Orthodontic Retreatment in Kent, WA

Orthodontic retreatment corrects teeth that have shifted or relapsed after previous braces or Invisalign - often because retainers weren’t worn long-term. At Advanced Orthodontics Kent, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Gabriela Aragon offers discreet, often-shorter retreatment with Invisalign or braces, plus experienced care for complex cases.

Did you have braces years ago, only to watch your teeth gradually drift out of line? You’re far from alone - relapse is one of the most common reasons adults return to the orthodontist, and the good news is that it’s very treatable. At Advanced Orthodontics Kent, Dr. Gabriela Aragon helps patients across South King County restore the smiles they once had - often with a shorter, more discreet round of treatment than the first. Whether your case is straightforward relapse or something more complex, we’ll meet you where you are.

Why Do Teeth Shift After Braces?

Teeth are never truly “done” moving - they shift naturally throughout life with age, bite changes, and daily habits. The most common cause of relapse is simply that retainers weren’t worn long enough after the original treatment. Other contributors include the natural forward drift of teeth over time, the eruption of wisdom teeth, grinding or clenching, and tongue or breathing habits. None of this means your first treatment “failed” - it just means your smile, like everyone’s, needs ongoing support. (Once you’re realigned, consistent retainer wear is what keeps it that way.)

What Retreatment Involves

The first step is a thorough evaluation. Dr. Aragon assesses how far your teeth have shifted, checks your bite and oral health, and recommends the most efficient path forward. Because retreatment often addresses less movement than the original case, it can be shorter and simpler - and many patients are great candidates for discreet options:

• Invisalign - clear, removable aligners are a popular choice for adults correcting relapse without anyone noticing.
• Braces (including clear ceramic and SureSmile®) - for cases that need more precise control.

Whichever path fits, you’ll get a clear plan, timeline, and cost up front.

Complex Cases Welcome

Not every smile is straightforward, and some need more than routine alignment. Dr. Aragon has experience coordinating more complex adult cases - including occlusion (bite mechanics), preparation for implants or restorative work, and collaboration with your general dentist or specialists when jaw-surgery planning is involved. If you’ve been told your case is “too complicated” or you’ve had inconsistent results elsewhere, we welcome the opportunity to take a fresh, honest look. (Our patients’ reviews include people who came to us exactly this way - after previous treatment elsewhere didn’t deliver.)

It’s Not Too Late for the Smile You Want

Whether your braces came off two years ago or twenty, retreatment can restore both function and confidence - and because you’ve done it before, you know what to expect. With modern, discreet options and a board-certified orthodontist who listens, a second chance at a straight, healthy smile is well within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I had braces as a kid and my teeth shifted - can they be fixed? A: Yes, and you’re in good company. Relapse is common and very treatable, often with a shorter round of treatment than the first. Dr. Aragon will evaluate the shift and recommend the most efficient option.

Q: Is retreatment faster than the first time? A: Often, yes. Because retreatment usually addresses less movement, it can be shorter and simpler - though it depends on how much your teeth have shifted. You’ll get a personalized timeline at your consultation.

Q: Can I use Invisalign for retreatment? A: In many cases, yes - Invisalign is a popular, discreet choice for adults correcting relapse. Dr. Aragon will confirm whether it’s right for your case.

Q: How do I prevent my teeth from shifting again? A: Consistent retainer wear is the key - typically nightly, long-term. We’ll fit you with retainers and explain exactly how to protect your results. See our retainers page.

Schedule a Free Retreatment Consultation

Ready to get your smile back on track? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gabriela Aragon at Advanced Orthodontics Kent - call (253) 852-7210. We’re at 331 3rd Ave S in downtown Kent, serving Kent, Covington, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, and Maple Valley.