Is Invisalign Treatment Permanent?

If your teeth aren’t perfectly aligned or you are dealing with an unhealthy bite, you don’t necessarily need to go through the awkward phase of braces anymore.

Invisalign, a type of clear aligner, might be a great solution to getting a perfectly healthy smile. But is it as effective? Are the results even permanent? Find out below! 

How Does Invisalign Work? 

Invisalign uses a set of clear aligners that put pressure on your teeth to slowly move them into a better position. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

• First, you’ll meet with an Invisalign expert to learn if you are a good candidate
• If the answer is yes, you’ll get a digital scan of your teeth
• The expert will map out how your teeth should move to achieve the correct alignment
• The scans are sent to an Invisalign lab to create multiple sets of trays
• Once complete (about 2 weeks), you’ll go back to the dentist’s office to get your first set
• You’ll need to upgrade to a new set once every 2 weeks or so, depending on how your teeth respond 

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Correct Your Smile?

This generally depends on a few different factors:

• Current tooth alignment: Minor cases of misalignment can be fixed in just a few months, while moderate cases will need more time because teeth just have to move more;
• ‍Teeth responsiveness: Some people’s teeth will be faster to move than others, and there’s not much you can do about it;
• ‍Patient compliance: Invisalign must be worn for at least 22 hours every single day, cleaned daily, and kept in their trays whenever not on your teeth. Not complying with these requirements can create delays in your treatment.

Is Invisalign Permanent?

Not exactly, but then again, no orthodontic treatment is. There is always a risk that your teeth could move to their original position over time, but luckily, you can prevent this by wearing retainers. 

A retainer is an oral appliance similar to your Invisalign trays, but its goal is to keep teeth in their current position, not move them. In the first few years after finishing your treatment, you will need to wear your aligners daily since your teeth are more at risk of moving back. 

After that, you may only need to wear your retainers a few nights a month to keep your new straight smile forever!

What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Retainer? 

Eventually, your teeth can move to their original position and completely erase your progress. This won't happen overnight, but it could mean you’ll need Invisalign all over again in the future.

Get Invisalign at Myers + Co Family Dentistry

Are you considering straightening your teeth? Come meet with Dr. Sarah Myers, a skilled professional at Myers + Co Family Dentistry, and discover if Invisalign is the right solution for your smile. With Invisalign, you can achieve a straighter, more confident smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

Request a visit to Myers + Co Family Dentistry online or call (919) 851-5166 to schedule your consultation today. Our team is committed to helping you achieve the beautiful, aligned smile you've always wanted. Don't wait – take the first step towards a brighter, more confident you!