Did your teen have braces when they were younger? If so, you might have thought orthodontic treatment was a one-time thing. However, years later, you realize that their teeth are no longer in their properly aligned positions. Why does that happen? Can they get Invisalign even though they had braces in the past? You can find out the answers by reading on!
First, What Causes Teeth to Shift After Braces?
Have you heard of orthodontic relapse? It’s a phenomenon that upwards of 50% of patients experience following their time with braces. It’s believed to be the result of several things – from not wearing a retainer consistently to chronic grinding and clenching. That’s why patients today are encouraged to wear their retainer around the clock for several months before transitioning to wearing it solely at night.
Can Invisalign Correct Orthodontic Relapse?
The short answer is “yes!” So, if your teen is struggling with crooked or gapped teeth again, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with their orthodontist! In addition to their orthodontist conducting an oral exam, they will review the responsibilities that come with Invisalign. If your teen cannot commit to wearing the aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day or they are often forgetful and are likely to constantly misplace them, clear aligner treatment may not be ideal for them.
5 Reasons Teens Love Invisalign
If your teen’s case of malocclusion isn’t too severe and they are ready to handle the responsibilities that come with Invisalign, then their orthodontist will most likely determine that they are a good candidate. If that’s the case, they will enjoy several noteworthy perks during their orthodontic treatment, including:
- Freedom to eat their favorite foods. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions.
- Hassle-free dental care. Since the aligners are removable, brushing and flossing are easy.
- Shorter average treatment timelines. The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months!
- Comfortable, metal-free aligners. While traditional braces have metal brackets and wires that cause soft-tissue irritation, Invisalign aligners are crafted from smooth plastic.
- Discreet braces. Since Invisalign aligners are see-through, no unwanted attention will be drawn to your teen’s smile.
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help your child enjoy a healthy, happy, and beautiful smile throughout the years. So, if they end up experiencing orthodontic relapse, they need a new retainer, or you are interested in learning more about preventing cavities, don’t hesitate to let us know – our Pelham dental team is here to help! You’re welcome to schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (603) 635-1166.