What Are the Chances of My Teeth Shifting After Invisalign?

Invisalign® has solidified its place as one of the premier teeth-straightening methods since it first hit the market back in the 90s. Over two decades, 15 million folks (and counting) have turned to these undercover orthodontic devices to transform their smiles in a matter of months. 

If you’re one of the newest members of the Invisalign team or you’re still deciding, we know you have many important questions. Chief among them is how long your new smile will last once the trays are gone. 

We wish Invisalign's results were permanent, but the truth is your teeth will need continued support after you turn in your last set of aligners. 

Our dentists at Rifkin Dental in Carmel and Yorktown Heights, New York, know the financial and time commitment Invisalign requires, so we want to make sure you get the most out of your investment. 

Here’s a closer look at what to expect and how to reduce the risk of your teeth shifting post-Invisalign. 

Your teeth on the move

You can see or feel it, but your teeth are constantly moving and shifting. Even the pressure of eating and talking is enough to make your teeth budge. Unfortunately, your teeth still move even after months of treatment have trained them to stay in place. 

This happens because Invisalign actually moves your teeth from what they thought was their natural position. After the trays are gone, all your teeth want to do is return to what they feel is normal. 

The good news is teeth shifting after Invisalign (though frustrating) is completely normal. 

Poor oral health, bruxism, uncontrolled gum disease, and insufficient jawbone density are just a few issues that allow your teeth to ease back into their crooked ways. If you’re not careful, you could wind up with the smile you started with before treatment. 

Keeping your teeth in line

We like to say that the real work starts after your Invisalign treatment ends. Wearing a retainer is the best way to keep your teeth in their new position. 

Unlike your Invisalign trays, you don’t need to wear a retainer all day. Initially, you may need to keep them on 24/7, but you gradually wean off all-day wearing until you only pop in your retainer overnight. 

Sometimes, a fixed or lingual retainer permanently bonded to the back of your teeth is the best option for keeping your teeth in place. We thoroughly evaluate your teeth and the progress they made with Invisalign to determine which type of retainer is right for you. 

In addition to wearing your retainer consistently, we recommend taking the best care possible of your teeth. This includes:

• Avoiding clenching and grinding your teeth
• Not biting down on hard foods and items
• Not using your teeth as scissors or tools
• Establishing an excellent oral hygiene routine
• Seeing us regularly for checkups and cleanings

Following these simple guidelines gives your teeth the best chance of staying straight for the long haul and supports your oral health. 

If you have more questions about your current Invisalign plan or would like help keeping your teeth healthy and straight, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today at our Rifkin Dental location closest to you.