I'm 55 years old. I wore braces and head gear for severe overbite in my early teens and wore my retainers into my early 20's.

Question

In the last year my top teeth have started to protrude and the bottem teeth are crooked. Will this continue to worsen? I saw an it orthodontist and she said I need 18 months in braces and probably retainers for life. Just want another opinion.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

My experience is that once orthodontic relapse occurs (usually because a patient stops wearing retainers as instructed) it will continue to get worse; especially the lower anterior teeth.Your orthodontist's treatment plan sounds completely ligitimate. You may also consider Invisalign as a probable treatment option. You will need to wear retainers for as long as you want straight teeth.Good luck!

Jennifer S. Stachel, DMD · Answer

Dear tammi2424,I will do my best to answer your questions with the information available. It isn't abnormal to see this type of shifting.  It is the natural migration of the teeth as we get older. It can continue to get worse. It's not abnormal to need orthodontics a second time. I recommend correcting it if it concerns you and wearing your retainers religiously once the treatment is complete. You can even ask your doctor about permanent retainers as well. I hope that this helps and good luck!Best,Dr. Jenn

I'm 55 years old. I wore braces and head gear for severe overbite in my early teens and wore my retainers into my early 20's.

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I'm 55 years old. I wore braces and head gear for severe overbite in my early teens and wore my retainers into my early 20's.

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.