Why Do Teeth Move Back After Braces?
09/10/2026
Teeth don’t stay put after braces because they were never fixed in place. They sit in living bone, held by fibres that take up to a year to settle, and are pushed constantly by the lips, cheeks and tongue. Faces also keep changing slowly well into adulthood. This article explains the four main reasons teeth drift after treatment and compares fixed and removable retainers. It also sets out a realistic wear schedule and what to do if your teeth have already moved.
