If you had braces as a teenager but your teeth have shifted over time, you are not alone. Many people experience changes in tooth alignment as they age, especially if they stop wearing their retainers. Good news! You may be able to straighten your smile again without returning to traditional metal braces! Invisalign offers a discreet, convenient way to correct many orthodontic concerns, even if you have already completed treatment once before.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. Each set of aligners applies controlled pressure to specific teeth, helping guide them through planned movements over time.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. For treatment to work effectively, most patients need to wear their aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours each day.
Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, take digital scans or other necessary records, and develop a personalized treatment plan. You will then progress through your aligner series according to your provider’s instructions, attending checkups to monitor your progress.
Can You Get Invisalign After Having Braces?
Yes! Having braces in the past does not automatically disqualify you from Invisalign treatment. In fact, many adults choose clear aligners to correct shifting that occurs after their original orthodontic treatment.
Teeth can gradually move throughout life, particularly when retainers are not worn as directed. You might notice crowding returning in your lower front teeth, gaps reopening, or your bite changing.
Invisalign can address many of these concerns, depending on their severity. Some patients need only relatively minor corrections, while others require more extensive treatment.
Before recommending Invisalign, your provider will examine your teeth and gums and assess your bite. Existing dental work, gum health, and the complexity of your orthodontic needs can influence whether clear aligners are appropriate. For certain complex cases, traditional braces may offer better control over tooth movement.
After treatment, wearing retainers as prescribed is essential to help maintain your results.
Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
Why do so many patients choose Invisalign? Here are several advantages to consider.
- Discreet Appearance: Clear aligners are much less noticeable than metal brackets and wires, making them appealing to adults and teens who prefer a subtler orthodontic option.
- Easier Eating: Because the aligners are removable, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods without worrying about damaging brackets or bending wires. Simply remove your trays before eating and put them back in afterward.
- Convenient Oral Hygiene: You can brush and floss normally without working around fixed orthodontic hardware. This can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
- Fewer Food Restrictions: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not require you to avoid hard or sticky foods because of brackets and wires. However, you should remove your aligners before eating and clean your teeth before reinserting them whenever possible.
- Comfortable, Removable Design: Invisalign aligners are custom-made and generally have smooth surfaces without metal brackets or wires. You may still experience temporary pressure or tenderness as your teeth move.
Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to discuss your goals, explore your options, and determine whether clear aligners can help you achieve a straighter, healthier-looking smile.
About the Practice
Our goal for you at Gentle Dentistry Sparta is to have such a comfortable, positive experience that you’ll never avoid another dentist’s appointment! Whether it’s Invisalign or another procedure from our comprehensive menu of dental services, we would be honored to serve your oral health needs. Reach out to us online or call (973) 729-9044.