Can You Get Invisalign If You Already Had Braces?

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According to one study, one in five patients stop wearing their retainer within 19 to 24 months of completing orthodontic treatment. Many of them find that their teeth have gradually shifted. Among them are adults who want to repeat treatment with Invisalign because the aligners aren’t very noticeable. If you had braces in the past, is Invisalign treatment possible?

Invisalign after Braces?

Photo of upper and lower Invisalign aligners, which are available in San Diego from accredited cosmetic dentist Stephen Doan, DDS.

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible

Although Dr. Doan would need to examine your teeth to let you know your treatment options, Invisalign might be right for you. Mild spacing or crowding issues can often be corrected within six months. The clear aligners will also correct the following imperfections in teeth:

  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Open bite

Of course, after treatment with Invisalign, you must be diligent about wearing a retainer—for life—to keep your teeth in alignment.

Advantages of Invisalign

If you’ve worn traditional braces in the past, you will quickly notice the advantages of Invisalign. Some of them include:

  • Faster treatment time
  • Fewer checkup appointments
  • Increased comfort
  • Precise alignment
  • Easier to maintain good oral hygiene, because you can remove the aligners
  • Virtually invisible aligners

What Else Should You Know?

  • Invisalign costs more than traditional braces, but your dentist likely offers payment plans or financing options to make treatment affordable.
  • When you remove them to eat, drink, or floss and brush your teeth, you must remember to put the aligners back on your teeth.
  • Aligners need to be worn about 22 hours per day. Failure to wear them as directed can prolong your treatment time.
  • In some cases, tooth-colored attachments are temporarily bonded to your teeth for increased contact and grip to correctly move your teeth. The attachments, or bumps, on your teeth might make Invisalign a bit more noticeable.

Schedule an appointment with a certified Invisalign provider to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Stephen Doan, an accredited cosmetic dentist in La Jolla, CA.