Invisalign clear aligners provide a way to fix crooked, crowded, gapped or misaligned teeth in a discreet manner. Is this still a viable means of straightening teeth for patients who have previously worn braces or undergone some other form of dental work? As you continue reading, an Invisalign expert provides the answers you need so you can move forward with achieving the smile you’ve always wanted in the safest and most effective manner possible!
How Invisalign Works
To put things in context, let’s first take a look at how the Invisalign process works. It involves your dentist custom-designing a series of clear plastic trays that apply gradual tension to your teeth to encourage them to shift into the correct position.
Additionally, a series of X-rays will be taken to assess the condition of your teeth. Along with bite impressions, the data will be sent to an Invisalign-certified lab that will fabricate a complete series of trays. Once you retrieve them, you’ll be instructed to wear each set for two weeks, at the end of which time you’ll exchange them for the next pair in the series.
Because the process causes such dynamic changes to the position of your teeth, your dentist will first need to establish whether you’re the right candidate for the procedure. Therefore, he or she will take into account any previous dental work you’ve received.
Can Past Dental Work Prevent Treatment with Invisalign?
To answer this question, we’ll consider some common dental procedures to determine how they would impact your eligibility for Invisalign:
- Braces – It’s not uncommon for some patients who’ve received orthodontic treatment with braces to need further care in the future. As long as the braces have been removed and you have excellent oral health, you can undergo treatment with Invisalign.
- Dental Bridges – As mentioned earlier, the crux of treatment with Invisalign is that the aligners force the teeth to shift. This can cause a problem for patients who’ve received a dental bridge in the past since the apparatus is bonded to the adjacent teeth.
- Porcelain Crowns or Veneers – If you have either veneers or crowns, there’s a chance that you may be eligible for the Invisalign method, but your dentist will have to make the final determination based on your specific needs and the state of the existing fixtures.
How to End Any Confusion
The best way to eliminate any guessing is to visit your dentist for a consultation. Based on the results of the initial assessment, he or she can make a recommendation for what will be the best route to take. Therefore, you won’t have to remain in limbo when it comes to making the right decision. To get on track with having a smile that dazzles, contact your dentist to schedule a visit today!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Sandberg earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He would later earn his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is a testament to his constant drive to be the best. A member of the International Association for Orthodontics, Dr. Sandberg creates beautiful smiles with Invisalign at South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine, and he can be reached for more information through his website.