Can My Teeth Shift After Invisalign® Treatment?

Deciding to invest in orthodontic treatment is a significant step towards enhancing your smile and overall dental health. It’s natural to wonder if your teeth will retain the desired alignment after the treatment — especially when considering cutting-edge options like Invisalign®. 

At Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, our experienced dental experts Patricia Swaintek-Lamb, DMD, and Karima West, RDH, regularly give our patients insights on this topic. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign clear aligners, and discover the answer to your question about post-treatment tooth movement.

What do I need to know about Invisalign?

Invisalign offers a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Crafted from clear, flexible SmartTrack® plastic, these custom-fit aligners gently shift your teeth to their desired positions up to 50% faster than traditional wire-and-bracket braces. 

Here's a snapshot providing you with what you need to know about Invisalign aligners:

How Invisalign works

Using advanced 3D imaging, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb creates a detailed plan to move your teeth gradually. This map becomes the blueprint for your custom aligners. Every set of aligners makes a slight adjustment, guiding your teeth into position.

Getting started

After an in-depth consultation, we take impressions of your teeth. These are sent to the lab, where your unique set of clear aligners is crafted.

Duration

Every patient is different, but typically, you'll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. The total treatment time? Usually 12-18 months, but, as always, individual experience may vary.

Wearing the aligners

For optimal results, you'll wear them 20-22 hours a day. This may sound like a long time, but keep in mind that you can always remove them for meals, brushing, and the occasional special event.

Can my teeth move after wearing Invisalign?

In a word: Yes. Our teeth have a sneaky nature of moving throughout our lives. Aging, genetics, and even habits like teeth grinding are among the various factors that can play a role in shifting teeth and bite alignment changes. 

After dedicating months to achieve that picture-perfect smile, it can be unsettling to think of your teeth going rogue. But post-treatment movement isn't unique to Invisalign. 

Even with traditional braces, teeth can shift around after treatment. That’s why we emphasize the importance of retainers post-treatment. Think of retainer use as insurance for your smile investment: Wearing your retainer as recommended can prevent any significant shifting.

How can I prevent post-treatment tooth movement? 

The good news is that after you've invested time, energy, and financial resources in your radiant smile, there are ways to help your teeth stay in place. At Proud to Smile Dentistry, we can help by providing:

Retainers

Retainers are your first line of defense against shifting teeth. Custom-made to fit your teeth after orthodontic treatment, they help maintain proper tooth and bite alignment. Some patients might need them nightly, others, just a few times a week.

Regular check-ups

As with any treatment, follow-ups are crucial. Regular visits allow our team to monitor any potential movement and make recommendations accordingly.

Refinement

Occasionally, minor tweaks might be necessary post-treatment. Dr. Swaintek-Lamb can offer additional aligners to correct slight shifts.

Remember, while teeth have the potential to shift post-Invisalign, with the right care and guidance, you can prevent the problem and maintain your stunning smile. 

Considering Invisalign or want to discuss post-treatment care? Schedule a consultation online or over the phone with our team at Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, today.