Yes, you can have orthodontic treatment more than once. Many people choose to have braces or aligners again later in life because their teeth have shifted, their bite has changed, or they were never fully happy with the original results.
In fact, adult orthodontic treatment continues to grow in popularity across the UK. A recent British Orthodontic Society survey found that over 70% of orthodontists have seen an increase in adults seeking treatment within the past three years.
At Bass Orthodontics, we regularly see patients who had braces as teenagers but are now looking for a second round of treatment using modern options like Invisalign, invisible braces or ceramic braces. The good news is that retreatment is very common and, in most cases, highly successful, hence it is popular as adult orthodontic treatment who are looking to straighten their teeth later in life.
Teeth move after orthodontic treatment because they naturally want to drift back towards their original position. This process is known as orthodontic relapse. The biggest reason for relapse is not wearing retainers consistently after braces or aligners have been removed.
Even patients who wore retainers correctly for years can still notice movement later in life. Natural ageing, pressure from chewing, teeth grinding, and changes in the jaw can all affect tooth position over time. Gum disease can also weaken the supporting structures around the teeth, making movement more likely.
This is why retention is such an important part of orthodontic treatment. At Bass Orthodontics, after treatment we always discuss long-term retainer use to help protect your results.
Yes, orthodontic treatment can work extremely well the second time around. In many cases, retreatment is simpler than patients expect because the teeth have already been moved before. Modern orthodontic systems are also far more advanced than they were even ten years ago.
Patients now have access to discreet options like invisible and ceramic braces, which are more comfortable and less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your teeth, bite, jaw alignment, and previous orthodontic history before recommending the best solution. Some patients only require minor cosmetic corrections, while others may need more comprehensive treatment to correct bite problems or crowding.
One of the biggest reasons people seek orthodontic retreatment is because their teeth have relapsed after stopping retainer wear. Often, the movement happens gradually over several years.
Some patients also decide to have treatment again because they are more conscious of their smile as adults. Social media, video calls, and professional confidence all play a role in why more adults are investing in orthodontics.
Other common reasons include:
At Bass Orthodontics, we create personalised treatment plans designed around your goals, lifestyle, and timeframe.
At Bass Orthodontics, we specialise in helping patients feel confident about their smile again. We understand that some people feel frustrated or embarrassed about needing orthodontic treatment twice, but retreatment is actually very common.
Our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the process clearly and honestly. We’ll explain how long treatment is likely to take, which appliances are best suited to your case, and how to maintain your results long term.
We also focus heavily on aftercare and retention to help minimise future relapse and protect your investment in your smile.
Thinking about straightening your teeth again? Contact Bass Orthodontics, a leading orthodontic practice in Harley Street to arrange a consultation and explore your options for orthodontic retreatment.
