Can you get Invisalign if you previously had braces?

Can you get Invisalign if you previously had braces?

Invisalign Bothell

Many adults had braces to straighten their teeth when they were teens. However, it’s common for people to find that their teeth have slipped over time. This can happen as a result of not wearing retainers as directed, or simply because teeth tend to shift over the course of life. Many people may want to get their straight teeth back. One option would be to get braces again. However, most adults don’t want to commit to this. There are professional and social implications of having braces as an adult. Braces also tend to be uncomfortable and can be a hassle to care for. Fortunately, there’s another option. In most cases, those who have previously had braces are candidates for Invisalign. This option can straighten teeth very discreetly, without the hassle and discomfort of braces.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays, called aligners, to cause movements of the teeth. These are designed using a specialized computer program. 3D scans of your mouth are taken, and the computer uses these to model your perfect smile, including the intermediate steps needed to get you there. The clear aligners fit around the outside of the teeth, and put slight pressure on the teeth to move them. Each aligner is slightly closer to the desired alignment. You change aligners every week or two, and your teeth are gradually shifted into the desired locations.

Does Invisalign work if you’ve previously had braces?

In most cases, people who have previously had braces are candidates for Invisalign. In fact, adults who had braces when they were teens make up a substantial proportion of Invisalign patients. Although technological improvements have made it possible for Invisalign to handle most types of tooth alignment issues, there are still limits to what Invisalign can do. For certain types of problems, Invisalign may not be enough, and metal braces may be needed to correct the problem. An exam will be necessary to determine whether or not you’re a candidate for Invisalign.

How long does Invisalign take?

Invisalign treatment tends to be faster than treatment with braces. On average, it takes 12-18 months to complete Invisalign treatment. The treatment time will not necessarily be shorter just because you’ve previously had braces. If your alignment problems are less severe, then treatment will generally be quicker; if more tooth movement is needed, then treatment will generally take longer. Your provider will be able to give you an estimate for how long treatment with Invisalign will take, based on the tooth movements that will be required. However, each individual person responds to treatment differently, and so it’s not possible to predict precisely how long your treatment will take.

Invisalign Bothell

If you previously had braces and your teeth have shifted back, then you may be a candidate for Invisalign. Here at Mill Creek Dentistry, Dr. Mulliken offers Invisalign to his patients. His patients appreciate the convenience of being able to see their usual dentist for their Invisalign treatment as well. If you’re considering Invisalign Bothell, Mill Creek, or the surrounding area, we invite you to contact our office to learn more. Offering high-quality cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, Invisalign, sedation dentistry, and even sleep dentistry, Dr. Mulliken is highly sought after for his expertise as well as for putting patients at ease with his friendliness and warmth.