Issues with Bite Alignment After Using Essix Aligners
23 years old It's been a year since my braces were taken off, and initially, my bite felt spot on; I had no trouble closing my mouth normally. However, once I began wearing my retainers, things took a turn: - At first, I struggled to bite down completely with the retainers in place. Even an additional millimeter on the molars meant my front teeth couldn't come together, so my bite felt incomplete. - Over time, I adjusted and could manage to close my mouth while wearing the retainers, but whenever I took them out, I found myself unable to bite correctly. Upon returning to my orthodontist, she informed me that this issue might stem from my wisdom teeth coming in. Despite having them surgically removed, my bite hasn’t returned to normal. So, what could be the cause of this situation? Did my molars shift? Is my jaw misaligned? I’m unsure what’s going wrong. When I attempt to close my mouth, the only points of contact I notice are my left side’s second premolars. The other molars remain apart. (The first premolars were removed by my dentist; I had all four taken out.) It feels like the outer cusp of my lower second premolar (the side facing the lips) is colliding with the cusp of my upper second premolar (the side facing the tongue). What steps can be taken to resolve this issue?
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 2:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It seems you're experiencing bite alignment issues after using Essix retainers, and it's understandable to feel concerned about the changes in your bite since your braces were removed. This situation can arise from various factors, including shifting of teeth, adjustments in jaw alignment, or issues related to how your retainers fit.
Main Points:
- Your bite discomfort might be due to teeth shifting or jaw alignment issues.
- It's normal for bite adjustments to take some time after orthodontic treatment, especially with the introduction of retainers.
- Immediate steps can help manage your situation effectively.
Explanation:
When braces are removed, it’s common for the teeth to try to shift back to their original positions without the consistent pressure that braces provide. If you’ve had teeth removed (like your first premolars), this can also affect how your remaining teeth come together. The fact that your wisdom teeth were also removed is important, as it generally resolves potential space issues but may not affect established alignment. Since you've noticed that only specific areas of your teeth are contacting while the rest are apart, this suggests your bite may need adjustment.
Next Steps:
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Continue to Wear Your Retainers: Ensure you wear your Essix retainers as prescribed. Consistency is key in preventing further shifting.
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Monitor Changes: Keep a daily log of any symptoms—like discomfort, shifting, or changes in how your teeth fit together. Note any variations when you take the retainers out.
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Facilitate Jaw Relaxation: To ease tension, consider gentle jaw exercises. Slowly open and close your mouth to help retrain your muscles. Take deep breaths to help relax your jaw.
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Assess Retainer Fit: If possible, check with your orthodontist about the fit of your retainers. A poorly fitting retainer can exacerbate alignment issues, and adjustments may be necessary.
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Address Pain or Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain management options (like ibuprofen) can help if you experience soreness. Ensure you follow the recommended dosages.
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Request Further Evaluation: If your symptoms persist, consider discussing additional diagnostic options with your orthodontist. They may suggest a new evaluation of your bite with bite molds or even a different fitting retainer if shifting is substantial.
By taking these steps, you can better support your current alignment and improve your bite over time. Remember, it’s essential to remain in close communication with your orthodontist and share any changes you observe. Don't hesitate to reach out for the support you need, and take a proactive approach to this adjustment phase.
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