(Retention Treatment, Retainers, and Permanent Results)

The most natural question on the mind of almost everyone considering orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners) is: "I will spend so much effort, time, and money... But will my teeth become crooked again after orthodontics, will they go back to their old position?"

This concern is a very justified one. Because while straightening teeth takes months or years, experiencing the anxiety of "will the teeth shift back?" when the treatment ends can be exhausting for anyone.

In this article, specifically to answer the questions of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Bursa, I will explain in detail: why teeth tend to shift after orthodontics, why the retention (retainer) period is vital, and "what you can do to prevent your teeth from reverting to their old position."

(Throughout the content, I will frequently say "braces," but everything we discuss is equally applicable to the period after clear aligner treatment.)

1. Orthodontics Doesn't Just "Line Up" Teeth; Teeth Also Have Memory

Imagine that your teeth have been in a certain position for years.

1. Some teeth are tucked inside.
2. Some are pushed forward.
3. Some are overlapping.
4. Your jaw muscles, tongue, lips, and chewing habits have adapted to this situation for years.

With orthodontic treatment:

1. Light and continuous forces are applied to the teeth via wires or clear aligners.
2. The teeth are slowly moved within the bone toward their new positions.
3. The bone and ligament tissues around the teeth try to adapt to this new position over time.

However: The body considers the position it has been used to for years as "normal" and often wants to maintain its old arrangement.

This is why, after orthodontic treatment is finished, simply removing the braces/aligners is not enough for the teeth to stay in place; a retention period is absolutely necessary.

2. Why Do Teeth Tend to Relapse?

The word "relapse" means the teeth shifting back toward their old positions after correction. There are a few main reasons why teeth show relapse:

2.1. The Memory of the Ligaments (Periodontal Ligament)

The fibers surrounding the tooth root and connecting it to the bone have been shaped according to the tooth's old position for years. When teeth are moved to a new location with orthodontics:

1. The fibers stretch, twist, and change shape.
2. They can act like a "spring wanting to return to its original state."

It takes time for these fibers to adapt to the new position. Using a retainer during this period helps to "preserve" the new location of the teeth.

2.2. Growth and Aging Processes

Especially in young patients:

1. The lower jaw may continue to grow for a while longer.
2. Changes occur in the jaw bones and soft tissues.

These growth processes can affect the position of the teeth even after the treatment is over. Slight crowding can occur not only after treatment but even with age. In adults, too:

1. The way the teeth contact each other over time.
2. Muscle forces.
3. Chewing habits.

can influence the position of the teeth.

2.3. Habits like Teeth Grinding, Nail Biting, Pen Chewing

In people who grind their teeth at night (bruxism), constantly chew their nails, pens, or straw tips, or chew on one side; the asymmetrical and repetitive forces applied to the teeth can cause them to shift position again.

2.4. Tongue and Lip Position, Mouth Breathing

1. The tongue constantly pressing against the teeth (tongue thrusting).
2. Imbalanced work of the lip muscles.
3. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.

can cause problems such as the front teeth opening up again, pushing forward, or receding. Therefore, in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Bursa, not only the alignment of the teeth but also the tongue, lips, breathing, and function must be evaluated.

3. Expecting Permanent Results Without Retention (Retainer) Is Not Realistic

There are two distinct periods in orthodontic treatment:

1. Active Treatment Period: The time during which teeth are moved with braces or clear aligners.
2. Retention Period: The period after the teeth have reached the desired position, during which the goal is to maintain this position.

Most patients see the day their braces are removed as "the end!"; in fact, the period that determines the fate of the treatment begins after that day. The permanence of orthodontic treatment cannot be expected without retention.

4. Methods Used for Retention

There are a few basic methods used for retention. They are usually used together, depending on the case type.

4.1. Fixed Retainer Wire (Lingual Retainer)

1. A thin wire is bonded with composite material to the back surface of the lower and upper front teeth.
2. It is invisible from the outside.
3. It does not affect speech.

This wire:

1. Provides very strong support in preserving the correction in the front area by preventing the teeth's front-to-back and slight side movements.

