Can Invisalign Fix Teeth That Shifted After Braces?
I had braces many years ago. I was so excited to finally have straight teeth. Now, though, they’ve shifted. It’s not as bad as my teeth were before my braces, but I’m not as happy with my smile as I used to be. I don’t want to do another three years with a mouth full of metal. I’ve recently learned about Invisalign and that it can straighten my teeth without people knowing. Will it work on teeth that have shifted for braces?
Diana
Dear Diana,
You are not alone on having your teeth shift after you are done with braces. This is a common problem. The good news is that there is a solution. That being said, if you don’t know the reason that your teeth shifted, then it is likely to happen again.
Why Do Teeth Shift After Braces?
Once braces come off, your teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original wonky positions. Like people, our teeth like what they’re used to. That’s why retainers are such an important part of orthodontic treatment.
Other factors that can contribute to shifting include:
- Not wearing your retainer as directed
- Natural drift that occur with aging
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Changes in your bite
- Tooth loss or other dental issues
While a large number of patients experiencing drift is the result of not wearing their retainer according to their dentist’s instructions, even patients who wore their retainers faithfully for years may notice subtle shifting over time.
Can Invisalign Correct Teeth That Have Shifted?
In many cases, yes, it can. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth into healthier positions. For patients whose teeth have shifted after braces, treatment is often more straightforward and requires less time than starting orthodontic treatment from the beginning. Because they are invisible even at a conversational distance, you can straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing.
Depending on your smile, Invisalign may be able to:
- Straighten crowded or overlapping teeth
- Close small gaps
- Correct minor bite changes
- Improve the appearance of your smile
Every case is unique, so a consultation is the best way to determine whether Invisalign is the right option. You’ll need to see an Invisalign provider so they can evaluate your specific bite. When you go, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Some typical questions to ask are:
- How long will treatment may take?
- How many aligners will you need?
- What kind of realistic result should you expect?
- Will I need to wear a retainer?
A Secret Benefit of Invisalign
Not only do our teeth shift over time, but they pick up stains as we age as well. One huge benefit of Invisalign is that the clear aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. Even if your dentist only offers in-office Zoom Whitening, they can provide you with professional strength teeth whitening gel. You simply wear that gel in your aligners at the time most convenient to you. By the time your treatment is done, you’ll not just have a straight smile, but a whiter one as well.
This blog is brought to you by the top rated dentists in Lafayette, LA, Drs. Foreman and Thimmesch.
