If you wore traditional metal braces as a child, you may have thought that they would permanently correct issues with your smile. Even if your orthodontist stressed how important it was to wear your retainer so your teeth wouldn’t move back into their original position, one study found that 25% of patients stopped wearing their retainers within the first 24 months of completing their orthodontic treatment. If you’re part of this group, your teeth may have done exactly what your orthodontist said they would and moved back to where they were before. Now that you’re an adult, can you get clear aligners to fix your teeth again? Here’s what you need to know about getting Invisalign after braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of custom aligners that apply consistent but gentle pressure to move your teeth into a better position over time. These trays are switched out every week or two to a straighter pair until your teeth are where they should be. Since they’re clear, many patients prefer the minimalistic, more aesthetically appealing look they offer over that of metal braces.
Can You Get Invisalign If You’ve Already Had Braces?
Though you’ll need to speak with your orthodontist to determine if you’re a good candidate, most patients who had braces when they were younger can get Invisalign as adults. In fact, it may even be beneficial. Crooked or misaligned teeth can create spaces where bacteria can easily collect, which raises your chances of developing oral health issues like cavities and decay. Getting Invisalign to straighten your teeth will make them easier to clean, so you’ll be able to prevent problems that can jeopardize your smile.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Traditional metal braces are a great way to straighten your smile, but there are several benefits of getting Invisalign as an adult, including:
- Increased comfort – The plastic that Invisalign is made from is smooth and feels comfortable in your mouth, so it’s more pleasant to wear that bulky wires and brackets.
- Faster treatment time – In some cases, braces wearers have to keep them on for several years. But, with Invisalign, the average treatment time is six to 12 months. If your orthodontic issues are more severe, treatment will likely take longer.
- Discreet appearance – Since Invisalign is virtually invisible, it’s more visually appealing than metal braces.
- Removable – Since Invisalign is removable, there aren’t any dietary restrictions like there are with braces. It’s also easier to brush and floss your teeth.
If you want to get Invisalign after braces, set up a consultation with your dentist. They will be able to let you know if it’s the right fit to give you a healthy, beautiful smile!
About the Author
Led by Dr. Zelia Cannon and Dr. James Shahinian, Gentle Dentistry takes pride in administering exceptional oral health services to patients in Sparta and surrounding communities. If you had braces as a kid and are interested in correcting orthodontic issues that reoccurred, they can help you determine if clear aligners are a good option for your pearly whites. Call Gentle Dentistry Sparta at (973) 729-9044 or visit their website for more information on clear aligners or to make an appointment.