What Happens If I Don’t Finish My Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile, oral health, and confidence. Whether you’ve chosen traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign®, sticking with your treatment plan is crucial for achieving the best possible results. However, life can be unpredictable, and some patients wonder what might happen if they don’t complete their treatment.
At True Dentistry, our Las Vegas dentists are dedicated to helping patients feel fully informed about their dental care, including understanding the potential consequences of stopping their orthodontic treatment early.
Why Patients Sometimes Stop Treatment
There are various reasons why patients might pause or stop orthodontic care, including:
- Discomfort or adjustment period challenges
- Financial difficulties
- Busy schedules and forgetting to wear their aligners
- Moving to a new city and not having a new dentist
- Feeling satisfied with “good enough” results before treatment is complete
While these situations are understandable, it is important to know that ending treatment too soon can cause more problems than it solves. Orthodontic treatment is a carefully planned process that requires full completion to achieve optimal, lasting results. Stopping early can lead to setbacks that may require additional time, effort, and expense to correct later on.
Consequences of Not Finishing Orthodontic Treatment
Some common issues patients may face when they stop treatment prematurely are:
1. Teeth May Shift Back
Orthodontic appliances gradually move teeth into their optimal positions. If you discontinue treatment early—such as by not wearing your Invisalign® aligners for the recommended amount of time or stopping their use altogether—your teeth may not become fully stabilized. Without this crucial final stabilization phase, your teeth can begin shifting back toward their original positions, undoing months of progress.
2. Misaligned Bite
Aligning your bite is just as important as straightening individual teeth. Stopping treatment early can leave you with a misaligned bite (malocclusion), which can cause:
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
- Increased risk of chipped or worn teeth
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues
3. Increased Risk of Oral Health Problems
Crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth can make it harder to clean your teeth properly. If your treatment is incomplete, these issues may persist, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
4. Wasted Time and Money
Orthodontic treatment is an investment of both time and money. Stopping before your dentist recommends can mean you’ll need additional treatment down the road to correct relapsed or incomplete results—leading to a greater expense and frustration in the long run.
5. Compromised Aesthetic Results
Many patients pursue orthodontic care to enhance their smile. Stopping early can leave you with teeth that are not as straight or as beautiful as they could be. This can impact your confidence and leave you feeling dissatisfied after all the effort you’ve put in.
The Importance of Retention Phase
Even after active treatment is complete, wearing your retainer as directed is key to maintaining your new smile. Skipping this step can also cause relapse. Our dentists can provide personalized guidance on how long and how often to wear your retainer to preserve your results. Retainers help your teeth “set” in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust. Without consistent retainer use, even perfectly straightened teeth can gradually drift out of alignment over time.
Tips for Staying on Track
Here are a few tips to help you complete your treatment successfully:
- Maintain regular appointments. Consistency helps us monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
- Communicate openly. If you’re struggling with discomfort or financial concerns, we invite you to contact our practice. We offer financing options for qualified applicants through a reputable third-party lender.
- Stay motivated. Remember your long-term goals and visualize the beautiful smile you’re working toward.
How Our Las Vegas Dentists Can Help
At True Dentistry, we’re here to support you through every stage of your orthodontic journey. We offer advanced options like Invisalign®, which can make treatment more comfortable and convenient. Invisalign® trays are clear and removable, allowing them to seamlessly and discreetly fit into your everyday life. Additionally, we provide personalized care to help you overcome any challenges along the way.
If you’re considering pausing or stopping orthodontic treatment—or if you’ve already done so and want to get back on track—our Las Vegas dentists are happy to help. We can evaluate your current progress and recommend the optimal next steps to protect your investment and ensure you achieve a smile you’ll love. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
