Retreatment Options for Adults

So you’ve caught a few glimpses of your smile in the mirror lately, and you’re thinking that maybe it could use some attention. But the thought of going through all that work you did as a child or teen leaves you cold.

Hey! We get it.

Luckily, a lot’s changed since you were a kid!

At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we know that if you’re in Acton, Billerica, Westford, or Lowell, you want the confidence that comes with trusting your retreatment care to three generations of experienced orthodontists! Dr. Jay, Dr. Steve, Dr. Steve Jr., and Dr. Tim Reichheld continue the legacy that Dr. John, Sr. established. And, although not ‘technically’ related, Dr. Brian Ting is an integral member of the RTO family, having years of experience treating patients with both braces and Invisalign in the community.

They’re here to tell you everything you need to know about retreatment options for adults. Who needs it? What is it? What are my options?

Find out below!

Do I Need Retreatment?

Orthodontic retreatment is necessary for patients facing what is known as orthodontic relapse.

This isn’t as harrowing as it may sound. Really, this just means that your teeth have shifted after your initial orthodontic treatment, most often back toward their original positions but almost never as bad as the original malocclusion.

What causes orthodontic relapse?

Most commonly, relapse occurs in cases where retainers were used either infrequently or not at all. The truth is that while getting your braces off or finishing your course of treatment with Invisalign is a major step, following up with a proper course of retainer care is just as essential for long-term orthodontic success.

Once your braces are off, the teeth, jaw, and surrounding gum tissue still need time to settle in their new positions, which is where proper use of a well-fitting retainer is essential.

Will I need braces?

Not necessarily. Orthodontic relapse comes in two flavors – short-term and long-term.

Short-term Relapse

If you’ve finished your treatment in the past year and have begun to see backward progress, you’re dealing with a short-term relapse, Drs. Reichheld and Ting may be able to either issue a new retainer to best suit the altered landscape of your teeth and hold the teeth in their current position or, if the relapse is minor, you may qualify for a Smile Touch-Up with Invisalign to fix the shifting teeth. Smile Touch-Up is an Invisalign option we are able to offer existing patients of RTO who have minor movement which can be completed in 10 aligners or less at a significant discount.

Long-term Relapse

If you’ve been out of treatment for more than a year, or if the short-term relapse is more significant, a new course of treatment may be needed. This is known as long-term relapse.  This can be performed with braces or Invisalign clear aligners depending on the severity of the relapse and personal preference.  

Today’s braces are easier to deal with and more comfortable than ever before. Advanced technology has done away with much of the clunky system of ties and heavy-weight metal that you may remember and dread!

For those who don’t want a second round of braces, Invisalign is a great option. With Invisalign, there are no broken brackets, pokey wires or diet restrictions. Plus, the esthetic difference is unparalleled. So if you’re dreading going back into braces for orthodontic relapse, give a call to the area’s Top 1% Invisalign providers to find out if Invisalign might be right for you.

Why Choose Retreatment?

It can be frustrating to look in the mirror and feel like all that work you did earlier in life was for nothing. But don’t worry! After all, your teeth and jaw ‘know’ where to go now; it’s simply a matter of reminding them to get back in line! Even in the case of a long-term relapse, it is likely that your retreatment plan will advance much more quickly than your initial course of care.

Not only do you want to see your best smile, but your treatment may serve to stave off alignment issues in the jaw, which could lead to discomfort or increased tooth wear if left uncorrected.

Never Fear – Dr. Ting and the Reichhelds are here!

Everyone here at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics is thrilled you’ve taken the time to look into your options for adult orthodontic retreatment. Now it’s time to take the plunge – but hey! The water’s fine!

We offer initial consults free of charge and, at RTO, we’re committed to serving the greater Middlesex community with a people-first philosophy that never puts the bottom line ahead of the individual.  

So why wait? Call today!