Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?

Many patients wonder: “If I’ve already had braces, can I still get Invisalign?” The answer is yes—and in fact, Invisalign is a common choice for people who’ve had braces in the past. Whether your teeth have shifted over time or you want a more discreet way to perfect your smile, Invisalign treatment can be a great solution.

Invisalign works just as effectively for people who have had braces as it does for those starting treatment for the first time. These custom-made, clear aligner trays gently shift teeth into their ideal position using a series of movements planned by your orthodontist or dentist. At the beginning of treatment, your dental professional will also be able to confirm whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

• Shifting teeth – Even with a history of orthodontics, teeth can drift if retainers weren’t worn consistently.

• Finishing touches – Some patients feel their braces results weren’t as perfect as they hoped, and Invisalign helps fine-tune alignment.

• Comfort – Aligners are smooth, removable, and less irritating than wires or brackets.

• Appearance – Invisalign is nearly invisible, making it a discreet option for adults who want further treatment.

Both traditional braces and Invisalign are powerful tools for straightening teeth, but they approach orthodontic treatment differently:

1. Treatment method: Braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth, while Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays.

2. Lifestyle considerations: Invisalign aligners can be removed for meals and brushing, giving you more flexibility with food choices and even allowing you to follow an  Invisalign diet that fits your routine. However, they will require more effort and responsibility to maintain daily aligner wear, and questions like “  what can you drink with Invisalign ” are important since certain beverages can stain or damage aligners. Braces, on the other hand, stay fixed and require routine office visits every 4-8 weeks with certain dietary restrictions.

3. Comfort: Braces may cause more irritation from wires and adjustments but goes away with time as the mouth gets used to braces; Invisalign may also cause irritation from attachments when aligners are removed but also goes away with time. Both options may cause gum discomfort as teeth shift into alignment.

4. Maintenance: With traditional braces, oral hygiene can be challenging, while Invisalign makes brushing and flossing simpler.

5. Results: Both provide excellent long-term outcomes when patients follow their orthodontist’s instructions, but retainers are required afterward to preserve results.

If you’re considering switching to Invisalign after having had braces, here’s what the process typically looks like:

Treatment length – Most Invisalign treatments last between 6–18 months, though minor corrections may take less time. Your orthodontist or dentist will design a plan based on how much shifting is needed.

The process – After a digital scan, you’ll receive a series of aligner trays that you change every 7-14 days. Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day for best results.

Adjustments and benefits – You’ll enjoy fewer office visits, greater comfort, and the flexibility of removing aligners when eating or brushing.

Cost and insurance – Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case, but many insurance plans that cover orthodontics also contribute to Invisalign treatment.

Transitioning is usually smooth, and for many patients, it’s a great alternative for a second chance at a straighter, healthier smile.

Whether you’re finishing braces, starting Invisalign, comparing Invisalign vs retainers, or maintaining your results with retainers, the right tools make orthodontictreatment easier and more effective. At PUL Dental, we provide products designed to support patients at every stage:

• Retainer & Aligner Cases – Keep your trays safe and clean when you’re not wearing them.

• PUL 2-in-1 Seating & Removal Tool – Make aligner changes easier and more hygienic for your trays.

• PUL Cleaning Tablets – Prevent buildup, odors, and stains by giving your aligners or retainers a daily deep clean.

• PUL Floss Picks – Quick, travel-friendly flossing to keep your teeth and aligners fresh on the go.

From your first day with braces to your last day with retainers, PUL tools help you protect your investment and simplify your smile journey.

Yes—you can absolutely get Invisalign after braces. Many patients choose it for touch-ups, relapse correction, or to achieve the perfect smile they’ve always wanted. 

Sources:

1. 
   American Association of Orthodontists. Braces vs. Clear Aligners – Which is Best for You? https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/braces-vs-clear-aligners/
2. NIH. A Systematic Review of Interventions—Does Invisalign Move Teeth as Effectively as Orthodontic Fixed Appliances? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11606659/
3. Consumer Affairs. Invisible braces and Invisalign statistics 2025. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/invisible-braces-and-invisalign-statistics.html
4. NIH. A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6343314/

Editorial Policy 

At PUL Dental, our goal is to provide clear, reliable, and helpful information to patients and dental professionals navigating the world of clear aligner treatment. All content on our blog is written by our cofounder, a Registered Dental Assistant with over a decade of experience in the dental field and a specialized background in adult orthodontics.

Drawing from years of hands-on clinical experience and patient interaction, we aim to create content that reflects real-world insights, clinical knowledge, and practical solutions.

Every article is:

• Written with firsthand experience from working directly with patients undergoing clear aligner therapy.

• Focused on accuracy and relevance to current orthodontic practices and patient needs.

• Transparent about our perspective, including when we share insights about products we've developed, such as the Original PULTOOL.

As our content team grows, we plan to expand our editorial process to include additional contributors, expert reviewers, and peer collaboration to further enhance the depth and quality of the information we provide.

We are committed to earning and keeping your trust by continuing to publish content that is accurate, patient-centered, and informed by real clinical experience.