Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true solution to all sorts of dental misalignments, but many people who wore them during childhood discover that their teeth have drifted out of alignment when they are adults. This can be especially frustrating for those who spent a great deal of effort on their orthodontic treatments and may make it difficult for some to take pride in their appearance. Fortunately, Invisalign is a great way to get smiles back in shape. Here’s a brief guide to how Invisalign can help if you’ve already worn braces.
Why Have My Teeth Drifted Since I Wore Braces?
Orthodontic appliances work by exerting constant pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alignments, but the teeth will immediately begin to shift back out of place as soon as the appliance is removed. To prevent this, most orthodontic patients will have to regularly wear a retainer for life, and neglecting to do so can lead to new dental misalignments.
Teeth can also shift out of place after orthodontic treatment for other reasons like:
- Oral injury
- Illness
- Malnutrition
- The emerging wisdom teeth pushing the other teeth out of alignment
Can Invisalign Help Me if I’ve Already Worn Braces?
Invisalign can be an excellent way to address mild to moderate dental misalignments such as those resulting from neglecting to wear your retainer sufficiently after a previous orthodontic treatment. Many people who wore braces have undergone Invisalign treatment to realign their teeth, and they frequently claim that straightening their smiles with clear aligners is a far easier and more comfortable process than traditional orthodontic methods.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by using a sequence of customized clear aligners to realign teeth without the conspicuous metal parts and frustrating eating restrictions that come with traditional braces. While these aligners are easy to remove, they must be worn for at least twenty hours daily to keep your treatment on track, which means that they should only be removed for meals and oral hygiene sessions. The patient will switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks or so, and each set will bring their smile into better alignment.
Most Invisalign treatments can be completed in six to eighteen months if the patient strictly complies with their dentist’s instructions and practices excellent oral hygiene. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if Invisalign can be a great way to get your smile back in shape.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss earned his dental degree at Indiana University’s School of Dentistry in Indianapolis where he was awarded the Dentsply International Merit Award for Prosthodontics. He is a Fellow with the American College of Dentists and serves on the Chicago Dental Society’s mediation committee. His Skokie office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. To book your Invisalign consultation, contact his office online or dial (847) 864-0188.