If your teeth have shifted – whether after braces or just over time – you’re not alone, and it’s rarely too late to do something about it.
Why Do Teeth Move?
Teeth can shift at any stage of life. Pressure from your lips and tongue, the constant forces of chewing, natural changes in your jaw – all of it plays a role. A lot of people first notice it at the front of the lower teeth, where crowding becomes more obvious.
If you’ve had braces in the past, the most likely reason your teeth have moved is that your retainer wasn’t worn as consistently as it needed to be – or perhaps it was lost, broken, or never provided. Retainers hold everything in place long term, and without them, movement is hard to avoid.
Realigning Your Smile
The right approach depends on how much movement there’s been and what’s causing it – which is why we always start with a thorough assessment.
If the shift is minor, a retainer might be enough to prevent further change. If treatment is needed, braces or aligners can bring everything back into line. How long that takes depends on your case – mild movement can sometimes be corrected in a matter of months.
Why Retainers Matter So Much
Retention is one of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment, though it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Without retainers worn consistently, teeth will move – it’s usually not a question of if, but when.
At The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, retainers are included in every treatment plan. We provide both fixed retainers – thin wires bonded discreetly behind the teeth – and removable retainers, typically worn at night. For most patients, using both offers the best long-term protection.
How Dr Asif Chatoo Can Help
Dr Asif Chatoo has been treating patients at The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic since 2005. He sees a lot of people who feel frustrated or self-conscious about how their teeth have shifted, and every consultation begins with understanding what’s happened and what you’d like to achieve.
We offer lingual braces, clear aligners, and fixed braces – so the recommendation is based on what’s right for you. If keeping treatment discreet is important, lingual braces sit on the inside of your teeth and are completely invisible. If you’d prefer something removable, clear aligners often work well for mild to moderate relapse. Dr Chatoo will talk you through everything at your consultation.
We’d Love to Hear from You
If your teeth have moved and you’d like to understand your options, we’d be happy to help. Consultations take place at our Harley Street practice, where you’ll be seen by Dr Chatoo and looked after by the same small, dedicated team throughout.
