Many people are turning to Invisalign as a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. But before you visit a dentist, it’s important to know if you qualify for this treatment. Not everyone can benefit from Invisalign treatment. Your success depends on many factors, including how healthy you are and how severely crooked your teeth are. Here we’ll discuss eligibility and how to make sure you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
Who Can Get Invisalign? Your Candidacy Checklist
Understanding What Invisalign Can Treat
Invisalign can help with many common teeth alignment issues. It works well for crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and different types of bite problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The clear aligners are especially good for mild to moderate cases. Thanks to new technology, Invisalign can now handle even some complicated alignment problems.
However, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. Some teeth need more movement than the aligners can provide. Certain bite problems might still need traditional braces for the best results. Your dentist can tell you if Invisalign would work for your specific situation, but check out the following factors to prepare yourself.
Age and Responsibility Play a Role
Invisalign works for both adults and teenagers. There’s even a special version called Invisalign Teen made for younger patients that accommodates growing mouths. But no matter your age, success with Invisalign requires responsibility.
Since you can take the aligners out, you need to remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours every day. If you often forget to wear them or leave them out too long, your teeth won’t move as they should.
Your Mouth Needs to Be Healthy First
Before starting Invisalign, your teeth and gums need to be in good shape. If you have cavities, gum problems, or lots of plaque buildup, you’ll need to take care of those issues first. Any dental work you’ve had done before, like crowns or bridges, might also affect how the aligners fit. Your dentist will check everything to make sure Invisalign will work properly for you.
You Need to Stay Committed
Invisalign requires ongoing effort. You can’t just put the aligners in and forget about them. You’ll need to clean them regularly and brush your teeth after eating to keep them fresh.
Following all the instructions is important, especially changing to new aligners when scheduled and going to all your dental appointments. Your results depend on how well you stick to the plan.
Think About Your Daily Routine
Invisalign can be great for people who want straight teeth without noticeable braces. But you should think about how it will fit into your life. If your job or activities make it hard to wear the aligners enough hours each day, or if you can’t easily remove them for meals, it might not be for you. Being realistic about your habits will help you decide if Invisalign will work with your lifestyle.
Your Bite Matters Too
Invisalign can fix many bite problems but works best for mild to moderate cases. If your bite is very off, like a severe overbite or underbite, traditional braces might work better. Your dentist will examine how your top and bottom teeth meet to decide if clear aligners can help you.
Teeth Need to Be Strong Enough
Your teeth need to be in good condition to move safely with Invisalign. If you have weak teeth or bone loss in your jaw, the pressure from aligners might cause problems. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure they’re strong enough for treatment.
Some Teeth Are Harder to Move
Certain teeth, like canines or molars, can be more stubborn than others. If you have teeth that need to rotate or move a long distance, Invisalign might take longer or not work as well. Your dentist can tell you which teeth might need extra attention during treatment.
You’ll Need to Adjust Your Eating Habits
With Invisalign, you must remove your aligners every time you eat or drink anything besides water. This means you’ll need to plan meals and snacks carefully. If you’re someone who snacks often throughout the day, this could be challenging to manage.
Treatment Time Varies by Person
How long you’ll need Invisalign depends on how much your teeth need to move. Simple cases might take 6 months, while more complex ones could take over a year. Your dentist can give you a better estimate after looking at your teeth.
Get a Professional Evaluation
At Frederick Center for Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthier smile. If you suffer from crooked teeth or other cases of malocclusion, Invisalign treatment may be able to help. But not every case can be fixed using clear aligners. Contact our Frederick dental office today at 301-264-5680 or schedule an appointment online.