Under ideal circumstances, orthodontic treatments like braces produce permanent results. However, if you fail to wear your retainers as directed, your teeth may shift out of place. Other issues, such as tooth loss or injuries, can cause new misalignment. How can you re-straighten your smile? You could get traditional braces again, but you might also be a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners.
Who Can Get Invisalign?
Instead of using brackets and wires to reposition teeth, Invisalign employs custom clear aligners. You wear each one for a specific amount of time, and little by little, your series of aligners moves your teeth into their proper positions.
Invisalign is great at addressing most mild to moderate cases of misalignment. Since you wore braces in the past, it is unlikely that your orthodontic problem is so severe that Invisalign would not be able to address it. In fact, you might need to wear aligners for a relatively short period of time compared to when you had braces.
Of course, factors besides your dental misalignment will play a role in whether Invisalign is right for you. Dr. Thomas will consider a range of factors, including your lifestyle, the health and shape of your teeth, the presence of teeth grinding, and more.
What to Expect with Invisalign after Braces
Both Invisalign and braces leverage your teeth’s natural capacity of movement in order to shift them into their proper places. However, your treatment experience with each of these treatments is likely to be different in a few ways:
- Comfort: Invisalign’s smooth plastic aligners tend to be more comfortable than brackets and wires.
- Removability: Invisalign aligners are removable. This allows for easy oral hygiene and lets you eat all sorts of foods. However, it also means you have to remember to wear your aligners as much as possible!
- Check-ins: Invisalign check-ins tend to be brief since there are no brackets and wires to switch out. It is a great treatment for busy professionals who are always on the go.
- Appearance: This is a favorite feature of Invisalign! Although the aligners are not totally invisible, they are much less noticeable than metal brackets and wires. You may discover a whole new level of confidence with Invisalign!
Have your teeth shifted out of place after treatment with braces? Dr. Thomas and our team would be happy to evaluate your candidacy for Invisalign.
More about Dr. Thomas
Dr. Preetha Thomas is an experienced holistic dentist who has completed extensive training in orthodontic treatment. She is a proud Invisalign provider. If you are ready to explore your options for re-straightening your teeth, our team would be pleased to welcome you into our Southlake office for a consultation. Contact us at 817-912-1218.
