By most standards, straight teeth are one of the biggest requirements for a perfect smile. And Invisalign can make it happen without being noticeable.
Different from traditional metal braces with brackets, Invisalign offers patients a discreet way to straighten teeth, align bites, and address many orthodontic needs. However, while many patients find that they are a good fit, not everyone can benefit from Invisalign.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses soft, clear plastic aligners that are custom-designed just for you. Your dentist will capture 3D imaging of what your teeth look like today and create what they should look like when treatment is complete. From this, your set of aligners will be created.
Each aligner is worn for about two weeks or so as it encourages your teeth to move in the direction of your future smile. It is then replaced with the next aligner in line through the progression.
The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours every single day for treatment to be effective. And, with proper patient compliance, it can be completed at about the same time as traditional braces – if not sooner.
Are you a candidate for Invisalign? This can be an ideal choice for those patients who need orthodontic treatment for issues, such as:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps
- Crooked teeth
There are other factors, too, that play a role in determining whether someone is a good candidate for Invisalign. Let’s take a look.
Good Oral Health
Having good oral health is so important when it comes to Invisalign. The aligners need to be on the teeth nearly all day. And this can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria if proper care isn’t given.
Any oral health issues, such as decay, infections, gum disease, etc. will need to be addressed before treatment can proceed. This will give you the best chance of reaching a successful outcome.
An ideal candidate will have good oral health and will have an oral hygiene routine that will further benefit it.
Mild or Moderate Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign is a great solution for mild to moderate orthodontic needs. It can handle any of the issues above and yield fantastic results. Unfortunately, more complex treatment may require a different type of treatment —- usually traditional braces.
If your orthodontic needs aren’t severe, then you may very well be a candidate for Invisalign. Your dentist will be able to advise you accordingly.
Compliance with Treatment
With traditional braces, you don’t have a choice about wearing them as the brackets are bonded to your teeth and the wires are connected to the brackets. This means they are always working to correct your orthodontic issues, 24/7.
Invisalign, on the other hand, allows you the opportunity to remove them whenever you want to. In fact, this flexibility is one of the reasons so many patients seek this type of treatment. But, just because you can remove the aligners doesn’t mean you should.
The aligners can only do their job while they are in your mouth. It is necessary for them to be removed while eating and, of course, while brushing your teeth. They should be worn the rest of the time.
The best candidates for Invisalign treatment will be willing to comply with wearing the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Find Out If You Are a Candidate For Invisalign
If you are interested in Invisalign and the smile transformation it can create, then see if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. The dental team at Kalmar Family Dentistry will evaluate your orthodontic needs to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign or if another treatment option may be better suited to your needs.
Contact us today at 631-673-0670 to schedule your appointment.