Orthodontic treatment is something that many people end up needing during their youth, and if you’ve gone through this, you probably know just how much of a process it can feel like. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to need a little extra orthodontic work later in life, to address stubborn misalignment that has returned. In these cases, Invisalign can often be an effective solution! Here’s what you need to know.
Why Would I Need Invisalign After Having Braces?
The truth is, there are numerous reasons for needing Invisalign after already wearing braces, some of which are in your control, but others that can’t be helped. In a perfect world, teeth would remain right where they need to following orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, they stay mostly put – however, it’s common for patients to see their teeth become crooked once more.
One of the most common reasons for this is negligence; following braces, patients must often wear a retainer for an extended period, to hold their teeth in their new position. Failing to do so often causes the teeth to begin to revert back to their original, crooked positions, undoing all the hard work of your braces!
Wisdom teeth are another possible culprit for this undesirable movement; as these back molars emerge later in life, they can shift teeth out of place, even if they’ve already undergone orthodontic treatment. Bruxism can also put pressure on your teeth and gums which in turn causes your teeth to shift their position faster. By that same logic, dental trauma and injuries might also warrant the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Tips for Ensuring Successful Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to Invisalign, consistency is key – if you aren’t wearing your aligners as instructed by your dentist, your teeth cannot move as intended. That said, hopefully your first round of orthodontics was able to leave you with some good habits. Consider these tips for ensuring that your Invisalign treatment is successful:
- Wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours every day, only removing them to eat and brush your teeth.
- Keep your aligners in great shape by cleaning them, keeping tabs on them, and swapping to new trays as instructed.
- Practice diligent oral hygiene during your treatment; even small cavities have the potential to cause setbacks or other serious dental issues.
Wearing Invisalign is a sign that you’re committed to your smile’s well-being. So even if you have to wear these trays after wearing braces in your youth, don’t despair; sometimes the path to a healthy smile takes a little extra work, but it’s all worthwhile in the end.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Costa, our team has proudly served patients and families in the Worcester, MA community for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services for the whole family, including Invisalign treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, feel free to visit us online or call us today for additional information. Telephone: (508) 755-1980.