More people than you may know get braces twice—once as a teenager and again as an adult, so yes, it’s possible to wear braces two times in your life! However, you will need to be cleared by your dentist to make sure you’re a good candidate for the treatment. Read on to learn more about what the process of getting braces a second time can look like and when it’s necessary.
Why Would You Need Braces a Second Time?
Your teeth can shift for a number of reasons, like not having enough room in your mouth, simply as a result of aging, and even your jaw shape. In other cases, dental problems like tooth loss can also result in bite problems and misalignment.
However, in most cases, once you’ve had braces the first time, so long as you’re diligent about wearing your retainer after your first round of braces, they should maintain their alignment. Some patients even opt for a permanent retainer to make sure this is the case!
What Causes Teeth to Move After Getting Braces?
Many people think that after braces, their teeth are affixed into that position for the rest of their lives. That’s not exactly true. Teeth have a sort of muscle memory that will naturally guide them back into their original alignment if they aren’t kept in place (hence the need for retainers after braces). Some other reasons why your teeth may shift after you complete braces treatment include:
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Bite change
- Teeth grinding
- Tongue thrusting
- Improper retainer use
- Aging
If you notice that your dental alignment is different a decade or two after your braces treatment, it isn’t because your first braces didn’t work—it’s likely because your teeth have shifted again!
What Do Adult Braces Look Like?
As an adult, if either you or your dentist believe you could benefit from a second round of orthodontic treatment, the good news is that you may have different options this time around.
Clear aligner treatments like Invisalign are available for patients who have mild to moderate misalignment. This option is discreet, making it ideal for patients who have professional careers or adults who simply don’t want to have to wear bracket-and-wire braces again. Traditional braces may also be necessary again, but don’t worry! It’s likely that you will need them for less time than you did as a teenager.
While hearing that you need braces again as an adult isn’t exactly good news, know that 2026 may offer you different options than you had in 2006! Treatment with modern appliances like clear aligners offer more freedom, discretion, and flexibility. Plus, keeping your teeth aligned will help reduce your risk of oral health problems as you age and give you a little confidence boost, too!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq has over 10 years of experience and has completed additional training in orthodontics. As such, he’s able to offer his teen and adult patients both Invisalign clear aligner treatment and braces in-office. To learn more about orthodontics and whether you’re a good candidate, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.