Should I see the dentist when I’m pregnant?

By Thrive Family Dental Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Friberg, DDS

Published June 26, 2025 · Updated July 2, 2026

Yes, in many cases you can. Invisalign is a common way to correct minor relapse after teeth shift back from braces. Whether it works for you mainly depends on how much movement has happened since your braces came off and how long it’s been.

Why teeth shift back after braces come off

Braces move teeth into a new position, but the bone and soft tissue around them need time to remodel and hold that position permanently. Until that happens, teeth are naturally inclined to drift back toward where they started, which is exactly what a retainer is meant to prevent.

Research on orthodontic retention consistently shows that a majority of patients see at least some tooth movement within about a decade of finishing treatment, and inconsistent retainer wear is the biggest driver of it.

When Invisalign can fix the relapse, and when it can’t

It comes down to how far your teeth have moved and what kind of movement is involved. Minor rotation, a small gap, or mild crowding along the front teeth usually fall well within what Invisalign can correct. More significant relapse, or a bite problem that’s returned alongside the crowding, may need traditional braces again for a predictable result. A consultation with 3D imaging of your current bite is what actually answers this — it’s the same planning step used for a first round of treatment, not something extra for a second one.

How long does a second round of treatment take?

It varies with how much correction is needed. Minor relapse can sometimes resolve in as little as six months, while more involved cases can take closer to two years, similar to a first course of orthodontic treatment. It’s usually shorter, though, since teeth that have already been through treatment once tend to respond faster to a nudge back into place.

What actually happens during treatment

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners, each one worn for about one to two weeks before you switch to the next in the series. The 3D imaging done up front lets Dr. Friberg map out your full sequence and preview how your bite will shift stage by stage, before you wear a single tray. Aligners come out for eating, brushing, and flossing, but need roughly 20 to 22 hours a day in your mouth to stay on schedule.

Does insurance cover a second round of treatment?

It depends heavily on your plan. Some dental plans cap orthodontic coverage at a lifetime maximum, which a first round of treatment may have already used up; others don’t work that way. It’s worth confirming your specific benefits before you start, and our team can help you check.

You may also wonder…

Will I need attachments this time around?

Possibly, depending on which teeth need to move. See what Invisalign attachments are and why some patients need them for how that gets decided.

How long will I need to wear a retainer this time?

Full-time at first, then tapering down over time — the same pattern as your first round. Full details are in how long you’ll need to wear your retainer after Invisalign.

What if my teeth have moved a lot? Do I need braces again instead?

Possibly. Dr. Friberg will tell you clearly at your consultation whether Invisalign is realistic for your case or whether a different approach makes more sense, based on your imaging, not a guess.

Will a second treatment cost less than my first?

Often, yes, since the correction needed is usually smaller in scope than a first full course of orthodontics, but final cost depends on your specific treatment plan, which you’ll see before committing to anything.