Am I A Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign’s popularity is rising, and it’s no surprise why. People want to fix their smile without the cumbersome look of metal and wires in their mouth. Invisalign is very different, yet offers the same results.
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays that fit over your upper and lower teeth. The aligners gently reposition your teeth to the desired location. This is a modern alternative to traditional braces, however Invisalign is not for everyone.
A consultation with an Invisalign provider is the only way to determine whether they are a good fit for you. There are a few other factors that can contribute to your candidacy.
What Does Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign works for most dental issues, but is not designed to correct issues that are too severe. For large issues like an overbite, more advanced orthodonture are necessary to shift the jawbone.
Invisalign is a great orthodontic solution for:
- Protruding teeth
- Mild overbites
- Mild underbites
- Gaps in teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Excessive central tooth overlaps
- Imperfect positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed
- Mildly crooked teeth
Mild dental issues can be caused by genetics, oral diseases, injury, and even thumb sucking. Crooked and misplaced teeth are not just a cosmetic issue, but commonly lead to serious dental issues.
Gingivitis, periodontal issues, jaw pain, earaches, and headaches are all issues that can be a direct cause of ill-positioned teeth or dental issues.
When Invisalign Is Not Effective
When there are severe oral issues, Invisalign is not recommended. When there is an issue like an extreme overbite or underbite, crooked teeth are not just the problem. The jaw bone needs to be physically shifted and the aligners are not able to correct bone issues.
Older teens and adults are the best candidates for Invisalign because their jaws have stopped growing. Unlike children and younger teenagers, adults are more dedicated to the Invisalign program to be successful.
Braces are permanent and work to correct dental issues around the clock, whereas Invisalign aligners can be easily removed if the patient wants. Younger patients with less dedication may removed the aligners if their mouth feels uncomfortable. In order to be effective, the aligners must be worn 22 hours of the day. So if they are removed from the mouth for more than 2 hours a day, the treatment will be ineffective.
If you think are interested in exploring your options for orthodonture, speak with your dentist today!
If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.