Did you know that an estimated 75% of orthodontic patients are teenagers? Your teeth are more flexible in your jawbone in your youth, so it’s an ideal time to get braces to straighten them. However, many adults are surprised to discover that their grins have become somewhat overcrowded or overlapped again, sometimes years after completing orthodontics.
At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
Invisalign is an ideal solution for mildly misaligned teeth, but many patients wonder whether it’s feasible to undergo treatment if they’ve already had traditional braces. Continue reading to learn more about why you can safely set your concerns aside!
Even if you have successfully completed braces, your teeth can shift out of their proper places years after their removal. There are several potential reasons for this, like not wearing your retainer as recommended when your orthodontics were taken off, chronic teeth grinding, or the arrival of wisdom teeth. However, it’s also possible they shifted due to the ongoing pressure from daily tasks like biting and chewing that affected them over time, which is beyond your control.
You might think of your crooked grin as more of a cosmetic concern than an oral issue, but your condition can also affect your dental well-being. If your teeth are pressed too closely together or overlap, it’s difficult to reach all sides to brush and floss them thoroughly. Bacteria in your mouth can form plaque on your enamel and along your gum line, increasing the likelihood of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or other concerns.
Many patients are unsure whether Invisalign will be effective if their teeth have already begun reverting to their previous positions. Thankfully, it’s perfectly possible to undergo this alternative orthodontic treatment regardless of whether you’ve worn braces previously. Plus, it’s considered a less invasive option because it doesn’t interfere with your daily routines.
Clear aligners don’t require dietary restrictions because they can be removed during meals, for example. Not only that, but the smooth plastic won’t poke the tender tissues inside your mouth like metal brackets and wires. Furthermore, treatment can often be completed in as few as 12 months rather than the years it takes braces to do the same work.
Usually, it’s perfectly acceptable to pursue Invisalign even if you’ve already had a treatment to straighten your smile. Still, the best way to find out if you’re a good candidate is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
Dr. Harvey Mahler has been helping patients of all ages build their happiest, healthiest smiles for 30+ years. He graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and is an active member of the American Dental Association. He’s also a national speaker who has attended CDS branches and study clubs and is a recurrent guest on Channel 5 and 9. He combines compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive services to meet your family’s needs under one roof, including Invisalign. You can request a consultation on the website or call (312) 224-9916.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
Experience is always top tier! Staff and doctor very friendly
OnI of the most comprehensive and thorough dentists with real interest in the patients and best care for them. I would recommend Dr Mahler to others looking for an experienced and caring dentist. Their staff is also amazing.
I’ve been a happy patient of Smile 312 for 20 years. Seeing Dr. Mahler really changed the trajectory of my oral health. Charming office, personable staff, painless procedures, and efficiently ran - Very minimum wait time, if any! I’m spoiled for sure.
I can't recommend Dr. Mahler highly enough! He is the best dentist I have ever had, combining exceptional professionalism with deep knowledge and expertise. His team is equally outstanding, making every visit smooth and pleasant. I first came to him after a distressing experience with another dentist, and Dr. Mahler... read more
Dr Mahler and his staff at Smile 312 are the best. They’re friendly, and they listen to all your concerns and they respect your time. I went to see Dr Mahler for TMJ treatment and from day one his recommendations have made a big difference on my discomfort level.... read more
Our entire family have had an excellent experience with Dr. Mahler and his staff over the past 20 years. The office staff is always polite and efficient. Appointments have been easy to schedule, and we have rarely waited even a few minutes to be seen once in the office. Dr. Mahler... read more
Always 5 stars! He’s THE expert in TMJ and problem cases like mine😁
Dr Mahler has been my dentist for over 30 years. Simple cleaning this time. He had done a crown and filled cavities. I have brought family and friends to him. Personable and lets you know what needs to be done . I highly recommend him.
We were seen promptly. The receptionist was pleasant and efficient. Dr Mahler was exceedingly personable and thorough and explained everything in detail. The office was organized and clean with very modern equipment. All aspects of the visit were first rate
I went in for an appointment to start the process of getting Invisalign, ended up finding out about other more important issues going on in my mouth. Thanks Dr. M. for being honest and candid about the health of my teeth and gums. Health is more important than aesthetics!
