Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
You once wore braces as a teenager, and after the treatment, your teeth were beautifully aligned. However, you’ve noticed that as the years have gone by, your teeth have started to shift back into their old positions. This phenomenon is known as orthodontic relapse, and it raises questions about why it happens and how to address it. In this article, Dr. Christine Tenaglia delves into the reasons behind orthodontic relapse and provides insights into potential solutions.
If you’ve had braces before, you probably received a retainer after the braces were removed and were advised to wear it regularly. Neglecting to follow this advice is one of the primary causes of orthodontic relapse, but it’s not the sole factor at play.
Other reasons could include:
- Poor resting oral posture
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue-tie
- Tongue thrust
- Thumb sucking
One lesser-discussed physical cause of orthodontic relapse involves orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMDs indicate a lack of harmony in how the muscles of the orofacial system, including the mouth and tongue, function. Many individuals with OMDs develop unconscious habits that can negatively impact their oral health and development. One such habit is thumb sucking.
Having an OMD means that the tongue, lips, and jaws are not in their proper resting positions. Poor rest oral posture can exert excessive force on the orofacial system, causing teeth to shift alignment even after orthodontic treatment. The root of the problem, the OMD, remains unaddressed, making it akin to rotating the tires on your car without ever ensuring proper alignment. Initially, the tires might seem fine, but over time, poor alignment takes its toll.
Living with an OMD can lead to various consequences, including:
- Frequent mouth breathing, which carries its own set of potential issues
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
- Improper development of the face and/or jaws
- Increased risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder
- Speech difficulties, potentially leading to a speech impediment
- A higher likelihood of developing sleep apnea
It’s crucial to treat an OMD before pursuing orthodontic treatment. Regrettably, many orthodontists and dentists may lack the training to identify these underlying conditions. Their focus is often on aligning teeth without establishing a solid foundation of proper oral function and posture.
At Tenaglia Smiles, we believe that early orthodontic intervention can prevent issues later in life, including the need for braces or Invisalign. By identifying and treating underlying issues, we aim to prevent orthodontic relapse. Even in adults, addressing OMDs can provide benefits. Identifying and addressing these concerns early in life reduces the risk of orthodontic relapse and might even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment later on.
Orthodontic treatment for patients in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
Whether you want to arrange early orthodontic intervention for your child or you’re an adult who has noticed orthodontic relapse, Dr. Tenaglia and our team of professionals are here to assist. To learn more, schedule a consultation by visiting us online or give us a call at (517) 347-6733. Find out for yourself why Dr. Christine Tenaglia has been named Okemos’ favorite dentist on multiple occasions.