So you went through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® in the past. Maybe you started off strong wearing your retainer every night after treatment. Then, one night, you left your retainer in its case… and that turned into multiple nights… and months… and maybe even years!
Now your teeth have shifted and you’re left wondering, “what do I do? Do I try to fit my retainer back in? Can I get Invisalign after braces to fix this?” Your Wall Orthodontics team is here to answer your questions! Here’s everything you need to know:
The unfortunate tale of orthodontic relapse
Neglecting your retainer for an extended period of time can lead to orthodontic relapse. When your teeth “relapse”, this means your teeth shifted out of their beautifully-aligned post-treatment positions and reverted back to their original pre-treatment positions. Worst case scenario!
But if you’re reading this blog because you stopped wearing your retainer, you already know about orthodontic relapse. So here’s what you can do moving forward:
Should I wear my retainer if it doesn’t fit?
If your retainer doesn’t snap into place without forcing it in, please do NOT try to make it fit. This can break your retainer – or worse, damage your smile. It’s important that you reach out to us, let us know that your retainer no longer fits, and we can discuss next steps!
Why do teeth shift after braces or Invisalign?
Whether your teeth moved after braces years later or just months later, the reason behind it is the same:
The bone and tissues that support your teeth have minds of their own. Our bodies are constantly moving, growing and readjusting throughout life. Without the guidance of your retainer holding your teeth in the new positions we created, your teeth will continue moving and readjusting.
Retainers help stabilize your teeth in their new positions, allowing the surrounding bone and tissues to adapt and retain the changes.
Orthodontic Relapse Treatment (or Orthodontic Retreatment)
So, what are your options? If you start wearing your retainer again, will your teeth move back?
It depends on how long it’s been since you wore your retainer consistently. If your retainer fits back in your mouth and snaps into place without forcing it, then yes, your retainer can guide your teeth back in line with consistent wear. It may feel tight if you haven’t worn it for days or weeks; that just means there’s some realigning to do.
If you haven’t worn your retainer for months or years, and it doesn’t fit your smile anymore, do not force your retainer in place. Orthodontic retreatment will be necessary to correct the misalignment.
Invisalign after Braces: Minor Concern, Major Results
Let’s be honest. You didn’t plan on going through more than one orthodontic treatment, and it’s not the most exciting news to hear. However, the good news is: with Simply Aligned by Wall Orthodontics, retreatment for minor cases is easy – with no hassle, and a low cost.
Retreatment leverages your previous investment and focuses on fine-tuning and perfecting your smile. Through Simply Aligned, we offer adults who need a touch-up from previous treatment limited Invisalign® treatment to perfect their smile in as little as 2 office visits.
Retreatment is personalized to your specific needs. You’ll get the exact treatment you need!
How long do you have to wear Invisalign after braces?
Invisalign after braces can be successful with just a few months of treatment! Specialized Simply Aligned treatment uses only 10 Invisalign trays, as opposed to about 30 trays for full Invisalign treatment.
Because Simply Aligned is limited and designed for minimal tooth movement only, not everyone qualifies. Schedule your first appointment easily, online, then come in for a scan with Dr. Wall! Your Statesboro orthodontist will evaluate the current condition of your teeth to determine if Simply Aligned is the right retreatment option for you!
In need of orthodontic treatment, or ‘second-time braces’?
We would love to hear from you! We are your Invisalign orthodontist in Statesboro, GA, here to help you experience your ideal smile again. Nowadays, Invisalign treatment is more convenient and more affordable than ever.
Whether it’s your first time starting orthodontic treatment, your second time or even your third, we’re here to help. Get started today by seeing if you qualify for Simply Aligned, or book a complimentary consultation for full treatment with our Statesboro orthodontist office!
