As much as we’d like for the results of orthodontic treatment to be absolutely permanent, this is unfortunately not the case. Factors such as oral injuries, neglecting to wear your retainer, or grinding your teeth after wearing braces can cause the teeth to drift out of alignment again, which makes them harder to clean and easier to injure. Here’s how people who have already worn braces may be able to benefit from Invisalign and what the process looks like.
Why Have My Teeth Drifted Out of Place After Wearing Braces?
Like all orthodontic treatments, traditional braces work by exerting consistent pressure to gradually shift the teeth into straighter positions. This will eventually leave the teeth in a healthier alignment, but the teeth will begin drifting back to their former positions as soon as the braces are removed. If the patient does not wear their retainer as instructed, their teeth will soon fall out of alignment again, ruining the hard-won results of the orthodontic process.
Other reasons for teeth to drift out of alignment after orthodontic treatment include:
- Oral injuries that affect the shape of the gums and jaw.
- Teeth grinding that erodes the gum tissue supporting the teeth.
- Severe gum infections that must be resolved before Invisalign treatment can begin.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign can be an excellent way to address minor to moderate dental misalignments, which can make it especially great for many of those who have received orthodontic treatment previously. The process works using a customized sequence of removable and virtually invisible clear aligners that fit snugly over the teeth to gradually shift them into better positions.
The patient will have to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours daily and switch to the next set in their sequence every two weeks or so. They will also have to stick to a strict regimen of brushing and flossing each time before putting their aligners in their mouths while also removing them when eating or drinking anything but water.
Finding that your teeth have drifted out of place after a long orthodontic treatment can be quite frustrating. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if Invisalign treatment can be an excellent option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Sienna Palmer earned her dental degree at the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California and is certified in Invisalign. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To book your Invisalign consultation, contact her office online or dial (949) 365-0951.