If you wore braces in your teens or early adulthood, you might be surprised to see your teeth shifting out of alignment years later. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from inconsistent retainer use to natural changes in your bite over time.
The good news? Invisalign can often help re-straighten teeth that have already undergone orthodontic treatment — without the hassle of metal brackets or wires.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is custom-made using advanced 3D imaging, ensuring a comfortable fit and precise results. Patients wear each set for about two weeks before switching to the next in the series, making slow and steady progress toward a perfectly aligned smile.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed at any time. This flexibility makes them especially appealing to adults who want to improve their smile discreetly without drawing attention to their treatment.
Can Invisalign Fix Teeth That Have Already Had Braces?
Absolutely. Invisalign is commonly used to correct orthodontic relapse — a term for when teeth shift back after braces are removed. This can happen if you stopped wearing your retainer, experienced jaw growth, or developed new bite issues over time.
For mild to moderate cases of relapse, Invisalign can be an excellent solution. The aligners can fine-tune spacing, crowding, or alignment issues that reappear after braces. Even if your case is more complex, Invisalign technology has advanced to the point where it can handle many of the same tooth movements that braces can, making it a viable option for a wide range of patients.
During your consultation, your dentist will examine your bite and take digital scans to determine whether Invisalign is right for your situation. In many cases, patients who have had braces before find that their second round of orthodontic treatment goes more smoothly and quickly with clear aligners.
Benefits of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
If you’ve already gone through braces once, the idea of wearing metal again might sound unappealing. That’s where Invisalign shines. Because the aligners are clear and removable, you can continue to eat, brush, and floss normally — no food restrictions or complicated cleaning tools required.
Comfort is another major advantage. Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, eliminating the irritation caused by brackets and wires. Many patients also appreciate the predictability of treatment; digital scans and simulations allow you to see your projected results before you even begin.
Finally, Invisalign fits seamlessly into daily life. Whether you’re giving a presentation, attending a special event, or enjoying a meal, you can remove your aligners as needed — just be sure to wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on track.
With Invisalign, you can achieve the straight smile you once had (or always wanted) without revisiting the challenges of traditional braces.
About the Practice
Dr. Edward Murray and Dr. Khoi Le of Khoi Dental Group specialize in Invisalign clear aligner treatment to help restore and enhance smiles for patients in Jacksonville. Dedicated to comfort and precision, our practice combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results.
Call us at (904) 262-8409 or request an appointment online.