Advantages:

1. The patient does not remove it; it stays in place.
2. There is no daily "I forgot to wear it" problem.

Points to Note:

1. Requires a different technique for flossing; demands careful cleaning.
2. It may break or come unbonded over time; it must be repaired quickly when noticed.

4.2. Clear Retainers (Retainer Trays)

1. It is in the form of a thin, clear tray.
2. It fits over the teeth like a cap.
3. It is usually worn at night (according to the doctor's recommended duration).

Advantages:

1. Provides full coverage protection for all teeth.
2. If necessary, it can also support the teeth grinding habit with a night guard.

Points to Note:

1. Its effectiveness decreases if the patient does not use it regularly.
2. Must not be lost or left in high heat.

5. "How Long Should the Retainer Be Used?"

There is no single magic answer to this question. But the reality that is increasingly accepted in modern orthodontic practice is this: As long as your teeth remain in your mouth, it is beneficial to wear a retainer at least at night.

Some doctors recommend:

1. Regular use for the first 6–12 months.
2. Followed by switching to nighttime use.

Others consider:

1. Long-term (even lifelong) nighttime retainer use as a sustainable habit, especially for the lower front teeth.

The important factors here are:

1. Your case characteristics.
2. Your age.
3. Your jaw structure.
4. The type of your previous malocclusion.
5. Muscle and tongue habits.

But the general message is clear: "If you let go of the compression, the spring wants to return to its original state. Teeth can show similar reflexes when the retainer is abandoned."

6. Is Slight Shifting in My Teeth Normal After Orthodontics?

Yes, after the treatment is finished:

1. Very slight shifts.
2. Millimetric position changes.

can occur, and these are often considered normal physiological adaptation. The important thing is:

1. That obvious, noticeable crowding does not reoccur.
2. That the main aesthetic and functional gains of the treatment are preserved.

If you feel that:

1. Your teeth are visibly shifting forward or backward.
2. They are starting to overlap.
3. Your bite is compromised.

then you must definitely see your orthodontic specialist again. Sometimes, just renewing the retainer or increasing its use may be enough; sometimes, a small, short-term "refinement" treatment may be necessary.

7. What Can I Do to Prevent My Teeth from Reverting?

To reduce the risk of your teeth shifting back, you should pay attention to the following:

1. Use your retainer regularly: According to your doctor's prescribed schedule, without saying, "It's straight enough now, I don't need to wear it."
2. Don't skip control appointments: Especially during the first year of the retention period, checking the fit and integrity of the retainer is crucial.
3. Pay attention to oral hygiene: Healthy teeth and gums are fundamental for the teeth to remain stable. If gums recede or bone support decreases, teeth shift position more easily.
4. Avoid bad habits: Habits like nail biting, pen chewing, constantly playing with a straw, or tongue thrusting push the teeth.
5. Be aware of teeth grinding problems: If you wake up with jaw fatigue and headaches, or notice wear on your teeth, talk to your doctor; a night guard or additional measures may be needed.

8. Short Answer: "Will My Teeth Go Back to Their Old Position After Orthodontics?"

Yes, they can.

If you do not adhere to the retention period, do not use your retainer, skip controls, and do not correct your bad habits, your teeth may shift back to a similar degree of crowding, if not their exact old state.

But if you ask the same question this way: "What should I do to prevent my teeth from becoming crooked after orthodontics?"

The answer is:

1. A well-planned treatment.
2. A retainer used with the correct duration and form.
3. Regular check-ups.
4. Good oral care and habit management.

With these, the chance of your straightened teeth remaining straight is very high.

Orthodontics, with proper retention, gives you not just "teeth that look good for a while," but a healthy and aesthetic smile you can use for a lifetime.

If you are currently:

1. Noticing your teeth have become slightly crooked after your previous orthodontic treatment.
2. Or about to start a new treatment and are worried about "will it relapse?"

The most correct step is to get an examination from an orthodontic specialist and clarify the retention plan specific to your mouth structure.

Remember: Orthodontics is not "apply and remove the braces," but a well-planned process + a smartly preserved result.