How Can I Know Whether Invisalign Is Right for Me?

While many people want to undergo Invisalign® treatment, they must determine if they are good candidates for the teeth straightening option. Nevertheless, this sleek system is a popular alternative to traditional braces for teens and adults. This article reviews some of the indications that Invisalign may work for you.

Is Invisalign 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.

Dental Misalignment

Invisalign can correct many types of dental misalignment. This option works for those with slight to moderate cases of underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, gaps, or crowded teeth. The orthodontist will be able to evaluate the patient’s condition and determine if Invisalign is appropriate. For more severe cases, Invisalign may be unable to deliver the desired results, which may cause the orthodontist to recommend alternatives such as conventional braces or oral surgery.

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 system’s effectiveness lies in wearing them for a certain number of hours each day; a minimum of 22 hours daily is ideal. The orthodontist usually only authorizes the patient to remove them when eating or completing their normal hygiene routine (brushing, flossing, and rinsing).

Considering they are removable, some individuals lack consistency because of their lifestyle, resulting in a higher risk of losing or misplacing them and prolonged treatment times. This is why it is essential to wear their trays diligently and follow the orthodontist’s instructions to improve significantly during treatment.

Set of Primary Teeth

Most dental professionals do not recommend teeth straightening for patients who still need to grow all or most of their adult teeth. The reason is that it is hard to predict how children’s permanent teeth will develop. Ideally, patients will have all of their secondary (adult) teeth in order to experience lasting results from Invisalign. However, teens 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.

Optimal Oral Hygiene

Invisalign trays require excellent dental hygiene. The orthodontist will ensure the patient’s oral health is in good standing before recommending any form of treatment. This means their mouth is free from decay and oral infections.

Patients must have a healthy mouth and be able to properly care for the trays, so bacteria build up and infections do not develop. To do this, patients must clean the trays properly and regularly; otherwise, damage to the tray may necessitate replacements, which means extra costs.