Changes after 4 Extractions

Answer: Changes after 4 extractions

By Sarah h
Dental Professional

Unfortunately, it is not possible to make your current dentition fit in your previous retainers from when you were an adolecent.  As we age, our mandible (lower jaw) continues to grown.  As your face matures, the shape changes and your teeth continue to shift. Whether or not you believe your first orthodontist did what was best, your teeth were removed and cannot be replaced easily.  Teeth continually shift forward naturally, however they do not naturally move distally (towards the back of your mouth).  When your teeth move, your bite changes, causing your teeth to try and fit together in a new comfortable position.  You can still be class I molar occlusion, even though your previous retainers do not fit.  Your teeth, jaw bones, facial muscles and overall weight all play a role in our face shape.  This must be taken into consideration when looking at your physical appearance.  Continue to wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist.  This will prevent movement in the future and keep your teeth in their current position.  If you are unsatisfied with your Invisalign treatment, you can ask your treating dentist if a refinement is possible.  Invisalign includes one refinement with your initial treatment cost, at no additional cost to you.  This will give you additional aligners to make minor corrections to your original treatment goal.  If you choose to do so now, you may however, be responsibe for an additional set of retainers in the future.