If you wore braces as a teenager, you might be confused if you look in the mirror and see that some of your teeth are out of alignment again. Unfortunately, this can happen more often than you might think, which is why it’s important to be aware of the potential solutions. Many adults use Invisalign to straighten misaligned teeth, but is that still an option for those who used to wear braces? Your dentist is here to explain the facts.
Why Do Teeth Shift Even After Wearing Braces?
As the years go by, your teeth may start to shift. The exact reason for the change of position can vary, but there are a few particularly common factors:
- Failing to Wear Your Retainers: After completing orthodontic treatment, retainers are necessary to keep your teeth in their new positions. If you don’t wear your retainers according to the instructions you were given, your teeth will start to drift back to where they used to be.
- Wisdom Teeth: There often isn’t enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth, so when they try to erupt, they may push the other teeth out of alignment. This is part of the reason why wisdom teeth are often removed.
- Teeth Grinding: Do you sometimes grind and clench your teeth while you’re asleep? If so, the pressure might be causing your teeth to shift over time.
- Aging: As you get older, your teeth will start to move toward the front of your mouth. This is known as mesial drift.
Is It Okay to Get Invisalign Even After Wearing Braces?
You can still be a good candidate for Invisalign even if you wore braces in the past. In fact, many adults prefer Invisalign since it means they can address their orthodontic problems without having to wear eye-catching metal braces to work.
Your dentist will need to examine your mouth to confirm that Invisalign is a good option. The treatment can be used to correct mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth, unevenly spaced teeth, and bite-related issues such as overbite.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Some of the advantages of straightening teeth with Invisalign include:
- Not having to worry about your appearance since the aligners are virtually invisible when worn.
- Being able to eat whatever you want.
- Being able to brush and floss as easily as you normally could.
- Wearing an orthodontic appliance made out of smooth plastic instead of uncomfortable metal.
In short, whether you’ve worn braces before or not, Invisalign can be a very attractive option for dealing with your current alignment problems. You can learn more about the treatment if you set up a consultation with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Darren Koch has more than 20 years of experience as a family and cosmetic dentist. He is very skilled when it comes to straightening smiles with Invisalign; in fact, one of the cases he worked on was featured as a Case of the Month by the American Academy of Clear Aligners. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koch at his practice in Cary, visit his website or call (919) 859-6633.
