NEW YORK — A man’s story of teeth being restored to their original position just three weeks after Invisalign treatment has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and discussion.
A video posted by TikTok creator Grant Paulsen (@grantpaulsen), which has been viewed over 171,000 times, shows him sitting in an orthodontic chair, looking frustrated, with the caption: “They just told me my teeth are back three weeks after Invisalign.”
The short slideshow captured his disappointment and confusion, quickly resonating with others who have also experienced cosmetic dental treatments.
Paulsen later explained on Instagram that he had received a permanent retainer and was wearing his final set of trays every night as directed.
The clinic scanned him for his new retainer and began adjusting the existing trays within a week to fit the metal retaining wires. Despite following the protocol, he reports that his teeth began to shift back within a week.
Despite the regression, Paulson defended his orthodontist, calling him “very supportive” and saying he restarted treatment free of charge, using elastic bands and a new retainer. He said the orthodontist wasn’t at fault and was helping him restore his teeth to their ideal position.
Dental experts say slight tooth movement is normal after orthodontic treatment, and the risk is heightened if patients don’t wear their retainers consistently as directed. Experts at Gentle Care Dental in Surrey note that teeth can shift slightly due to natural bite pressure, age, and jaw muscle movement.
Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time for the first three to six months after orthodontic treatment, then transitioning to nighttime wear only and replacing worn retainers every few years. Failure to adhere to this recommendation, especially for patients undergoing major orthodontic treatment, can lead to noticeable regression within weeks.
Comments on the video were mostly sympathetic and cautionary: “You have to wear a retainer every night,” one person wrote. Another noted that they had traditional braces at age 27 and have continued to wear them. Others noted that regardless of whether they use braces or Invisalign, not wearing a retainer can cause teeth to shift backward. Others commented that Paulson’s sharing made them reconsider the expense of cosmetic dental treatments.
Regarding cost, according to GoodRx, Invisalign treatments range from approximately $1,800 to $9,500, with an average cost of approximately $5,700 for adults. Some insurance companies consider these treatments cosmetic and refuse to cover them, leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Experts emphasize that retainers are crucial for protecting your investment in orthodontic treatments. “Once you stop wearing them, your teeth will return to their original shape faster than you think.”