Teeth Shifted Years After Braces? How to Fix Orthodontic Relapse

You wore braces for a year or two as a teenager, endured the tightening appointments, dealt with the wires and brackets — and then, somewhere along the way, your teeth quietly shifted back. Maybe you lost your retainer, maybe you stopped wearing it, or maybe nobody told you how important it was. Whatever happened, you're not alone. Orthodontic relapse — teeth moving after braces — is one of the most common reasons adults seek orthodontic treatment for the second time. The good news? Fixing it is often far simpler, faster, and more discreet than your original treatment.

Who This Guide Is For

This article is for UK adults who:

• Had braces as a teenager (or young adult) and have noticed their teeth have moved back — whether slightly or significantly
• Are frustrated that their teeth aren't as straight as they were after braces and want to fix it without going through braces twice
• Lost, broke, or stopped wearing their retainer years ago and are now seeing the consequences
• Want to understand their options for invisible braces to correct the relapse discreetly
• Are wondering whether retreatment is worth it and what it actually involves

See a clinician first if: your teeth have shifted significantly, your bite has changed noticeably, you have gum disease or loose teeth, or you're experiencing jaw pain. These factors need assessment before cosmetic or orthodontic treatment is considered.

Key Definitions in Plain English

• Orthodontic relapse: The tendency of teeth to shift back toward their original (pre-treatment) positions after orthodontic treatment. Some degree of relapse is almost universal without retention.
• Retainer: A custom-made device worn after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new positions. Can be fixed (bonded wire behind teeth) or removable (clear plastic tray or Hawley-type retainer).
• Clear aligners: Custom-made, removable plastic trays that gradually reposition teeth. Changed every 1–2 weeks. Nearly invisible when worn.
• 3D scan: A digital impression of your teeth used for diagnosis and treatment planning. Replaces the old putty moulds.
• IPR (Interproximal Reduction): Removing tiny amounts of enamel (0.1–0.5mm) between teeth to create space for alignment. Painless in most cases.
• Attachments: Small tooth-coloured composite bumps bonded to specific teeth that help aligners grip and apply force in precise directions.
• Tracking: How well teeth are following the planned movement sequence. Good tracking means aligners fit well and movements are progressing as planned.
• Refinements: Additional sets of aligner trays produced after the initial series to fine-tune tooth positions.
• Crowding: When teeth are bunched together or overlapping because there isn't enough space in the jaw.
• Late lower incisor crowding: A specific pattern where the lower front teeth become progressively more crowded from the late teens onward — even in people who never had braces.

Why Teeth Shift After Braces

Understanding why orthodontic relapse happens helps explain what needs to be done differently this time around.

1. Retainer Non-Compliance (The Biggest Factor)

This is, by far, the most common reason teeth moved after braces. Orthodontic treatment moves teeth into new positions, but the bone, gum fibres, and soft tissues around them need time to remodel and stabilise. Retainers hold teeth in place during this critical period — and ideally, long-term.

Common scenarios:

• The retainer was worn for a while, then gradually abandoned
• The retainer broke or was lost and never replaced
• The patient was told to wear it "for a few years" and assumed it was no longer needed
• A fixed retainer debonded (came loose) and wasn't repaired promptly
• The retainer stopped fitting after a break in wearing it, so it was discarded

2. Natural Age-Related Changes

Teeth continue to move throughout life — this is normal and happens to everyone, including people who never had orthodontic treatment. The lower front teeth are particularly prone to crowding with age, a phenomenon called "late lower incisor crowding." This happens due to:

• Continued forward growth of the lower jaw (even into adulthood)
• Soft tissue pressure from lips and tongue
• Changes in the periodontal ligament (the tissue connecting teeth to bone)
• Mesial drift — teeth's natural tendency to move forward over time

3. Wisdom Teeth (Debated)

For decades, wisdom teeth were blamed for crowding and relapse. The current evidence is mixed — most orthodontic research suggests wisdom teeth are not a primary cause of front teeth crowding. However, in some individual cases, wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or impacted may contribute to pressure in the arch. Your clinician can assess whether wisdom teeth are a factor in your case.

