Did you spend your teenage years wearing traditional braces? If so, you probably received a customized retainer to help hold your new smile in place. Since then, you have enjoyed the benefits of a straighter, healthier set of teeth, but as the years have passed, you may have noticed that your bite appears slightly off. Should you undergo treatment with metal braces again, or will your dentist allow you to wear clear aligners? Keep reading to learn whether it’s possible to move forward with this discreet solution to improve your smile.
Can You Wear Clear Aligners if You Wore Regular Braces Before?
Your dentist or orthodontist will need to determine the severity of the issue (overcrowding, bite misalignment, gaps) before deciding whether clear aligners will be sufficient to address the problem.
In most cases, adults can achieve positive results with discreet orthodontics, even if they wore braces as teenagers. There are many reasons why your teeth might shift over time, such as:
- Lack of retainer wear after completing orthodontics the first time.
- Prolonged teeth grinding can cause teeth to move if proper protection (nightguard) is not provided.
- Wisdom tooth eruption can also cause teeth to shift since there is often a lack of space in the mouth when these teeth try to push through the gums. Removal is often required.
What Can You Expect with Clear Aligners?
If you are cleared to proceed with this newer method of orthodontic treatment, you can expect there to be significant differences between clear aligners and traditional braces. Apart from their discreet appearance, they also:
- Are more likely to produce faster results (on average) than metal braces. Most patients complete treatment in 12-18 months, which is much quicker than the 2-3 years many individuals need with traditional methods to achieve results.
- Require fewer follow-up appointments throughout treatment because there are no wires to tighten or replace. With clear aligners, your dentist only needs to review your progress to ensure no adjustments are required.
- Are more comfortable to wear because of the smooth, sleek material. Unlike metal brackets and wires that protrude and rub against soft oral tissues, you do not have to worry about irritating your lips, cheeks, or tongue with clear aligners.
Clear aligners are a suitable and often viable option for most patients, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about starting treatment, regardless of your history with traditional braces.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
Orthodontics is one of the many services we offer at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich. Our team of professionals works together not only to ensure you maintain a healthy smile but also to keep your teeth and bite perfectly aligned. With clear aligners, we can deliver optimal results that leave you with a life-changing appearance, one that will make a difference in your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Want to straighten your teeth after all these years? Visit our website or call (847) 438-8136 to schedule an appointment.