Orthodontic and Surgical Relapse

Our tongue placement and muscle movements is what makes the results last

Braces and jaw surgery are major investments that can dramatically improve both function and appearance. But teeth and jaws do not exist in isolation—they are constantly influenced by the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face. If these muscles continue their old patterns after treatment, they can gradually pull the teeth or jaw back toward their original position. This is called relapse.

Why orthodontic relapse happens

Proper tongue posture plays a critical role in maintaining the position of the teeth and jaw. Myofunctional therapy helps train the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth, creating natural support for orthodontic treatment, reducing the risk of orthodontic relapse, and increasing jaw stability after surgery.

If the tongue is not in its ideal position to provide proper support, and the muscles are not facilitating healthy movement patterns, it can affect how easily the teeth come together, how efficiently we chew, and may contribute to headaches, jaw pain, and jaw clicking after surgery or braces—even when the teeth have been ideally aligned by experts.

Set yourself up for success before your journey begins.

Many patients discover myofunctional therapy only after orthodontic or surgical relapse occurs. Addressing muscle function first can help ensure the time, effort, and investment put into orthodontic or surgical treatment truly lasts.

Common habits that cause relapse

When the tongue pushes forward against the teeth during swallowing, it places repeated pressure on the front teeth. Over time, this can reopen gaps, cause teeth to flare forward, or contribute to the teeth no longer touching in the front.

The tongue should naturally rest on the roof of the mouth. Relapse can happen when the tongue sits low in the mouth and does not press against the teeth, it can allow the upper arch to narrow and the teeth to shift out of alignment.

Habitual mouth breathing changes how the lips, tongue, and facial muscles function. They can be weak, not symmetrical, or working in the wrong order. This altered muscle balance can place pressure on the teeth and contribute to shifting after orthodontic treatment and surgery.

Some people recruit the lips, cheeks, or chin muscles to help swallow. This extra muscle activity can create forces on the teeth that slowly move them away from their corrected positions.

Mouth Breathing
Tongue Push Forward With Swallow
Lips Naturally Rest Open When You Are Relaxed
Grinding and Clenching
Low Tongue Posture
Messy or Loud Eater
Chin Puckers and Lips Purse with Swallow

If you recognize several of these signs in yourself, an evaluation can help determine whether relapse is happening.

Start With the Muscles: Preventing Orthodontic and Jaw Surgery Relapse Before It Begins

Protect Your Orthodontic or Jaw Surgery Investment

Braces and jaw surgery require significant time, financial commitment, and physical effort. Myofunctional therapy helps prepare the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face so they support the new tooth and jaw positions. When the muscles are functioning properly, they help protect the results of orthodontic treatment and reduce the risk of orthodontic or jaw surgery relapse.

Improve Oral Awareness and Muscle Coordination

Many people are unaware of how their tongue, lips, and breathing patterns affect their teeth and jaw. Myofunctional therapy increases oral awareness and retrains the muscles to work together in a balanced way. When the muscles are strong, coordinated, and functioning correctly, they create a stable environment for last pain free results.

Create a Strong Foundation for Better Orthodontic Outcomes

Preparing the oral muscles before braces or jaw surgery can lead to smoother treatment and more stable results. By correcting muscle patterns first, patients often achieve a healthier bite and a more stable, functional smile that lasts long after orthodontic treatment is complete or the jaw is moved.

Schedule your 15 minute complimentary consultation now

In-person assessments are available at Soteria Wellness, where a comprehensive evaluation is performed to create your customized treatment plan.