There’s no denying the benefit of traditional orthodontic braces to correct severe issues like misaligned teeth or jaws. That said, even teens interested in obtaining a straight smile aren’t terribly enthusiastic about the prospect of wearing metal braces for two years. As an adult that has had braces before, you’re probably even less interested in returning to this method of dental alignment.
Unfortunately, our teeth are not generally inclined to stay in their straight positions after braces are removed. This is why you have to faithfully wear retainers for years after braces to keep your smile looking as perfect as the day you got your braces off.
Raise your hand if you’re one of many adults that adhered to a strict regimen following braces, but over the years, your retainer usage fell by the wayside. Now you find yourself dealing with the consequences – teeth that have shifted somewhat – and you’re hesitant to return to braces. Don’t fret, there’s another option. With Invisalign you could straighten your smile without the many drawbacks of braces. Here’s what you need to know.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers some of the same benefits as traditional braces, insomuch as they help to correct smile and bite issues. However, the invisible trays are custom made for your mouth, and you’ll receive a series of trays that gradually correct your particular issues.
Although you’ll have to wear your Invisalign trays for the majority of each day, they are removable (unlike metal braces), which means you can take them off for the sake of convenience when you eat or clean your teeth. In addition, they are generally considered more comfortable than traditional braces, not least of all because they have no sharp, metal edges.
The kicker, however, is that Invisalign could deliver results in as little as about six months, which is significantly less than braces. At similar cost, you stand to gain a lot of benefits when you opt for Invisalign.
Invisalign after Braces
The big question, of course, is whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. In many cases, those who have had braces previously are ideal candidates because much of the hard work has already been done, and only minor adjustments are needed.
Invisalign can help to correct minor issues like gaps, crowding, underbite, overbite, and so on, but they may not work well for severe misalignment. If you want to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, simply contact your dentist to schedule a consultation.
