Can I get braces for second time due to teeth shifting from failing to wear retainer? (photo)

Question

I had worn braces from 8th grade and got them off the summer before 12th grade. I had upper and lower jaw surgery at age 16 years old due to a severe open bite and under bite. When I got my braces off I failed to wear my retainers as I was supposed to and I feel as if my teeth have shifted and now my midline is off center. Is there a way to tell? if that’s the case, if so I’d like to wear braces again to get my teeth back to where they were, they just don’t feel as straight to me.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

It is difficult to tell with the one single picture provided but it looks like you have  a posterior crossbite on the left side; which could also account for your midline being off. Braces alone will NOT properly resolve a posterior crossbite. It is important that you do fix a crossbite however, due to the trauma it places on your TMJ, possible airway problems and the wear and tear it places on the gums and bone around your teeth.Once your crossbite is eliminated then you can correct the midline and straighten the teeth with braces or Invisalign.Good luck!

Can I get braces for second time due to teeth shifting from failing to wear retainer? (photo)

Answers (1)