Did you have braces in the past? If so, you may have loved your results. Now, though, sometime down the line, perhaps you have noticed that your teeth have begun to shift out of place again. That can happen for various reasons. For example, it could occur if you fail to wear your retainer as instructed. In any case, you might wonder if you can get Invisalign to re-straighten your smile. The answer is probably yes! In this blog post, you will learn more about what you can expect with Invisalign after braces.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a suitable orthodontic treatment for many cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment. If your teeth have only shifted a little since you had braces, it is likely that Invisalign can re-straighten them fairly easily.
Of course, your orthodontist will have to take several factors into account before determining if Invisalign is right for your unique case. For example, your lifestyle and habits will come into play. Invisalign is not typically recommended for people who smoke or those who engage in severe teeth grinding and clenching.
What to Expect with Invisalign after Braces
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign after having braces, here are a few notes on what you can expect:
- Your treatment is likely to be shorter than it was with braces. Depending on how far your teeth have shifted, you might need to use Invisalign for just a few months to re-align your smile.
- Invisalign feels different than braces. The aligners are made out of smooth plastic, and many patients find them to be more comfortable than braces.
- You will need to adjust your habits. You will need to get used to removing your aligners at mealtimes and when you care for your oral hygiene. It is also very important that you keep your aligners clean and store them safely when they are not in use.
- Braces and Invisalign have different costs. Often, braces cost less than Invisalign. However, since your Invisalign treatment is likely to be relatively short and simple, the price should be manageable.
Getting Started
The longer you wait to re-start orthodontic treatment, the more your teeth may drift out of place. Speak with a qualified Invisalign provider soon to find out how you can get every part of your smile back where it belongs.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of board-certified orthodontist Dr. Amin Mason, our Columbus, OH, team offers a broad range of orthodontic services for both children and adults. Invisalign and traditional metal braces are both available in our office. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact Polaris Orthodontic Center at 614-781-6990.
