With so many teeth-straightening options available today, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming and confusing.
Although metal braces are still an option, Invisalign has become increasingly popular, particularly among professionals who want to maintain their appearance both at work and in social settings. Invisalign aligners are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces, often making them virtually invisible.
But is Invisalign a permanent fix for your misaligned teeth?
Understanding Invisalign better can help you determine what they do and whether this treatment provides a lasting solution for achieving straight teeth.
Invisalign consists of clear aligners designed to fit against your teeth and move them gradually into the desired position. They can address many of the mild to moderate issues traditionally treated with braces, such as crooked teeth, gaps, and bite problems.
These aligners are removable but should be worn as much as possible—ideally at least 22 hours a day, only taking them out for cleaning, eating, or drinking anything other than water.
Treatment duration can vary, typically ranging from a few months to up to one or two years, depending on the individual case.
So, the key question is: Is Invisalign a permanent fix?
In short, Invisalign is designed to give you straight teeth for life. However, the reality is a bit more complex.
While Invisalign will help to straighten your teeth, achieving lasting results requires proper care of both your teeth and the aligners. It’s similar to being prescribed medication—you wouldn’t expect it to work if you didn’t take it as directed.
Invisalign aligners are intended to provide a permanent solution. However, the effectiveness of the results largely depends on the patient's adherence to aftercare instructions and home dental maintenance.
It's important to remember that the effectiveness of your results depends on your habits. To maximize the benefits of Invisalign, it's crucial to follow the recommended care instructions diligently.
Achieving lasting results begins the moment you start wearing your aligners. It’s important to wear them consistently for at least 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat or brush your teeth. If you lose or damage your aligners, make sure to replace them promptly.
Neglecting to wear your aligners as directed can significantly impact your results. We also advise keeping up with your scheduled check-ups during treatment. Skipping these appointments can hinder your progress, as they allow us to monitor your advancement and ensure your aligners are functioning correctly.
The work doesn’t end once your aligners are removed. In fact, in many ways, it’s just beginning. Your teeth are particularly prone to shifting in the first year after Invisalign, so we often provide you with a retainer.
Retainers are dental devices that keep your teeth from moving out of alignment. Initially, you’ll need to wear your retainer for most of the day, but after a few months, you might only need to wear it at night.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and preserving the results from your Invisalign treatment.
Dental aligners are effective for treating mild to moderate misalignment but may not be sufficient for more complex cases. In such situations, traditional braces might be necessary to achieve permanent results.
The success of Invisalign largely depends on patient adherence during and after the treatment.
Failure to consistently wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time and maintain proper hygiene for both the aligners and your teeth can lead to your Invisalign treatment failing.
Following your dentist’s instructions regarding retainer use after finishing your treatment is also vital. Improper retainer use is a common cause of orthodontic relapse. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions, and failure to use them as directed can lead to shifting.
A gap from a missing tooth can cause neighboring teeth to shift and potentially undo some of the results of Invisalign treatment.
Any trauma to the mouth or teeth can lead to shifting and misalignment.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, can cause gum inflammation and eventual bone loss, leading to loose and shifting teeth.
Grinding your teeth puts pressure on your gums and jaw, which can cause teeth to move out of alignment. Many people grind their teeth unconsciously, often while they sleep.
Over time and with regular use, teeth can naturally shift. Wearing a retainer as directed helps to slow this process.
Overall, if you adhere to your dentist’s care instructions during and after Invisalign treatment, the results should remain stable.
Invisalign can be a permanent fix if you are able to maintain the discipline during and after treatment to keep your teeth straight.
However, teeth may still shift over time, so it might be necessary to consult your dentist about potential touch-up treatments. This could involve wearing aligners for a short period or using a retainer more frequently to correct any shifting that has occurred.
If you believe Invisalign is the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment with the Middle Georgia Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry. We’ll evaluate whether Invisalign is the best choice for your needs and discuss the commitment required to achieve long-lasting results.
