Many people want to undergo Invisalign® treatment, but some may not be good candidates for it. This article reviews some of the indications that Invisalign may work for you. Read on to learn more about this teeth-straightening option.
How to find out whether Invisalign is right for you
Invisalign is a system of transparent aligner trays that gradually shift the position of the teeth. The trays are created from a custom mold of the patient’s teeth. Each tray in the set will slightly alter the form of the teeth. The teeth should be straight by the time patients have worn the entire sequence of trays. The following are signs that a patient may be a good candidate for Invisalign.
A case of dental misaligned teeth
Invisalign can correct many types of dental misalignment. This option works for those with underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, gaps, or crowded teeth. However, this does not mean that it will work for everyone. The dental professional will be able to evaluate the patient’s situation and determine if Invisalign is appropriate. In more complicated instances, it may be difficult to get the desired results without conventional braces.
Commitment to treatment
Invisalign is exclusively for individuals above a certain age limit because patients must be committed to wearing them to get results. Since Invisalign trays are removable, wearers may take them out at will. The effectiveness of the system lies in wearing them for a certain number of hours each day. This often means wearing them for at least 22 hours and only removing them when eating or to clean the teeth.
Some individuals may slack on consistent use since the trays can be removed, and there is a risk of losing or misplacing them. These individuals are unlikely to make significant improvements with Invisalign unless they dedicate themselves to consistently wearing the aligners. Invisalign is probably not the best option for patients who are not dedicated to the treatment and tend to misplace important items.
A complete set of adult teeth
Most dental professionals do not recommend teeth straightening for patients who do not have all their adult teeth yet. The reason is that it is hard to predict how children's permanent teeth will develop. Patients must have all of their adult teeth in order to get Invisalign. Young adults may retain a residual baby tooth or two in certain instances. If this is the case, further orthodontic treatment may be necessary before beginning the Invisalign procedure.
Excellent oral hygiene
Invisalign trays require excellent dental hygiene. Patients must not only have a healthy mouth but also be able to properly care for the trays so infections or other problems do not develop. Patients must clean the trays on a regular basis. Otherwise, damage to the tray may necessitate replacements, which means extra costs. The dentist will ensure the patient has good oral health before recommending the treatment.
Ready to find out whether Invisalign is right for you?
Please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment. The dentist can evaluate your circumstances and determine if Invisalign is a good fit for you.
Request an appointment or call AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 425-615-6654 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.
Related Posts
Understanding the pros and cons of Invisalign® and veneers is an important first step to deciding which treatment option is right for you. Many are familiar with Invisalign for a straighter smile, but fewer have heard of veneers for orthodontic treatment. This review offers insights into Invisalign and veneers as it relates to correcting teeth…
You may be interested in using Invisalign® to correct only your top or lower teeth. Continue reading to learn more about how Invisalign treatment is used. While Invisalign may be used to straighten either the lower or upper teeth, most situations require correcting the two dental arches. The purpose is to ensure patients have a…
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional braces. Read on to learn some tips for getting the best results out of your Invisalign treatment. With Invisalign, patients can wear their aligner trays in public without worrying about their appearance. In addition, it is much easier to clean the teeth since the aligners are removable, and…