Do Your Teeth Open Gaps Again After Removing Braces?

Yes, it is possible for teeth to shift and open gaps after braces are removed, especially if proper retention measures are not adhered to. Maintaining the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment is crucial, and wearing a retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist is essential. Retainers help stabilize the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from moving back to their original alignment. Regular follow-ups with your orthodontist can also help monitor any changes and ensure that your teeth remain in the desired position.

Tongue and Front Teeth Alignment

In some individuals who had premolar extractions as part of their orthodontic work, a gap may appear over time between the front teeth. This diastema is often a result of the mouth shrinking after extraction orthodontics, becoming too small for the tongue to fit comfortably. Consequently, the tongue is crammed and pushed against the front teeth, trying to reclaim some space. The tongue, being a strong and active organ, will push the teeth forward, creating a gap. However, the tongue usually cannot push the front teeth forward by the full 6 mm they were originally retracted by orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment and Natural Relapse

It is important to note that with all orthodontic treatment, there is a natural tendency for teeth to shift back to their original positions. However, this shift is not necessarily accompanied by the opening of gaps. Gaps are more commonly associated with individuals who had pre-molar extractions as part of their orthodontic treatment. Research has shown that the tongue is a significant factor in this process, often labeled as "the enemy of orthodontics" due to its forceful nature in pushing teeth forward.

The Role of Retainers

Retainers were invented to protect the "finished product" of orthodontic treatment from being destroyed by natural relapse and by the tongue. Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in their new positions, preventing them from moving back to their original alignment. Without proper retention, teeth can shift, potentially creating gaps.

Addressing Tongue-Induced Gaps: Surgical Intervention

For individuals who have significantly problematic tongue space after extraction/retraction orthodontics, jaw surgery may be necessary to advance both jaws to their original alignment—where, if the procedure had been done in teenage years, the jaws would have grown to their natural positions if not shrunken back by the orthodontic treatment.

The tongue's response to orthodontic treatment is to push the teeth forward, aiming to reclaim lost space. This natural reaction can lead to gaps between the front teeth, especially in the case of premolar extractions.

In conclusion, to successfully maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment, it is essential to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist. Regular follow-ups and proper retention measures can significantly reduce the risk of teeth shifting and opening gaps. Understanding the role of the tongue in this process is crucial for patients and orthodontists alike.

Keywords: tongue pushers, orthodontic treatment, retainer wear, teeth gaps.