Book your appointment today!
Invisalign treatment usually takes between 6 to 18 months, after which your aligners will be replaced with retainers to maintain your teeth’s position. You will need to wear retainers for an additional 6 to 12 months after your Invisalign treatment. This period allows the bone around your teeth to strengthen and secure them in their new positions.
If you complete your Invisalign treatment but fail to wear your retainer, your teeth may shift from their new positions. Although they probably won’t return completely to their original state before treatment, they may move in ways that impact your smile and dental health.
New Patient: (478) 298-5197
Existing patients: (478) 929-2190
To Everyone
I have to start off by saying that Dr. Hayslip’s assistants are the most comical and friendly people I have ever met. I don’t think a second went by that I wasn’t laughing at something one of them said. Dr. Hayslip was just as funny and I could thank him a million for the great job he did on my teeth but that would still not be enough. I could say that I never in my life looked forward to going to the dentist until now, I’ve come to know every single person in the office and I’ll probably drop by just to hang out. For the first time ever I actually smiled in my school picture.
Thank you.. thank you.. thank you..
Dr. Hayslip,
For all you’ve done,
For all you do,
A special thanks
From me to You!
The kindness of the Doctor and the graciousness of his nursing staff made having my dental work almost pleasant. I’m glad I chose the BEST staff and Dr. Hayslip as my dentist!!
Bunny Black
Dr. Hayslip and Staff,
Happier more confident and younger looking are just a few of the feeling I am experiencing since Dr. Hayslip gave me my new gorgeous smile. He and his staff are not only professional and caring but they are compassionate as well. The whole experience was so pleasant and Dr. Hayslip takes great pride in his work and it shows. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the temporaries looked and the permanent are unbelievable.
There is so much truth in the phrase “When you smile, the whole world smiles with you”!
Thank you for changing my life.
Renee Caria
Due to my “bite” being off, my bottom front teeth were worn down and were very jiggered. I talked with my regular dentist, whom I had been seeing for many years, about what could be done to fix my bottom teeth. He didn’t seem to be too concerned. I assumed that his only solution was at some point in time he would fit me with a partial plate, or even worse- dentures. I was very disappointed.
Then, someone told me about the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in Augusta, Georgia. I made an appointment to get an evaluation as to what could be done to save my bottom teeth. The representative told me that my bite was way off and in order to fix my bottom teeth, it would require extensive work throughout my whole mouth.
After I returned home, I noticed a sign in front of a dental office on Russell Parkway, MIDDLE GEORGIA CENTER FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY. I made an appointment and visited this dentist to get his opinion on what could be done to save my bottom teeth. When Dr. Curtis
Hayslip looked at my teeth and my mouth, he gave me his recommendation, it was the same as the evaluation that I had received at the Dental School in Augusta.
I agreed for Dr. Hayslip to do whatever he deemed necessary to save my teeth. The total process involved grinding down all of my teeth and replacing them with crowns-28 crowns in all. Fitting the new crowns not only corrected my bite, it also enhanced my looks. The results were greater than my expectations. My new teeth looked perfect.
It has been over five years since I had all my teeth crowned and I have never regretted having it done. My new teeth not only helped my looks, but it also helped my self-esteem - I'm not embarrassed to smile now.
Thank you Dr. Hayslip for saving my teeth and improving my life.
Rose Johnson
Dear Dr. Hayslip,
I never realized how drastic the changes would be when I made the decision to have my Dura-thins applied to my teeth. Dr. Hayslip and I discussed the procedure and the outcome. However, I was so pleasantly surprised at how they looked. I used to dread smiling and hated seeing pictures of my teeth. Now, I receive so many compliments; I love to show my new smile! My only regret is that I did not do it sooner. I highly recommend Dr. Hayslip and his staff. They are a great team of professionals who get the job done and done well.
Sincerely,
Wes Boone
