Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?

For many people, a smile is one of their most prized possessions. A warm smile makes us feel comfortable about ourselves. But, for some people, smiling is difficult because they’re concerned about crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, or a gap between their teeth. If you are one of these people, Invisalign® treatment may be the solution. Invisalign clear aligners help get you the smile you want without the interruptions of traditional braces. Known as the world’s most advanced clear aligner, Invisalign has helped restore brighter smiles to millions of people around the globe.

Here’s how they work – our dentists use 3D technology to design a series of Invisalign aligners that are customized for your mouth. They’ll slowly move your teeth back into their appropriate position, when used as directed. Each set of aligners is typically worn for two weeks, only being removed to brush, floss, eat, and drink. For optimal results, your Invisalign aligners should be worn no less than 22 hours a day. Depending on your individual situation, the average treatment time is around twelve months, but the result will be a new smile that you’ll be thrilled to flash!

What Types of Orthodontic Issues can Invisalign Resolve?

We usually recommend Invisalign for older teenagers and adults, because teeth might still be growing in our younger patients. If not too severe, the most common conditions that we can be treated using Invisalign aligners include:

• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth gaps
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite

If your case is severe, other orthodontic procedures may be a better solution to address your dental concerns. Invisalign also has a handy Smile Assessment, where you can answer a few quick questions to determine if this treatment approach is right for you.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?

Here are some other characteristics that make an ideal Invisalign candidate:

• Does not have serious dental issues which might require more advanced treatment methods.
• Is willing to follow instructions and adhere to the Invisalign guidelines. Wearing Invisalign aligners is extremely easy, but you have to wear them for extended periods of time, and remove them when eating.

If you have active gum disease or cavities, it may be recommended to have restorative treatment prior to moving forward with your Invisalign treatment plan. Another potential issue can occur when you have dental bridges, dental implants or TMJ issues because this can cause the Invisalign® aligners to not fit property. In most cases though, our knowledgeable dentists can work around the issues in your mouth, unless your case is extremely severe.

These are some general guidelines, but the best way to know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment is to schedule a consultation with us today. We will perform a thorough exam, ask about your medical history, and try to determine the best way to improve your smile. If we decide that Invisalign is right for you, we will walk you through your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.