As kids, many people get traditional braces to fix gaps, alignment problems, and bite issues. Though this treatment is intended to keep your smile looking lovely for the rest of your life, but isn’t always the case. Some people neglect to wear their retainers, which can cause their teeth to shift back into their original position. Other people run into issues as they get older that cause dental shifting. For those who had braces in the past, can they get Invisalign as adults? Keep reading to learn if Invisalign after braces is a possibility.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of aligner trays to move the teeth into a more desirable position. These clear plastic trays apply gentle but constant pressure to the teeth to gradually move them. The result is a straighter, better-functioning smile. Each aligner is custom-made, and patients move to the next set every two weeks or so. Since Invisalign is virtually invisible, it’s a much more discreet way to straighten your smile than traditional braces.
Can You Get Invisalign If You’ve Already Had Braces?
Though there may be some cases when people who had Invisalign when they were younger aren’t able to get braces, most people should be able to undergo this orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will conduct a thorough oral examination to determine if you’re eligible.
Minor orthodontic problems can usually be fixed within six months, but more severe cases will take a year or two. It’s important to stick to your post-treatment instructions to ensure that you don’t end up in the same situation all over again.
5 Benefits of Invisalign
There are several unique benefits that Invisalign offers patients, such as:
- Increased comfort – Invisalign is made from smooth plastic rather than bulky metal brackets and wires. This makes it more comfortable to wear.
- Faster treatment time – Treatment times vary depending on how severe your orthodontic problems are, but Invisalign usually corrects issues within six to 12 months.
- Discreet appearance – Since Invisalign is nearly invisible, this allows you to discreetly improve the look of your smile.
- Eat what you want – Invisalign aligners are removable, which means that you can eat almost anything without issue.
- Easier to clean – Being able to remove your Invisalign trays also makes it easier to properly brush and floss your teeth.
Though people who had braces when they were younger would ideally never need to undergo orthodontic treatment again, accidents happen. So, if you’re interested in getting Invisalign after braces, reach out to your orthodontist to set up an appointment and begin your journey towards a gorgeous, uniform grin!
About the Practice
Drs. Mario Denicola and Monisha Khanna are the two skilled dentists who lead the team of exceptional oral health professionals at Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. They have made patient comfort and care their top priority and aim to make you feel well cared for from the moment you entered their office. They offer a variety of treatments to fix and perfect smiles, such as Invisalign. They can also go over whether getting Invisalign after braces is a good fit for you. If you want to learn more or to make an appointment, call (540) 432-6616 or visit their website.