Is Invisalign Permanent? The Solution for Long-Lasting Alignment

Is Invisalign Permanent? The Solution for Long-Lasting Alignment

Lasting orthodontic treatments are not cheap, nor are they easy. Part of this is because they work, and they work for a long time. They also require specialist expertise and equipment in order for the techniques to be properly implemented and fitted. At Ringway Dental, We offer a variety of orthodontic treatments designed to help you get the most out of your budget. One of the most popular orthodontic treatments we offer is Invisalign; a subtle yet effective way to align the teeth, without the use of traditional metal braces.

This guide will help you determine whether Invisalign is the right orthodontic option for you and your smile. It may not work for absolutely everyone, but it does work for many of our happy clients! Booking a consultation with your dentist can help you determine which is the right choice to go with.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into place over a dedicated amount of time. These plans are set out by you and your dentist during your first couple of appointments before the aligner trays are developed in the lab. The number of months it will take your teeth to shift in order to achieve your smile goals will depend on how much your goals differ from how your teeth currently align. Working with your dentist will ensure you choose the right orthodontic option for you.

With each new fitting of Invisalign aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into place. Your appointments for new aligners will be carefully calculated depending on these timeframes. Each new set of aligners will be slightly adjusted to shift your teeth closer to their desired position, until you reach your goal.

Is Invisalign Permanent?

Invisalign is renowned for producing long lasting changes in those that stick to the prescribed course of treatment and wear the aligner trays for the recommended hours. In most cases, it is recommended that you wear your Invisalign trays for 22 hours per day. They can be removed whilst eating or drinking anything other than water, though we generally work to a schedule that promotes the outcomes you’re looking for in the shortest or healthiest time period.

If you do not wear your trays for the assigned amount of time each day, your treatment may not last as long. Invisalign treatments are carefully calculated to ensure we make the most out of the time we have with each patient. Some cases may differ – even if you wear the aligners as prescribed.

In the majority of cases we see, treatment results from Invisalign do last – and with impressive results. However, there are various factors that come into play that can impact the longevity of results further down the line:

• Lifestyle habits. Habits such as smoking and biting non-edible objects or nails can impact how long the results of Invisalign will last.
  
• Ageing. Our teeth move naturally as we age. As we get older, bone density decreases. This means time can move your teeth as the jawbone is weakened – offering less structural support to hold teeth in place.
  
• Dental health factors. Unhealthier teeth tend to shift easier, as the gums become weaker and are less able to hold them in place.

Misalignment After Invisalign

Although Invisalign works for most patients, it won’t be a lasting solution for all. When teeth move back into their original positions, we call this orthodontic relapse. Once your Invisalign treatment is over and you stop wearing the aligner trays, teeth may gradually shift back into place. Here’s why.

• Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause teeth to move due to the pressures involved. Bruxism can be effectively treated with a bespoke gumshield in many cases to protect the teeth. If you have noticed headaches in the morning or your partner has noticed you grind your teeth at night, asking your dentist about possible bruxism can help keep teeth aligned after Invisalign.
  
• Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, following Invisalign treatment will impact the longevity of treatment. Damaged gums make it easier for teeth to shift, so look after your overall oral health following Invisalign.

Getting Long-Lasting Results with Invisalign

If you would like to make the results of your Invisalign treatment last as long as possible, it’s worth discussing the impact of retainers with your dentist. Clear retainers are designed to be removable, and they’re also subtle. Fixed retainers are another subtle option, as they are fixed to the back of the teeth. They provide ongoing support without needing to remember to take them out or put them back in for a designated amount of time each day.

Maintaining good dental habits will also help, as progressive problems like gum disease can have an impact on how stable your teeth are. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Mouthwash can help keep gums healthy – gums are often overlooked, but are what ultimately hold your teeth in place!

If you learn to look for signs of misalignment, this will give you a good idea about when to book an appointment with your dentist for any concerns, too. Following Invisalign treatment, we would recommend you keep up with your 6-monthly checkups (or more, if necessary). If you notice any of the following signs that your teeth are becoming less aligned, or have moved, please get in touch with your dentist:

• Altered bite
• Gaps between teeth (diastema)
• Altered appearance of your smile

Invest in a Straighter Smile with Invisalign

If you would like a straighter smile, get in touch with our team today. We have a range of subtle orthodontic treatments in Manchester and the surrounding areas – all accessible via our Cheadle surgery.

We can’t promise that the results of any orthodontic treatment will last forever due to the nature of teeth and how they move. However, our patients that have undergone Invisalign treatments have shown lasting results and left us outstanding reviews.

To book an appointment with our team, call us on 0161 437 2029. You can also get in touch via our contact page online.

Related Posts