Dental misalignments can set a person up for a host of uncomfortable oral and overall health issues like grinding, chewing difficulties, trouble speaking, jaw pain, and aches of the head, back, and neck. Fortunately, Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment that can address mild to moderate gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites with virtually invisible clear aligners. Here’s a quick look at why your teeth may have shifted out of place since your orthodontic treatment and how Invisalign may be able to help.
What Causes Teeth to Drift out of Place?
Teeth can gradually shift out of place for a variety of reasons, and a few of the most common include:
- Grinding: Habitually grinding or clenching your teeth can harm your gum tissue and force your smile out of alignment.
- Gum disease: Infections of the soft oral tissues can weaken the structures supporting your teeth and allow them to drift out of alignment.
- Age: The connective tissues holding our teeth in place will weaken as we age, so older people may be more likely to experience orthodontic relapses.
- Insufficient retainer wear: Wearing your retainer as instructed after orthodontic treatment is crucial to preserving your results.
How Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign can be an excellent way to address mild to moderate dental misalignments, which means it can be particularly great for many patients whose teeth have drifted out of place after a previous orthodontic treatment. Invisalign uses a customized sequence of removable clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into healthier positions, and it can usually be completed in six to eighteen months. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when worn, which means you won’t have to worry about others noticing them, and they are easy to remove, which means you won’t have to worry about any eating restrictions.
Don’t let your teeth drift out of place after a previous orthodontic treatment. Invisalign can be a fantastic way to keep your smile straight, healthy, and beautiful.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Gagnon earned her dental degree at Tufts University and has completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Maine Dental Association, and the Greater Portland Dental Society. Her office in South Portland offers general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services as well as Invisalign. To learn more about how Invisalign may be able to help you, contact her office on the web or dial (207) 253-5600.