Are Invisalign Results Permanent?

Invisalign® has revolutionized orthodontics, offering people everywhere a faster, sometimes cheaper way to get the smile of their dreams. Even still, these clear aligners require both time and financial commitment, so you want to be sure that your efforts will yield the best results.

Here, our team of experienced dentists at Rifkin Dental takes a closer look at the Invisalign process and what you can expect from treatment. 

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is the first and leading treatment of its kind. Using clear, plastic aligners instead of harsh metal wires, Invisalign can correct a wide range of smile problems quickly and discreetly for both teens and adults alike.

Not only is Invisalign covert, but it also gives you much more flexibility. Clear aligners are easy to remove and allow you to eat and drink your favorite foods and beverages. Bonus: You don’t have to make an appointment after the appointment to get brackets adjusted or rogue wires snipped. 

We custom-make your aligners to fit your mouth comfortably and target the exact cause of your misalignments. Every few weeks, you transition through a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth into the ideal position. 

Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate smile problems, including overcrowded teeth, gaps, rotated teeth, and relapse after braces — and it can do it up to 50% faster than traditional braces. 

Can I expect the results to last?

The answer is a resounding yes. Invisalign is designed to be a permanent solution, but there is a small catch. Whether you correct your teeth with braces or Invisalign, there’s always the potential that they can shift back after your treatment. 

So, our rule of thumb is that your results are only as good as your habits. If you want to get the most out of Invisalign, we recommend you adhere to the following care instructions. 

During your treatment

Getting results that last starts the moment you pop your aligners in for the first time. You should wear your aligners consistently for at least 20 hours every day, only taking them out to eat or brush your teeth. If you lose or break your aligners, don’t wait to get them replaced. 

Failure to wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time can significantly impact your results. Remember that Invisalign is a treatment just like any other. Imagine your medical doctor prescribed you medication, but you didn’t take it. You wouldn’t expect results from that, either. 

We also recommend that you continue to keep your check-up appointments with us during your treatment. If you disappear until it's time to remove your aligners, you’re doing yourself (and your teeth) a disservice. During those appointments, we evaluate your progress and make sure your aligners are working properly. 

After your treatment

The work isn’t over once your aligners come out. In fact, in some ways, it has only just begun. Your teeth are incredibly unstable, especially in the first year after Invisalign, so more often than not, we fit you for a retainer. 

Retainers are dental appliances you wear to keep your teeth from shifting back out of alignment. In the beginning, we recommend that you wear your retainers for most of the day, but after a few months, you may only have to wear them at night. 

Of course, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentist are key to keeping your teeth healthy and maintaining your Invisalign results.  

Ready to see if Invisalign is right for you? Call or text our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at either our Carmel or Yorktown Heights, New York, offices.