Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
You’ve probably heard about the use of clear aligners. Invisalign trays give help patients achieve better smiles without the downsides of permanent and traditional braces.
We get a lot of patients who are interested in learning more about the system. They want to know if Invisalign is the best choice for tooth alignment. Most people consider first the advantages over conventional appliances such as stainless steel braces. But how do you know if Invisalign is right for you?
There are many things you should consider. You’ll want to ask your orthodontist about the approximated cost, treatment length, advantages, and if you are a viable candidate.
Invisalign Can Solve Most Orthodontic Problems
Invisalign works very well to treat milder orthodontic cases. You can use these clear aligners over your teeth to help space out overly crowded teeth and aligns crooked teeth.
Other problems with your jaw alignment can receive treatment with this type of removable orthodontic appliance. Overbites and underbites are equally treatable with these aligners. After all, your bite is important for most daily activities such as talking, chewing, and breathing.
Still, we have to remind everyone that the only way to determine if you can use aligners to fix your dental alignment problems is by consulting with a specialist. Just to be clear, Invisalign works a little differently than braces.
Traditional braces can perform simultaneous movements, pulling and pushing your teeth into the right position. However, your aligners can only push teeth. Invisalign can solve more severe cases, but you will require additional attachments that may prove inconvenient to you.
Compliance and Discipline are Invisalign Favorites
Invisalign works best with diligent patients.
We’ve mentioned on repeated occasions that this orthodontic appliance alternative is removable. Considering that you can remove the aligners anytime, some patients are tempted to take them out on a whim.
Every now and then, we’ll hear about patients at other practices who spend most of their day without the aligners, some forget to take their aligners on two-week-long vacations, and even others have a habit of taking them off for bedtime.
The official Invisalign FAQ reminds us that you will have to wear your aligners between 20 to 22 hours every day. But Invisalign can’t work if you aren’t wearing your aligners.
You should only take off these aligners when you grab a bite, drink any beverage (except for water), or clean your teeth.
It’s just common sense; the more you wear them, the faster and more efficiently they’ll straighten your smile.
Consider Your Dental Health Before Your Treatment
Without a strong foundation or healthy gums, your teeth may not resist the movements required for your orthodontic treatment. That’s why we insist on why oral care is so important during orthodontic treatment.
This reason is why we insist everyone requests a consultation with an experienced orthodontist such as Dr. Nima.
As your teeth move, your jawbone tissue requires an adjustment period. If you’ve suffered from periodontal disease, swollen gums, or overall poor dental health, you will need to consult with a specialist.
Likewise, you have to take care of your oral hygiene during your treatment. We only recommend Invisalign to patients who are committed to their oral care and have thriving gums and teeth.
One advantage of using Invisalign is that you can continue to floss and brush normally. Braces can be a pain to floss between, but with Invisalign — pop! — just remove them, brush your teeth, floss, and put them back in. Read here if you’re wondering how to keep Invisalign and retainers clean.
What About Age?
Age is always a question when it comes to considering your orthodontic treatment options.
We have good news for you: there’s no age limit for your orthodontic treatment.
You actually have to be at least a teen with all your permanent teeth erupted to start treatment with Invisalign.
What About Invisalign for Adults?
Adults benefit from these clear aligners because of two main points. First, they are removable; second, they are nearly invisible.
You can wear your appliance when you go to work, at your home office, take them to a social event, and take a picture without missing a beat. Most people won’t even notice your appliance when you smile.
Invisalign requires a patient’s jaws to be fully developed; therefore, adults make for ideal Invisalign candidates.
Be careful; adults are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 47.2% of adults aged 30 or older have some form of periodontal disease.
But if you get that under control and consider that maintaining your good dental hygiene is easier with a removable appliance, you’ll also come to understand that Invisalign is an excellent choice for adults.
Get Your Invisalign for Adults in Johns Creek
The Invisalign system is attractive for many reasons, but remember that in some cases, you’d be better off straightening your teeth with braces, not Invisalign. The best way to decide is to come in for an evaluation.
Every patient has different needs, and we can help you decide what option is best for you and your one-of-a-kind smile.
If you are looking for the best orthodontist Johns Creek residents have at their disposal, contact us for a consultation. We’d love to meet you!
Related Post:
- Who should you trust with your Invisalign treatment?
- Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene on Invisalign for Kids
- Ensure a Straight Smile after Invisalign
- Surviving Your First Week With Invisalign
