Traditional braces are a tried and proven way to address a wide range of dental misalignments, but many patients find that their teeth drift back out of alignment in the years after they complete their treatments. The good news is that Invisalign can often address mild or moderate dental misalignments such as those that develop after wearing braces. Here’s a brief guide to how Invisalign may be able to help you get your teeth back in place.
Why Did My Teeth Drift out of Alignment After I Wore Braces?
Orthodontic methods work by gradually pushing teeth into healthier positions and holding them in place while the gum tissue resolidifies around them. However, it’s crucial to continue wearing your retainer for life after completing your treatment, and failing to do so will allow your teeth to slowly drift back toward their original positions. In many cases, people who need additional orthodontic treatment after wearing braces neglected to wear their retainers as instructed.
How Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces that realigns teeth using removable clear aligners that are completely customized to fit the particular patient’s mouth. Each pair of aligners is designed to be worn for about two weeks before the patient switches to the next set in the sequence. Each set will push the teeth a little closer to their ideal positions until the patient’s smile is properly realigned.
While many patients report that Invisalign is much easier than wearing braces, this orthodontic method still requires a significant amount of effort from patients. You will need to adhere to a strict hygiene routine that includes:
- Removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water.
- Thoroughly cleaning your teeth and your aligners before wearing your appliances again.
- Wearing your aligners for at least twenty hours every day.
Invisalign can be a much simpler, briefer, and less conspicuous way to realign your teeth than traditional braces. If your teeth have drifted out of alignment after a previous orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be the ideal way to get your smile back in shape.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder earned his dental degree at Creighton University and has completed hundreds of hours of postgraduate coursework. He is a contributing author for Dental Economics and a certified Invisalign provider. His office in Moses Lake offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. If you’re interested in straightening out your smile, contact his office online or dial (509) 765-4351.