Braces are one of the most iconic dental treatments around—many generations of children and adult patients have turned toward this tried-and-true treatment to achieve healthier and straighter smiles. But in some instances, even after wearing braces, teeth stubbornly revert back to their original, misaligned positions. When this happens, is a second round of braces able to help? Continue reading to learn more about reasons why a patient might need to wear braces twice, along with some of the advantages offered by the treatment.
Why Would My Child Need Braces a Second Time?
The primary reason for children, regardless of their age, needing to wear braces a second time is what’s known as orthodontic relapse. Sometimes, even if braces treatment was successful, teeth can begin moving back out of place after the brackets and wires have been removed. This can happen simply due to aging, or it might result from a child not wearing their retainer as needed following treatment. Bruxism (teeth grinding) also poses a threat to the teeth’s position, as do bad oral habits including nail biting, thumb sucking, and tongue thrust. It’s also possible for physical injuries to move teeth out of ideal alignment.
What Benefits Come with Wearing Braces Twice?
The main benefit to wearing braces a second time is to combat orthodontic relapse; obviously, straighter teeth come with numerous oral health benefits that you should want your child to experience! That said, here are a few other benefits of wearing braces twice:
- Straighter teeth come with aesthetic benefits; a symmetrical smile is more attractive, and this can boost a child’s self-confidence and set their smile up for future beauty!
- If teeth are straight and properly aligned, they encourage proper oral function. Eating, speaking, and other jaw movements aren’t inhibited.
- Better dental alignment generally contributes to fewer oral health issues in the future.
- As dental technology advances, so do the capabilities of braces and other forms of orthodontics. They’re becoming more comfortable to wear and easier to maintain, making the process much easier for kids entering round two of braces.
If your child needs to undergo a second round of braces, you should encourage them and remind them that it isn’t their fault—sometimes teeth are stubborn! In any case, knowing why the treatment is necessary and understanding all of its benefits will help both you and your child feel good about their second orthodontic journey!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of the Pelham area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for children of all ages! If you have any questions about the blog or you suspect that your child might need to wear braces a second time, don’t hesitate to contact our team online or over the phone for more information or to schedule an appointment. Telephone: (603) 255-4084.