Braces are very effective for straightening teeth, but unfortunately, their results are not always permanent. If you fail to wear your retainer, or your teeth shift for other reasons, you might need to undergo a second round of orthodontic care. If that is true of you, you may be interested in using Invisalign clear aligners instead of traditional brackets and wires. What should you know about using Invisalign after braces? This blog post provides some helpful information.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses custom clear aligners instead of metal brackets and wires to gently move teeth. It is popular due to its discreet appearance and other convenient features. For example, since the aligners are removable, Invisalign does not come with dietary restrictions or a complex oral hygiene routine. Many patients also find Invisalign more comfortable than traditional braces due to its metal-free design.
Invisalign After Braces
Many patients who formerly used braces are good candidates for Invisalign. This may be true of you whether you have rotated teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between your teeth, or even a malocclusion (bad bite). Of course, your dentist will first need to examine your teeth before confirming that Invisalign is a good fit for you.
If an examination reveals that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and use them as the basis for designing your aligners. Then, the Invisalign laboratory will fabricate your custom tooth trays. You will wear each set for about two weeks, for 20 – 22 hours a day, until your treatment is complete. Hopefully, your teeth will not have drifted too far out of place since you had braces. Therefore, your overall treatment time should be relatively short.
Maintaining Your Results
Similar to braces, the results of Invisalign are only permanent if you maintain them. Your dentist will provide you with a retainer, which you may need to wear full-time at first. Eventually, you might need to use it for just a few nights each week.
Have your teeth drifted back out of places after braces? Invisalign might be the easiest way to get your smile back in its best shape.
Meet the Practice
At Northborough Dental Associates, our skilled team of practitioners is proud to offer both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. If your teeth are no longer well-aligned after previous orthodontic treatment, we can evaluate the situation and recommend your next steps. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office at 508-571-0358.