---
title: "What Is Orthodontic relapse? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Orthodontic relapse is the tendency of teeth to drift back toward their starting positions after braces or aligners are removed."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/orthodontic-relapse
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Orthodontics

# Orthodontic relapse

Orthodontic relapse is the tendency of teeth to drift back toward their starting positions after braces or aligners are removed.

Teeth sit in a balance of bone, gums, and muscle pressure. After treatment, that balance can pull teeth back. A review in the NIH library defines relapse as the tendency for teeth to return to their pre-treatment position, and says this happens most often in the lower front teeth. Wearing a [retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer) as directed is the main way to prevent it. If it happens, tell your dentist early, because small changes are easier to correct. Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, and growth, can add to the drift. Teeth also shift naturally throughout life. See [braces](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces) and [clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners), or our page on [teeth straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening).

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening)

## Related terms

-   [Retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer)
-   [Braces](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces)
-   [Clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners)
-   [Orthodontics](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/orthodontics)
-   [Crowded teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crowded-teeth)

## Sources

1.  [NIH PubMed Central: Interventions for managing relapse of the lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10793711/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)