4. Bite and Muscle Factors

If the original orthodontic treatment didn't fully address the bite (the way upper and lower teeth meet), residual bite forces can gradually push teeth out of alignment. Habits like tongue thrusting, clenching, or grinding (bruxism) can also contribute to tooth movement over time.

5. Gum and Bone Health

Gum disease (periodontitis) causes bone loss around teeth. As bone support decreases, teeth become more mobile and can shift. If you've had gum disease since your original orthodontic treatment, this may be contributing to the movement you're seeing.

What Clear Aligners Can Do (and What They Can't)

Orthodontic relapse is often one of the most straightforward cases for clear aligners because the teeth have already been in their correct positions once — they just need to be guided back.

What Aligners Can Typically Achieve

• Re-align crowded or shifted teeth: The most common relapse pattern — lower front teeth crowding and upper front teeth spacing or shifting — responds well to aligner treatment
• Close gaps that have reopened: Spaces that were closed during original treatment but have reopened can often be re-closed
• Correct rotations: Teeth that have twisted back can be de-rotated with well-placed attachments
• Level and align: Teeth that have shifted vertically (one tooth sitting higher or lower) can be repositioned
• Minor bite refinements: Small bite discrepancies that have developed can often be addressed alongside alignment

What Aligners May Struggle With

• Severe relapse with significant bite changes: If teeth have moved substantially and the bite has changed significantly, comprehensive treatment (possibly with fixed braces) may be needed
• Relapse caused by active gum disease: Moving teeth in unhealthy bone is risky — gum disease must be treated first
• Cases where the original treatment was incomplete: If the original braces didn't fully correct the underlying problem (skeletal discrepancy, severe crowding requiring extractions), aligners may not be able to achieve what braces couldn't
• Significant skeletal discrepancies: If the jaw relationship has changed, tooth movement alone may not fully address the problem

Step by Step: How Treatment Typically Works

Relapse Correction Plan: What Makes It Different

Treating orthodontic relapse isn't quite the same as starting orthodontics from scratch. Here's what's typically different about a relapse correction plan.

Re-scanning and Fresh Planning

Even if you still have records from your original treatment, a new 3D scan is essential. Your teeth, gums, and bone have all changed since your braces were removed — possibly decades ago. The new scan captures your teeth as they are now and allows your clinician to plan movements based on current anatomy, not old records.

Staged Movement

Relapse correction typically involves fewer and smaller movements than the original treatment. Your clinician will plan staged movements that prioritise the teeth that have shifted most, while making minor adjustments to adjacent teeth for overall harmony. Because the movements are usually modest, fewer aligner trays are typically needed.

Addressing What Went Wrong

A good relapse correction plan doesn't just re-straighten teeth — it addresses why they relapsed in the first place. This means:

• Robust retention planning: Discussing fixed retainers, removable retainers, or both — and setting clear expectations about long-term wear
• Bite assessment: Checking whether unaddressed bite factors contributed to relapse
• Gum health check: Ensuring gum and bone health support stable tooth positions
• Wisdom tooth assessment: Evaluating whether wisdom teeth need attention

The Retention Conversation

The single most important part of a relapse correction plan is what happens after the aligners come off. If retainer non-compliance caused the original relapse, your clinician will have a frank conversation about what's needed this time. Modern orthodontic thinking increasingly recommends lifelong nightly retainer wear — not "wear it for a couple of years and then stop."

Suitability Checklist

Wondering whether clear aligners can fix your orthodontic relapse? This checklist gives a general indication — only a clinical assessment can confirm.

When to Seek Advice

Orthodontic relapse is usually a cosmetic concern, but certain signs suggest you should seek a clinical opinion sooner:

• Progressive crowding: If teeth seem to be getting more crooked over time rather than staying stable, early intervention may prevent further shifting
• Difficulty cleaning: Crowded or overlapping teeth create areas that are hard to brush and floss, increasing decay and gum disease risk
• Bite changes: If the way your teeth meet has changed — food gets caught differently, you bite your cheek or lip more often, or chewing feels uneven
• Gum concerns: Bleeding, recession, or swelling around shifted teeth warrants dental assessment
• Tooth wear: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear patterns. If you're noticing worn edges or chipping, a clinical assessment is worthwhile
• Confidence impact: If you're covering your mouth when you smile, avoiding photos, or feeling self-conscious — that's a valid reason to explore your options

