When you've already had braces, you might still need orthodontic treatment in the future. Sometimes your teeth can go back to the position they were once in, and other times new issues crop up even as others are repaired.

When you need orthodontic treatment, it's wise to know early so you can get treated sooner. Since you regularly go to the dentist and not the orthodontist for checkups, it might be your dentist who spots signs you need orthodontic treatment first. Aside from regularly visiting your dentist for checkups and care, use this guide to help you determine if you need orthodontic treatment after your braces are removed.

Your teeth are reverting back to where they were

Perhaps the most obvious and common sign you need to visit your orthodontics specialist is this: your teeth are starting to revert back to where they were prior to braces. You'll see gaps begin to form in your front teeth or notice other teeth start to turn and go back to where they were. This can be remedied by putting braces back on or by using a retainer more diligently, depending on how soon you get orthodontic treatment.

Your teeth are starting to crowd or shift

Several things can cause your teeth to crowd or shift after having your braces taken off. A common culprit? Wisdom teeth, which can erupt and cause existing teeth to lurch forward and push each other around.

Another cause of shifting teeth is the loss of a tooth or the change in your facial structure. If your front teeth are starting to get crowded, speak to an orthodontics specialist to see if any further orthodontic treatment is needed. You might be able to get braces or have other interventions done to help remedy this issue, in addition to having offending teeth pulled.

Your teeth have been damaged in an accident

Any damage to your teeth in an accident can be a reason for orthodontic care and treatment. The loss of a tooth or gum damage can cause teeth to shift and need dental intervention, which can result in wearing orthodontic devices until the mouth can be stabilized. If you fail to have your teeth checked out after an accident that injured your mouth, you risk reversing any corrections from having braces in the past.

If you have concerns about your smile at all, speak to your dentist about them. They can refer you to a specialist for orthodontic treatment.