When you completed your orthodontic treatment and had your braces removed, you left your final appointment with the reasonable expectation that your smile would be straight forever. But looking in the mirror more recently, you were shocked and annoyed to find that your teeth look crooked. Again!
What can you do in this situation? And why did your treatment results come undone? This post will cover all that and then some, so keep reading to find out how Invisalign can re-straighten your smile the convenient way.
Why Did My Teeth Shift Again?
Teeth are generally resilient and moving them into more favorable alignments is tough work. However, their natural inclination is to slide back to their old, crooked positions. That’s what a retainer is for – to retain your newly straightened smile. If you didn’t wear it as instructed by your orthodontist, the lack of corrective pressure is most likely what caused the unwelcome change.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the issue was your fault, though! Human teeth go through a lot of development as people age, so it’s possible yours simply shifted over time or due to a dramatic structural transformation. Emerging wisdom teeth, for example, can knock existing teeth out of place, disrupting your alignment.
Can Invisalign Retreat My Smile?
It’s certainly possible! Invisalign uses a similar science to correct crooked teeth, just without all the metal. The clear trays will apply pressure to your pearly whites. As you progress through your treatment, you’ll receive tighter and tighter sets of trays, until the gradual adjustments are complete, and your smile is straight again. Invisalign can fix most cases of dental misalignment, even if your teeth were previously corrected.
How is Invisalign Different from Braces?
The reason a second orthodontic treatment with Invisalign might appeal more to you than a second round of metal braces has to do with convenience and comfort. Braces are great at what they do and are particularly well-suited for severe cases, but some patients don’t like trying to clean the wires and brackets or getting poked in the cheek.
Invisalign trays, in contrast, are removable and smooth. Many patients like that they can remove their aligners for enjoying meals and don’t have to apply nearly as much orthodontic wax. Since the trays stay clear with proper care, you also won’t have to worry about having a metallic smile during picture-taking or meetings!
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your dentist whether Invisalign is the best solution for your teeth. But they are popular for a reason! Thanks to the convenience, comfort, and clarity that Invisalign can offer, you might find that your second orthodontic treatment wasn’t so bad after all.
About the Dentist
Dr. Sung-Hee Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry and has advanced training in orthodontic treatments like Fastbraces and Invisalign. She diligently keeps up with the latest developments in dental technology and research, so if you want to get your teeth re-straightened, Dr. Lee will know the best way to get the job done! To contact her office, call 972-481-8800.