Risks, Side Effects, and Limitations

Common Side Effects (Usually Minor and Temporary)

• Initial pressure: Each new tray applies gentle pressure. This typically settles within 1–3 days
• Minor speech changes: Slight lisp possible for the first day or two with new trays — most patients adapt quickly
• Increased saliva: Temporary as your mouth adjusts to the trays
• Attachment awareness: If attachments are placed, you'll feel them with your tongue initially

Potential Risks (Less Common)

• Incomplete correction: Some movements may not fully achieve the planned result — refinement trays can help
• Root resorption: Minor root shortening can occur with any orthodontic treatment, including retreatment. Usually clinically insignificant but monitored
• Gum recession: Rare, but teeth that have already been moved once may have less bone margin. Your clinician will assess this risk
• Relapse (again): If retainers aren't worn consistently after treatment, the teeth will almost certainly shift again

Limitations

• Retreatment can't always achieve the same result as the original treatment — particularly if gum or bone conditions have changed
• Some complex relapse patterns may still need fixed braces rather than aligners
• Results depend entirely on compliance — both during treatment (22-hour wear) and after (retainer commitment)
• If the original problem was skeletal (jaw position), aligners can improve tooth alignment but can't change jaw bone position

How Long Treatment May Take

Relapse correction is typically one of the shorter aligner treatments because the movements are usually smaller than the original orthodontic treatment.

What Affects Treatment Time?

• Degree of relapse: More shifting = more trays = longer treatment
• Number of teeth affected: A single rotated tooth is faster than full-arch re-alignment
• Bite factors: If bite correction is needed alongside alignment, treatment takes longer
• Compliance: Wearing aligners approximately 22 hours per day keeps treatment on schedule
• Refinements: Most cases benefit from at least one round — typically adds 2–4 months
• Gum health: If periodontal treatment is needed first, this adds time before aligners can start

Costs in the UK

Relapse correction is often among the most affordable aligner treatments because fewer trays and simpler movements are typically involved. However, costs vary by provider and case complexity.

For a detailed breakdown of what affects aligner pricing, see our guide on invisible braces costs in London.

How to Keep Results: Retention and Aftercare

If there's one section of this article that matters most, it's this one. Retention is the reason your teeth shifted in the first place, and it's the key to making sure it doesn't happen again.

Retention Options

• Fixed retainer: A thin bonded wire behind the front teeth (upper, lower, or both). Provides continuous passive retention without you needing to remember anything. Should be checked regularly and repaired promptly if it debonds
• Removable retainer: A clear plastic tray (similar to an aligner) worn nightly. Easy to clean, easy to replace, but requires discipline
• Combination (recommended for relapse cases): Both a fixed wire and a removable retainer. The wire provides a safety net; the nightly retainer provides comprehensive coverage

The Modern Retention Philosophy

Orthodontic thinking has evolved significantly since many of today's adults had their original braces. The current consensus among most orthodontists:

• Retainers should be worn long-term — many clinicians now recommend lifelong nightly wear for removable retainers
• Fixed retainers should stay in place indefinitely — not removed after a set period unless there's a clinical reason
• Retention is not optional — it's an integral part of orthodontic treatment, not an afterthought

Aftercare Tips

• Wear your retainer every night — make it as automatic as brushing your teeth
• Clean your retainer daily — soft brush, lukewarm water. Avoid hot water which can warp clear retainers
• Replace retainers when needed — clear retainers wear out. Have them checked regularly and replaced before they lose their shape
• If your fixed retainer breaks — contact your provider within days, not weeks. Teeth can start shifting quickly without retention
• If your removable retainer feels tight after a break — put it back in and wear it full-time for a few days. If it doesn't fit at all, contact your provider before teeth shift further
• Keep a spare — ask your provider for a backup retainer so you're never without one
• Maintain oral hygiene — brush twice daily, clean between teeth, attend regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for teeth to move after braces?

Yes — some degree of tooth movement after braces is extremely common. Research suggests that without retention, most orthodontic patients will experience some relapse. The lower front teeth are particularly prone to crowding over time. This is why retainers are such a critical part of orthodontic treatment. "Normal" doesn't mean desirable — but it means you're far from alone.

