Did you have braces as a teen, only to see your teeth shift back as an adult? You’re not alone. This frustrating experience, known as orthodontic relapse, is common. But what if the cause goes deeper than just forgetting to wear your retainer? At Hamada Orthodontics in Metairie, we understand that genetics and underlying structural issues can play a significant role.
For many adults, crooked teeth are just one piece of a larger puzzle that can include everything from snoring to jaw pain. Dr. Allison Hamada and our team take a whole-body approach to orthodontics, recognizing the vital connection between a straight smile, proper breathing, and overall health. This guide will explore the concept of inherited orthodontic relapse and the modern solutions available to help adults in Metairie achieve a healthy, stable smile that lasts.
Understanding Inherited Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse is the tendency for teeth to return to their pre-treatment positions after braces or aligners are removed. While inconsistent retainer wear is a common culprit, it’s not the only one. Your genetics significantly influence your dental anatomy, including your tooth size, jaw structure, and even the way you breathe.
If you inherited a narrow jaw or a predisposition for certain bite problems, your teeth might not have enough space to remain stable long-term. This underlying structure can create constant pressure that pushes teeth out of alignment over time, no matter how perfectly they were straightened before.
Common signs of relapse in adults include:
- Crowding, especially in the lower front teeth
- Gaps reappearing between teeth
- Changes in your bite (overbite, underbite, or crossbite)
- Discomfort or pain in the jaw (TMJ)
- Worn-down teeth from grinding
The Importance of Airway-Focused Orthodontics
At Hamada Orthodontics, we practice airway-focused orthodontics in Metairie. This approach looks beyond just straightening teeth to address the underlying structures of the face and jaw that affect breathing. Why does this matter for adults? Because how you breathe directly impacts your oral health.
Issues like chronic mouth breathing, often caused by a narrow airway, can contribute to orthodontic relapse. When you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, your tongue rests incorrectly. This can alter the pressures inside your mouth, leading to narrowed dental arches and crowded teeth. Snoring and sleep apnea are also frequently linked to jaw structure and can have serious implications for your overall health.
By focusing on the airway, we can identify and treat the root cause of these problems. This holistic view is also crucial for children. We believe in the power of early orthodontic treatment in Metairie to guide proper facial growth and prevent these issues from developing in the first place.
Solutions for Adults at Hamada Orthodontics
If you’re experiencing an orthodontic relapse, you have more advanced and comfortable options than ever before. We offer several solutions tailored to the unique needs of our adult patients.
Adult Braces and Clear Aligners
For many adults, a second round of orthodontic treatment is the answer. We provide both traditional adult braces in Metairie, LA, and modern clear aligners in Metairie, LA. Clear aligners are a popular choice for adults because they are discreet, removable, and comfortable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without disrupting your professional or social life.
MARPE (Palatal Expansion) for Adults
For adults with breathing issues linked to a narrow upper jaw, we may recommend a nonsurgical treatment called MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion). This innovative appliance gently widens the upper jaw, creating more room for your teeth and, crucially, opening up the nasal airway. Many patients who undergo MARPE report significant improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and even a reduction in snoring.
TMJ Orthodontic Treatment
Jaw pain, clicking, and headaches can all be symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, which is often related to a misaligned bite. Our TMJ orthodontic treatment in Metairie focuses on correcting bite issues to relieve pressure on the jaw joint. By creating a stable and balanced bite, we can alleviate painful symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Why Early Intervention for Children is Key
While we have excellent solutions for adults, the best approach is prevention. At Hamada Orthodontics, we are passionate about pediatric care because 80% of jaw growth is completed by age 7. This critical window is our best opportunity to guide jaw development orthodontics in Metairie and prevent complex issues later in life.
A pediatric orthodontist in Metairie can identify subtle signs of airway issues or poor jaw growth in young children, such as mouth breathing, teeth grinding, or crowded teeth. Early intervention can expand the dental arches, improve the airway, and ensure there is enough room for all permanent teeth to erupt correctly. This proactive approach often reduces the need for extractions or extensive orthodontic work in the teenage years.
We also offer myofunctional therapy in Metairie, which involves exercises to retrain the oral and facial muscles. This therapy helps correct improper habits like tongue thrusting and mouth breathing, promoting stable, long-term results.
Your First Visit with Us
Your journey begins with a comprehensive orthodontic first visit in Metairie. During this appointment, we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and conduct a thorough examination. This isn’t just about looking at your teeth; we assess your bite, jaw function, and airway. Dr. Hamada will use advanced diagnostic tools to create a complete picture of your oral health, allowing her to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your issues.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Inherited orthodontic relapse can be discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong problem. With a holistic, airway-focused approach, Hamada Orthodontics offers lasting solutions that improve not only your smile but your overall well-being. Whether you’re an adult seeking to correct a relapse or a parent wanting to give your child the best start, we are here to help.
Don’t wait for minor shifts to become major problems. Schedule a consultation with our team in Metairie today to explore your options and take the first step toward a beautiful, healthy, and stable smile.
