CASE STUDY · INVISALIGN
A young woman in her 20s, just starting work in finance, had worn braces as a teenager. Since then her lower front teeth had crowded and collapsed inwards again. She wanted them fixed without anyone noticing.
Drag to compare. Photos of a real Hayat Dental patient, published with consent. Individual results vary.
01
She had braces as a teenager while living at home. Over the following years she noticed her front teeth moving again, but she wasn’t in a position to do anything about it until she started full-time work.
Several of her friends had had Invisalign, and she didn’t want braces again. Her main concern was her lower front teeth, which were crowded and collapsing inwards.
02
This is orthodontic relapse: teeth drifting back towards their old positions after treatment. Her lower front teeth had crowded and tipped inwards, narrowing the arch.
After her braces she had only had a removable retainer, which is likely part of why the teeth moved again. With any orthodontic treatment there is always a risk of teeth moving back if they aren’t retained.
03
For this movement, Invisalign was just as efficient as braces, at the same cost and with the same expected result. She already knew what braces were like and, as a young professional, didn’t want them on show at work or socially.
Aligners let her correct the teeth with almost no one knowing she was wearing them. They also come out for eating and brushing, which keeps cleaning easy. Because her teeth had moved once already, we planned a fixed retainer this time.
04
1
Digital plan
The movements were planned on a 3D scan so she could see where her teeth would finish.
2
Invisalign
About six months of aligners brought the lower front teeth back into line and widened the arch.
3
Fixed retainer
A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth now holds them in place.
About 6 months · Fixed retainer
05
Her lower front teeth are back in their correct positions and the arch is wider, giving her tongue more room and her smile a fuller look. The fixed retainer behind the teeth, visible in the after photo, guards against the same relapse happening again.
06
Cleaning around the fixed retainer daily, using a floss threader or interdental brush
Check-ups to make sure the retainer stays firmly bonded
Contacting us straight away if the wire feels loose
07
Fees depend on how much movement your teeth need and how long treatment takes. After your consultation you get a written treatment plan with costs, before anything starts. Payment plans are available for orthodontic treatment, so the cost can be spread over the course of treatment. See what affects the cost of Invisalign.
08
You had braces as a teenager and your teeth have moved since
Your lower front teeth are crowding or overlapping again
You stopped wearing, or lost, your retainer
You want straight teeth without visible braces at work
If a few of these sound familiar, a consultation is the best next step. We explain your options, including the smallest treatment that will do the job.
This summary is based on the treating dentist’s account of the case. Every mouth is different, so your options, timing and costs depend on your own assessment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Teeth naturally tend to drift back after orthodontic treatment, and lower front teeth are especially prone to it. Without a retainer worn as advised, relapse is common, and it can happen years later.
Often, yes. Relapse is usually milder than the original problem, so treatment can be shorter. This case took about six months.
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. It works all the time without you having to remember it. A removable retainer only works when you wear it. After relapse, we often recommend a fixed retainer for the front teeth.
Not necessarily. In this case the cost and treatment time were about the same either way. We compare both options for your teeth, and payment plans are available.
TREATMENTS IN THIS CASE
SIMILAR CASES
Before
AfterInvisalign for crowdingInvisalign for very crowded teeth and prominent caninesAbout 12 months
Before
AfterInvisalign, gum lift and porcelain veneersStraightening, gum care and veneers for a young soldierAbout 15 months
Before
AfterInvisalign for spacingClosing gaps in a teenager’s front teeth with InvisalignAbout 10 monthsA GOOD PLACE TO START
Book a consultation. We’ll assess your teeth, explain the options and give you a written plan with costs.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
Send an enquiry and our team will contact you. To book an appointment, use our online booking portal. For urgent availability, please call the clinic.
