If you’re an adult who had braces as a teen and neglected to wear your retainers, you may regret it. But the good news is that there’s a way to correct your “adult relapse” without wearing metal braces again! In fact, Invisalign is often the perfect choice for adults in this situation for multiple reasons, especially since people of all ages can benefit from a properly aligned bite and straight teeth. Continue reading below to learn why a dentist often recommends Invisalign clear aligners for adults who didn’t wear their retainers as teens.
The Benefits of Invisalign For Correcting Adult Relapse
After going through the hassle of wearing metal brackets and wires (even if it was many years ago), the last thing you want is to go through it again, especially as a busy adult. But with the many benefits of orthodontic treatment, straightening your teeth again is well worth it.
One reason Invisalign is ideal for these situations is that, in most cases, the “heavy lifting” of correcting your bite was taken care of by your initial orthodontic treatment. While you may have had movement from not wearing your retainers, chances are that you only need relatively minor adjustments to get great results. Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent choice because they’ll safely and reliably create the movement your teeth need to look fantastic once again.
In addition, Invisalign is not only practically invisible, but it’s also usually completed in less time than traditional braces (the average is 9-18 months for Invisalign, compared to 12-24 months for braces).
Will Invisalign Work For You?
Invisalign is a great choice for most people and works for crowding, gaps, underbites, overbites, and more. But since everyone is unique, the best way to find out for sure is to schedule a consultation with a dentist who offers Invisalign. After taking detailed images of your teeth, they can give you an estimate of your treatment time and even show you virtual results of how your smile will look when you’re done.
Regardless of your age or how long it’s been since you had braces, you deserve the great oral health and improved self-confidence that comes with a straight, beautiful smile. With Invisalign, your teeth will look just as great as they did when your braces were taken off, without the hassle of spending years in brackets and wires!
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft is an Invisalign-certified dentist with 15 years of experience and completed her residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She loves working with patients of all ages and has provided Invisalign for many adults who had braces in their teenage years. If you have any questions about Invisalign or want to schedule a consultation, she can be reached via her website.