Orthodontic braces are no picnic to wear, but they do deliver incredible results when it comes to correcting alignment issues with teeth and jaws. If you suffer from severe crowding or gaps in teeth, and/or you have a serious overbite, underbite, or crossbite, orthodontic braces are often the best option to achieve the perfect, straight smile you crave.
Unfortunately, your smile may not stay perfectly straight after your braces are removed. It turns out the ligaments connecting teeth and jaw bones are inclined to snap back after being stretched by orthodontic braces. This is why patients are encouraged to stick to a schedule of wearing retainers after braces are removed.
If you fail to faithfully wear retainers, your teeth can definitely begin to shift back over time, although they will likely never be as bad as they once were. Does this mean you have to get braces all over again? Not if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Invisalign is a product that relies on customized, removable, plastic trays to move crooked teeth into alignment for a straight smile. These clear trays fit over teeth like a glove, and every few weeks, patients receive a new set of trays to continue progress toward better alignment.
The benefits of Invisalign are clear – literally. Trays are practically invisible, unlike metal braces. In addition, they’re more comfortable because you don’t have hard metal scraping the soft tissues of your mouth. They are removable, which makes eating and cleaning your teeth a lot easier. Plus, you could see results in as little as about six months, depending on your particular case.
The only caveat is that Invisalign is not designed to address severe alignment or bite issues. For serious misalignment, orthodontic braces may be a better option. However, when dealing with minor fixes related to shifting after braces, Invisalign could be ideally suited to the task.
WILL INVISALIGN WORK FOR ME?
You’ll have to consult with your dentist to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Many patients who have had braces in the past turn out to be ideal candidates for this treatment option, but it depends entirely on your particular challenges and circumstances. Only your dentist can assess your oral health and alignment issues to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. That said, with only minor shifting of teeth to contend with, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to benefit from the Invisalign system.