Removed?

LAST UPDATED: JULY 31, 2017

Most people expect to have a flawlessly straight smile as soon as their orthodontic equipment comes off, but sadly, this does not always happen. Despite the best work of any orthodontist, it is not always possible to predict the precise outcome of teeth straightening procedures. This can lead to your smile still being slightly crooked after orthodontic devices are removed. There are a few different options available for you if you realize that you still are not happy with your teeth after your orthodontic devices are removed.

FAQ

What You Should Do If Your Teeth Aren’t Straight Enough

The first thing you should do if your teeth seem a little crooked still is talk to your orthodontist. Orthodontists want their patients to be happy with their results, so they will be willing to work with you and find a solution for your issues. Though it is quite rare, it is possible that your braces were removed too soon. So if the results are not quite what they should be, you may need to spend a little while longer with orthodontic appliances in your mouth. In some cases, traditional metal orthodontics can be reinstalled, but this is not always recommended if you just need a few minor changes.

How to Fix the Issue Without Getting Braces Put on Again

After spending so long waiting for your orthodonture to be removed, it is understandably upsetting to not be happy with the results. Many people realize that they do not want to have to go around with metal on their teeth anymore. Fortunately, there are a lot of other available methods for straightening teeth. Invisalign is a popular option because it consists of clear, plastic trays that realign teeth without being very visible. Some people are put off by the cost of Invisalign because you have to get multiple, custom-molded trays, but if you just need to straighten your smile a tiny bit more, it is very affordable. There are also headgear options that you can wear each night while you sleep to gradually shift your teeth a little farther. These devices can help to make a slow change if you just want your teeth to be slightly moved.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Sometimes, a person may think that they are unsatisfied because their smile is not straight enough, but this is not always the actual reason. A lot of discontent can actually be due to subtle color differences and abnormal tooth shapes in your mouth. If your smile still seems less than perfect even when your teeth are completely aligned, you may want to consider one of these cosmetic dentistry options:

Tooth Whitening

After wearing orthodontics for so long, some patients suffer from uneven staining on their teeth. You can schedule a tooth whitening appointment with a cosmetic dentistry office to lighten your teeth and remove stains. When your smile is sparkling and white, you might realize that your teeth do not actually need to be straighter.

Veneers

Sometimes, the cosmetic issue is not actually due to crooked teeth. It may be caused by teeth that are an unusual shape or size. This can be solved by affixing a thin yet durable veneer over the surface of the tooth. Veneers can be custom made to blend in with the rest of your teeth while making your smile look more regular.

Bonding

A single chipped or worn tooth might be making your smile look off even though your orthodontic procedures were successful. You can get a tooth colored material bonded to a slightly chipped tooth so that your overall smile looks more even and aesthetic.

How to Deal With Teeth That Seem to Be Getting Crooked Again

Another common issue happens when a patient is initially pleased with the result and then starts to think that their teeth are still too crooked. Most people assume that the orthodontics did not actually work, but what is truly happening is that their teeth are shifting. After orthodontics are removed, it takes a little time for the teeth to become firmly situated in the correct position. Therefore, it is very important to wear retainers or other types of orthodontic appliances that may be prescribed by your orthodontist for the correct amount of time. Not only will this prevent your teeth from getting crooked, but it can also help to correct minor shifts and movements among your teeth.

Contact McDermott Orthodontics to Learn More About Treatment for Adults

In Minnesota, you can visit McDermott Orthodontics to learn more about the orthodontic treatments that are designed for adults. Dr. Michael McDermott offers services to patients living in these areas:

• Delano – 763-972-4444
• Pequot Lake – 218-568-5600
• Brainerd – 218-829-1630
• Baxter – 218-829-1630

At McDermott Orthodontics, our patients can receive treatment with these orthodontic devices:

• Damon system – self-ligating devices
• Clear devices – made with clear brackets
• Invisalign aligners – suitable for adults
• Ceramic devices – made with color-matching brackets

With our top-of-the-line diagnostic equipment, we can determine how to improve the positions of your teeth with a few months or several years of orthodontic treatment. To learn more about orthodontic braces, schedule an appointment today.

Should I Consider More Treatment If I’m Not Happy After My Braces Are Removed?

McDermott Orthodontist
708 Elm Ave. E.
Delano, MN
55328
TEL: 763-972-4444