Are You the Best Candidate for Invisalign?
Are you a good candidate for Invisalign? With the rise in popularity over the years, more people are curious about this orthodontic treatment. Oftentimes, people want to fix their smiles and straighten their teeth.
However, they view traditional braces as too cumbersome and unflattering. Without a mouth full of metal, Invisalign is quite different. As Rosenberg orthodontists, we hear from many patients that they want a straighter smile.
If you find yourself curious about this treatment, it’s important to understand that Invisalign is great for most people. Unfortunately, it isn’t the best option for every case. Scheduling a consultation with our team is the best way to determine whether you are a candidate.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that helps you straighten your teeth. Backed by two decades of innovation, it is an advanced, convenient, comfortable treatment. Unlike traditional braces, the treatment uses clear aligner trays.
These trays are removable and discreet. Without wires or brackets, there’s no need to change the way you eat, brush, or floss. Moreover, you don’t have to change your diet.
What’s the Process for Invisalign?
The process begins at a consultation with our Rosenberg orthodontists. Our doctors evaluate your smile and map out a customized treatment plan. This shows a step-by-step transformation that shifts your smile.
When you approve the plan, we send it out for your unique aligners. Once you begin wearing them, you have to wear them for about 22 hours each day. Additionally, you change aligner sets every 2 weeks or so.
Over time, these sets of aligners shift your teeth into place until you have a beautiful new smile!
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign? What Does It Treat?
Most people are good candidates for Invisalign because it treats most dental issues. However, the system is not ideal for severe situations. For instance, a larger issue like an overbite requires more advanced treatment. This is because the treatment requires a shift of the jawbone.
Still, Invisalign works for many mild to moderate dental conditions.
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Mild overbites
- Mild underbites
- Overcrowding in the teeth
- Excessive tooth overlap
- Imperfect position when the mouth is closed
- Mildly crooked teeth
At times, genetics, oral diseases, injuries, and even thumb sucking lead to mild dental issues. It’s important to understand that misaligned or crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic issue. These are serious dental issues that impact your overall oral health.
As such, they have the potential to lead to gingivitis, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and periodontal issues. If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, it’s important for your oral health to correct these dental issues.
When Invisalign Is Less Effective
If you have severe dental issues, you might not be a good candidate for Invisalign. With extreme overbites or underbites, there’s a larger issue beyond crooked teeth. Oftentimes, these conditions require a physical shift to the jawbone. Unfortunately, the aligners don’t correct issues like that.
Braces work around the clock to correct severe issues. Moreover, they have the power necessary to shift bone. This is due to the wires, brackets, and bands.
Older Teens and Adults Are Great Candidates for Invisalign
Age is a major factor for Invisalign. Typically, this orthodontic treatment works best for older teens and adults. Often, this is because it requires a certain level of responsibility. For children and younger teens, the treatment is available.
However, they may not be able to resist the temptation to remove the aligners if they become uncomfortable. Additionally, there’s the potential to lose the aligners at school during lunch or whenever they remove them. However, each patient is different.
Some children and teens are perfect candidates for Invisalign and understand the responsibility. Still, older teens and adults tend to be more able to follow the strict requirements. You have to wear the aligner trays for at least 22 hours each day. Moreover, it’s essential to follow the schedule of your treatment.
Other Qualities that Make You a Good Candidate for Invisalign
Oftentimes, the activities you enjoy or hobbies you engage in determine the best orthodontic treatment for you. Invisalign is a good option for some of the following individuals.
- People who speak in public frequently. When slurring is a concern while speaking, you simply remove the aligners. However, many patients adapt quickly to the trays and speak with ease.
- Athletes who play full-contact sports. When you play your preferred sport, you have the option to remove your trays.
- Busy individuals. Often, Invisalign requires fewer visits to your Rosenberg orthodontist. While you still need to visit us on occasion, you don’t have to schedule as many appointments.
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign? Come Find Out at Rosenberg Dental Group
The only way to know whether you are a candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist in Rosenberg. After a brief examination, our doctors tell you about the results you might expect from Invisalign and whether it’s the right treatment for you. Want to see whether Invisalign is right for you? Call Rosenberg Dental Group today to schedule a consultation with our doctors! Our team will walk you through the process and all your treatment options. Together, we start your journey toward a straighter smile.
