Can My Teeth Shift After My Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is a terrific option for many. Over 15 million people have used this innovative treatment to straighten their teeth in a near-invisible way. But you might wonder if your teeth will shift back after you complete your treatment. 

The best way to ensure your successful outcome is to work closely with our dental care professionals. At Dental Arts of Edgewater in Edgewater, New Jersey, Dr. Michael Moawad and our team work closely with you to define your goals for Invisalign, assess your current oral health, and make recommendations. Dr. Moawad may make impressions of your teeth or use a 3D scanning device to develop your treatment plan. 

How Invisalign treatment works 

Unlike traditional braces that are more or less permanent during the time you wear them, Invisalign uses clear, custom-made aligners. These aligners shift your teeth into the desired positions, and you change them every two weeks so they can do their work. 

While wearing them, the aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth. This pressure gradually shifts your teeth into place. The entire process is controlled and precise. 

You also remove your Invisalign aligners to eat and brush and floss your teeth. With traditional braces, food can get caught in your braces and look unsightly. When you take out your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss, you remove the possibility of trapped food. 

Once your teeth have shifted into the desired alignment, there’s a retention process to follow to ensure you maintain your desired results. However, sometimes people’s teeth do shift back even after Invisalign treatment. Here’s why that can happen. 

Why would my teeth shift after Invisalign treatment? 

While Invisalign helps millions of people enjoy more dazzling smiles every year, there is the occasional person whose teeth revert to their earlier placements.

Aging

Your body changes as you age. Those changes can include your teeth and jawline. Maintaining your follow-up care after your Invisalign treatment is essential for the best results.

Oral habits

If you grind or clench your teeth, this can cause your teeth to shift out of alignment. Keep a regular schedule of dental checkups to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape. 

Retention 

If you’re given a retainer after your Invisalign treatment, wear it as instructed. Retainers help your newly aligned teeth remain in place. 

If you’re considering Invisalign, Dr. Moawad assesses your oral health, age, lifestyle, and other personal factors to recommend your best options. Call our office today or utilize our online scheduling tool to book an appointment and find out if Invisalign is right for you!