How long after braces can teeth shift?

Teeth can shift at any point after braces are removed if retainers aren't worn. The highest risk period is the first 12–18 months (when tissues are still remodelling), but teeth continue to have a tendency to move throughout life. Some patients notice shifting within weeks of stopping retainer wear; others may not notice significant changes for years. The process is usually gradual.

Do I really need braces twice?

Not in the traditional sense. If your relapse is mild to moderate, you almost certainly won't need metal braces again. Clear aligners can correct most relapse cases discreetly and comfortably, often in a fraction of the time your original braces took. You're not starting from scratch — you're making corrections to teeth that have been aligned before.

How much does it cost to fix teeth that moved after braces?

In the UK, relapse correction with clear aligners typically costs between £1,000 and £4,500, depending on the severity of the relapse and the treatment plan needed. Mild cases using short-course aligner plans are at the lower end. This is generally less than the cost of original orthodontic treatment because fewer trays and simpler movements are involved.

Can I just get a new retainer instead of aligners?

If the shifting is very minimal — barely noticeable, just a slight irregularity — a new retainer made to your current tooth positions may hold things from getting worse. But a retainer holds teeth where they are; it doesn't move them back to where they were. If teeth have visibly moved and you want them straight again, you need active treatment (aligners or braces) to move them, followed by a retainer to hold them in the new position.

Will the NHS pay for retreatment?

Generally, no. NHS orthodontic treatment for adults is very limited and typically only available for severe functional or health-related cases. Relapse correction is usually classified as a cosmetic concern. Most adults seeking to fix teeth that have shifted after braces will need to arrange private treatment. Some providers offer payment plans to help spread the cost.

How do I stop my teeth from moving again after retreatment?

The answer is simple: wear your retainer. Every night, long-term. Most clinicians treating relapse cases will recommend both a fixed retainer (bonded wire behind front teeth) and a removable retainer (clear tray worn nightly). The combination provides the most robust protection. Additionally, maintain regular dental check-ups, address any gum disease promptly, and have your fixed retainer checked periodically to ensure it's intact.

Is retreatment as uncomfortable as original braces?

Most patients find clear aligner retreatment significantly more comfortable than their original braces. There are no wires, no brackets, no tightening appointments. You'll feel pressure when starting a new tray, but this is generally milder than with braces (because the movements are typically smaller). The trays are removable, so eating and cleaning are straightforward. Most patients describe the experience as mildly uncomfortable at worst, not painful.

Can I fix relapse with aligners if I'm in my 40s, 50s, or older?

Age alone is not a barrier to clear aligner treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. What matters more than age is gum and bone health — and these should be assessed by your clinician. If you have good bone support and healthy gums, there's no clinical reason why aligner treatment can't work in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond. Many adults in this age group are excellent candidates for relapse correction.

What if only my bottom teeth have shifted?

Lower teeth relapse (particularly lower front tooth crowding) is the most common pattern. In some cases, treatment can focus primarily on the lower arch. However, even single-arch treatment may require trays on both arches to manage the bite correctly. Your clinician will advise whether single-arch or dual-arch treatment is appropriate for your specific case.

Should I get my wisdom teeth removed before retreatment?

Not necessarily. The link between wisdom teeth and crowding is weaker than commonly believed. However, your clinician will assess your wisdom teeth as part of the overall evaluation. If they're impacted, partially erupted, or likely to interfere with treatment, removal may be recommended. This is a case-by-case clinical decision, not a blanket requirement.

How do I choose between different aligner providers for retreatment?

Look for: in-person assessment (not just online photos), proper 3D scanning, clinician-reviewed treatment plans, regular monitoring appointments, clear pricing that includes refinements and retainers, and a robust retention plan. Ask how many relapse cases the provider has treated. Retreatment is straightforward for experienced providers, but clinical oversight matters — particularly for ensuring the new result is stable.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Treatment needs, timelines, and costs vary by individual case. All cost figures are approximate UK ranges for reference and are not quotations. Whether treatment is suitable and which approach is appropriate can only be determined through an in-person clinical assessment by a GDC-registered dental professional.