If you had braces in the past, you may fondly remember the relief and satisfaction you felt when your braces were removed and you saw your new smile in the mirror. Now, though, some years later, it is possible that your teeth have drifted out of place. This can happen due to various factors, such as failure to wear your retainer as much as recommended, tooth loss, or other circumstances. If you suspect that you need to undergo orthodontic treatment again, you might wonder, “Can I get Invisalign after braces?” For most people, the answer to that question is yes.
Invisalign After Braces — What to Expect
When determining your candidacy for Invisalign, your orthodontist will pay more attention to the current state of your teeth than to whether you had braces in the past. Invisalign is generally best for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. It is often able to correct issues like gapped teeth, rotated teeth, and malocclusion (bite problems).
Depending on how far your teeth have drifted out of place since you had braces, you may have a much shorter overall treatment time with Invisalign than you had previously. In fact, some patients use Invisalign for less than a year before they achieve the desired results. (There are no guarantees for how long Invisalign will take. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an estimate for the length of your treatment during your consultation.)
Why Choose Invisalign?
“My braces weren’t that bad. Why don’t I just get them again?” you might ask. Of course, you can talk with your orthodontist about all of your treatment options. However, most patients gravitate toward Invisalign rather than regular braces because:
- Invisalign is removable. You won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions, and it will be easy to keep your teeth clean.
- Invisalign is discreet. The aligners are not totally invisible, but they are less noticeable than metal brackets and wires. That makes them great for anyone who is particularly image-conscious.
- Invisalign is convenient. Invisalign checkups with your orthodontist usually last for just a few minutes.
- Invisalign is comfortable. Of course, moving your teeth always involves a degree of discomfort, but the smooth plastic aligners of Invisalign are designed to make the process as easy as possible.
- Invisalign is worth the splurge. Many people who had braces in the past got them as a teenager, when their parents made all the financial decisions. Now, as an independent adult, you have the freedom to choose a treatment that, although it may cost a bit more, offers some significant advantages over traditional teeth straightening methods.
Are you considering your options for orthodontic retreatment? Instead of going back to traditional metal braces, why not ask your orthodontist if you are a candidate for Invisalign?
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and the team at Polaris Orthodontic Center are proud to be an Invisalign Gold+ provider. We offer Invisalign and a range of other orthodontic treatments for the Columbus community. If you had braces in the past and are looking to straighten your teeth again, we will be pleased to help you. Contact us at 614-781-6990.
