Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Since the late 1990s, when Invisalign^® was first introduced to the orthodontic scene, these thin clear plastic aligners have grown in popularity. This is because they make an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces, which can irritate your mouth and are harder to clean and maintain. It seems that over the years, adolescents and adults alike seem to prefer Invisalign. And for good reasons — they're comfortable to wear, hardly noticeable in your mouth, and effective at treating various misalignment issues. Are you wondering whether you're a good candidate for Invisalign? Here are some considerations to be eligible for this orthodontic treatment:

Dentition

Like any treatment, Invisalign isn't a suitable option for everyone. If you're thinking of getting this treatment, consider your teeth. What exact dental issue are you looking to fix? How severe is it? Some patients with crooked or crowded teeth can benefit from Invisalign. Others who suffer from an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or gaps between their teeth may also find the clear aligners a great option.

However, Invisalign doesn't have the same force and capabilities in moving teeth as its traditional counterpart. If you're suffering from a severe overbite or extremely crooked teeth, Invisalign may not be your best option. Complex orthodontic cases that require significant teeth movement will likely require metal braces to achieve the desired outcome. Your dentist needs to examine the shape of your teeth, their position, or how large the gaps are between them to see if Invisalign is suitable for you. They also have to check intrusion and extrusion, any midline movements, and the kind of previous dental work you've had, if there's any, to know for sure.

 

Age

Adolescents can immensely benefit from Invisalign as they're virtually invisible. High school can be particularly challenging for many teenagers. It's nice that there are more cosmetic dental solutions to lessen the stress of wearing traditional metal braces. However, you may only be a good candidate for Invisalign if you're an older teenager or an adult. This is because kids and young adolescents still have teeth that continue to shift at this point in their life. As a result, the clear aligners will likely not be accurate and be less effective as their teeth are still moving and always changing. If you're an adolescent, a visit to your dentist will determine whether you can benefit from Invisalign or not.

 

Commitment

One of the best things about Invisalign is they're removable. But did you know that you have to wear them at least 22 hours a day? To get the results you desire, you have to keep them on as often as you can. This means that you only have to remove your clear aligners if necessary, like when eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. You have to be dedicated to wearing them every day for up to a year or maybe even longer. Every time you're done eating, you have to ensure that you brush your teeth and floss in between them. This way, you're not trapping any food debris and mouth bacteria once you put your Invisalign back in. If you're not ready for the kind of commitment and maintenance Invisalign requires, metal braces may be a better option for you.

At John K. See, DDS, we can perform a dental examination and determine whether you're a candidate for Invisalign. Call our office today in Camarillo, California, at (805) 920-8600 to schedule your appointment.