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FAQ: Adult Orthodontics

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Orthodontics Ask The Dentist John Purpura

Question:
I got braces when I was 23 yrs old to close this a gap in my upper teeth as well as other small gaps and an overbite. I got my braces off when I was 26. My teeth looked good-the gaps were gone and no more overbite.

The doctor told me to keep my teeth perfect, I would have to wear a retainer at night in order to retain my teeth in the position that they were in. But several months after wearing the retainers I can see that my upper front teeth are spacing again and I am scared that they might open completely.

I still wear my retainers at night but they are still spacing little by little. Is there an eplannation for this? I don't want my teeth to go back to the position they were in before. ....Visitor from NY

Answer:
Front teeth often will spread and lead to spacing due to a few reasons. If they are top teeth then the bottom teeth bite may be putting pressure on them to force the upper teeth out to the lip. This will result in gaps forming.

If they are bottom front teeth than the tongue may be pushing them out to the lip causing the gaps. You may have a habit like biting pens or sucking on something which will cause the teeth to move.

The retainer may not be tight enough and this allows the teeth to move a small bit however the continued wearing of the retainer will keep the problem from getting larger. I would recommend returning to the orthodontist who placed the braces and discussing the options.

John Purpura, DDS

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