If Your Teeth Shift After Having Braces, Are Aligners an Option?
Posted on 8/15/2025 by Raleigh Family Orthodontics
Many people believe that once they've completed orthodontic treatment with braces, their teeth will stay perfectly aligned forever. However, this isn't always the case. Teeth can shift over time due to various factors, such as:
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Wisdom teeth eruption: As wisdom teeth erupt, they can push other teeth out of alignment.
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Gum disease: Gum disease can damage the bone that supports your teeth, leading to tooth movement.
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Bruxism (teeth grinding): Grinding your teeth can put stress on your teeth and cause them to shift.
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Thumb sucking or other oral habits: These habits can put pressure on your teeth and cause them to move.
If you notice that your teeth have shifted after having braces, you may be wondering if aligners are an option for correcting the alignment. The answer is: it depends.
Aligners as a Retreatment Option
Aligners can be an effective way to correct minor to moderate tooth movement after braces. They are a more discreet and comfortable option than traditional braces, and they can often achieve the desired results in a shorter amount of time.
However, it's important to note that aligners are not suitable for all cases of teeth shifting. If your teeth have shifted significantly, or if they have rotated or tipped, you may need to consider other treatment options, such as fixed braces or retainers.
Factors to Consider
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if aligners are right for you:
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The severity of the tooth movement: If your teeth have only shifted slightly, aligners may be a good option. However, if your teeth have shifted significantly, you may need a different treatment.
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The cause of the tooth movement: If the tooth movement is due to a temporary factor, such as wisdom teeth eruption, aligners may be a good option. However, if the tooth movement is due to a more permanent factor, such as gum disease, you may need a different treatment.
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Your budget: Aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces.
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Your lifestyle: Aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day, so it's important to make sure that you can commit to wearing them as directed.
Talking to Your Orthodontist
If you're concerned about your teeth shifting after having braces, the best thing to do is talk to your orthodontist. They will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your teeth from shifting after having braces:
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Wear your retainer as directed: Your orthodontist will likely recommend that you wear a retainer for several months or even years after your braces are removed. It's important to wear your retainer as directed to help keep your teeth in their new positions.
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Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, which can help prevent tooth movement.
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Avoid bad habits: Avoid habits such as thumb sucking and teeth grinding, which can put pressure on your teeth and cause them to move.
By following these tips, you can help keep your teeth aligned and maintain your beautiful smile.
About Us • Raleigh Family Ortho Learn more about Dr. Lee & Dr. Neill, their Raleigh dental practice, and some basic information about orthodontics. Call us today to schedule! Raleigh Family Orthodontics, 9201 Leesville Road STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 + (984) 254-0585 + raleighfamilyortho.com + 8/29/2025 + Related Phrases: orthodontist RALEIGH NC +
Many people believe that once they've completed orthodontic treatment with braces, their teeth will stay perfectly aligned forever. However, this isn't always the case. Teeth can shift over time due to various factors, such as: