I Used to Wear Braces – Do I Still Qualify for Invisalign Treatment?

If you have smile flaws, and you want to explore the possibility of having your bite corrected with Invisalign, then you may be wondering, “What if I’ve had braces or other dental work done in the past?” Your cosmetic dentist says that doesn’t automatically make you ineligible for treatment. Read on to learn how the Invisalign process works and to get an answer to your question!

How the Invisalign Method Works

If you wore braces in the past, then you’re familiar with the metal brackets and wires that come along with the process. The Invisalign method differs in that it uses clear, plastic, removable trays to correct your bite flaws.

Your cosmetic dentist will first take X-Rays and bite impressions that reflect your current bite. The information will then be used to help the specialist custom-design your complete treatment plan. The data will be sent to a trusted lab that will fabricate a full set of trays for you. Each set will be worn for two weeks and then discarded for the next pair in the series.

This pattern will be followed until the treatment has completed. Typically, with the Invisalign process, patients enjoy a shorter treatment time – between 12 and 18 months.

Invisalign After Past Dental Work

The following discusses different dental procedures and their impact on your eligibility for Invisalign:

• Braces – Typically, past orthodontic treatment with dental braces has no effect on your eligibility for Invisalign. Many people who once wore the metal brackets and wires have turned to the Invisalign method to correct lingering flaws or to adjust teeth that moved after their braces were removed.
• Dental Bridges – Wearing Invisalign trays involves your teeth being adjusted individually. Thus, if you have a dental bridge that has two or more digits bonded as part of one fixture, then Invisalign may not be the best option for you.
• Porcelain Veneers or Crowns – If you have either veneers or crowns, there’s a chance that you may be eligible for the Invisalign method, but your dentist will make the final determination based on your specific needs and the state of the existing fixtures.

The Final Determination

The final judgment about your eligibility for Invisalign depends on the examination you receive from your dentist. So to eliminate any guessing, reach out today to schedule a consultation.

With Invisalign, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a more functional and beautiful smile!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Stec is a 1983 graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry, and for nearly four decades, he’s been a fixture in the Grand Island community. To stay abreast of the latest changes in the world of dentistry, he has also received postgraduate education from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. A passionate cosmetic dentist, Dr. Stec helps patients enjoy beautifully-functional teeth at Stec Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.