Many patients believe that wearing traditional braces as a teenager means orthodontic treatment is in the past, never to be repeated. However, it’s not uncommon for teeth to shift, especially if you do not wear your retainer as often as you should. If you are now an adult and need help fixing your crooked or misaligned teeth again, you may wonder if Invisalign clear aligners are a suitable solution. Read on to find out whether this treatment is possible and how it can be more beneficial than traditional braces.
Why Do Teeth Shift After Wearing Traditional Braces?
There are many reasons why your teeth will shift out of alignment even after spending years wearing metal braces. They include:
- Teeth Grinding: Also known as bruxism, daily stress can lead to teeth grinding or clenching while you sleep. This can cause your teeth to move over time because of the added pressure placed on them.
- Daily Wear and Tear: As you grow older, daily oral movements like speaking and eating can cause your teeth to shift.
- Lack of Retainer Wear: If you do not wear your retainer as instructed immediately following treatment with traditional braces, your teeth will start to return to their previous location.
Can Invisalign Be Used After Undergoing Treatment with Braces?
It is possible to be cleared for Invisalign treatment even if you previously wore braces as a teenager. However, much of it depends on how far your teeth have moved and what kind of problems may now exist.
Generally, minor changes can be treated with clear aligners, as it is a highly versatile solution that can treat overcrowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and different types of bite misalignment (i.e., overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite).
What Makes Invisalign Better Than Traditional Braces?
When meeting with your dentist to discuss the potential for Invisalign treatment, you will find there are many unique advantages to choosing clear aligners over metal brackets and wires again. As an adult, you may find that your preferences are much different than when you were a teenager, so you can expect to appreciate:
- Their discreet appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear, so they remain virtually invisible. This is helpful no matter what your profession might be, especially if you are concerned about your self-confidence.
- How easy they are to clean: Navigating around brackets and wires can be time-consuming and difficult because of the different instruments that need to be used. With Invisalign, you can remove your trays and brush them with lukewarm water and clear soap before giving them a thorough rinse and reinserting them into your mouth.
- The flexibility they offer: Invisalign clear aligners are not affixed to your teeth like traditional braces. Instead, you can remove them to eat and drink, making it easier to avoid the struggles of picking food out of your braces after every meal.
- The reduced timeframe for treatment: Each patient’s situation is different, so treatment timelines will vary; however, the average duration for Invisalign is 12-18 months. Traditional braces can take 2-3 years.
If your dentist recommends orthodontics to address your shifting smile, don’t assume traditional braces are the only option. Ask about Invisalign and find out how you can bring your teeth back into alignment without putting them in the spotlight.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice consists of multiple dentists who are dedicated to helping patients feel good about their oral health and appearance. When crooked or misaligned teeth require treatment, we can provide Invisalign clear aligners. No matter a person’s age, these trays can gently move teeth back into alignment so that a healthier, more radiant, and balanced smile is achieved. Call our office or visit our website if you think you might benefit from Invisalign.