When you were younger, did you wear metal braces (and perhaps even headgear) for several years? Did you wear your retainer in the months or years following until it broke, was misplaced, or no longer fit, causing your teeth to drift back into their previously misaligned positions? If so, you might be wondering if you are eligible for a second round of orthodontic treatment, preferably with Invisalign. Keep reading to learn the answer!
First, What Causes Teeth to Shift After Braces?
Have you ever heard the term “orthodontic relapse?” Essentially, it’s the phenomenon where teeth begin to move back into their previously misaligned positions following orthodontic treatment. To help prevent this from happening, patients are given a retainer to wear each night before bed. However, as mentioned above, sometimes accidents happen, like the retainer gets damaged or lost, and, as a result, patients lose the time and money they invested in the teeth-straightening process.
Can You Straighten Your Teeth Again with Invisalign?
Over the years, Invisalign has helped many patients struggling with overcrowded and gapped teeth, including those who have experienced orthodontic relapse. So, if you are interested in clear aligner treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out if you’re a candidate! After they review your dental history, assess the severity of your case, and determine your commitment to the guidelines (like wearing the aligners for 20+ hours a day), they can let you know if the answer is “yes.”
How to Prevent Orthodontic Relapse in the Future
Whether you’re a good candidate for clear aligners or your case is more severe and requires traditional braces, the last thing you want is to undergo orthodontic treatment for a third time. That’s why wearing your retainer consistently is so important! If there comes a time when it gets damaged or lost, don’t wait – contact your dental team ASAP so they can have a replacement made.
About the Practice
With three exceptional dentists leading the way, Dr. Barker, Dr. Rohner, and Dr. Hunt, patients can turn to our Raleigh dental team for everything from routine checkups to smile-enhancing services, like Invisalign. If you are interested in the latter, let us know, even if you’ve had braces in the past. Our goal is to learn about your unique dental history and needs so we can give you a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful. So, don’t hesitate to take the next step: schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (919) 847-7100.
