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.
Flawless.
Dr. Mahler really took his time with me and made me feel listened to. The consultation I had was a very positive experience.
Dr. Mahler has been my dentist for over 20 years. He is very proactive at planning the next step of treatment. He managed a complex dental implant and bridge situation for me. He also has put plans in place for my daughters and we have been able to avoid orthodontics.
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
Dr Mahler is very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He will do what’s best for his patient and walk you through the process so you are fully informed. His staff is also very helpful and customer centric. Great practice!
When I first arrived at Smile312, my mouth was in complete disarray—I honestly didn’t even know where to begin. That all changed when I met Dr. Mohler. From our very first interaction, he established a sense of trust and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. He took the time... read more
Always 5 stars! He’s THE expert in TMJ and problem cases like mine😁
Great expertise. A 1 in a million phenomenon. The destroyer of TMJ. Other dentists tremble at the sound of the name doctor Mahler (and I’m not talking about the weight loss doctor in Lockport) because they know they cannot compete no matter how hard they try.
I walked in to see the dentist for a consultation. I thought I would be turned back due to not having an appointment. Amazingly, the doctor welcomed me, examined me in a professional and friendly way. Frankly, he took the time to check my teeth and explained in details his... read more
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
