Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Do you dream about having a straighter smile, but you dread the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires? More and more patients are choosing orthodontic treatments later in life because they want to build confidence and comfort in the appearance of their smiles. It might not be ideal to wear traditional braces in your adult years, which is why Invisalign is a popular alternative.
A Clear Solution for a Straighter Smile
Invisalign is a proven system that uses clear aligners to move the teeth into position. These aligners are made of plastic that looks virtually invisible when in the mouth, which is where the name ‘Invisalign’ came from.
These aligners are custom-designed for your mouth, using a high-tech computer system that designs the way your teeth need to be moved. You will use a series of aligners, and each set is usually worn for two to three weeks before moving onto the next set of aligners in the series. Patients love Invisalign because the aligners can be removed as needed for eating.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation in our dental office. We will complete a thorough examination and talk about your smile goals. Invisalign can be a great treatment for people who are looking to fix common aesthetic problems:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Openbite
- Crossbite
If your dental concerns are relatively minor, then Invisalign might be a great choice. But in situations where a patient has severe malocclusions, then other orthodontic treatments might be required to reposition the entire jaw.
Invisalign is recommended for older teenagers and adults. Preteens don’t tend to be good candidates since the mouth is still growing and changing during this stage of life.
Invisalign: What to Expect
When you decide that you are ready to move forward with an Invisalign treatment, then digital images will be taken of your mouth. These images are used in a computer system that maps out the exact way your teeth will move through the course of your treatment.
Then, this personalized information is sent to a dental lab that creates your custom-made aligners. The number of aligner sets and length of treatment varies depending on the severity of your dental concerns and the types of problems that need to be corrected.
For optimal results, your Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours each day. You have the option to remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth, but it is best to replace the aligners as soon as possible.
Talk to the Dental Pros about Invisalign
Have you been thinking about Invisalign? If you are ready to invest in a straight, beautiful smile, then our team is here to assist. It is easy to contact us to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs. At myDental, we offer multiple locations for your convenience. Call us right away to learn more about the simple, effective ways you can improve the appearance of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign can correct mild to moderate crowding, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. The clear aligners work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to shift teeth into their proper positions over time. More severe orthodontic cases may require traditional braces or a combination of treatments.
Most Invisalign treatments take 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases may be completed in as few as 6 months. Treatment length depends on the complexity of the alignment issues being corrected and how consistently the aligners are worn. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for the treatment plan to stay on track.
Invisalign is available for teens and adults, with no upper age limit. Teens may qualify for Invisalign Teen, which includes compliance indicators and extra replacement aligners. The main requirement is that the patient has all or most of their permanent teeth and is committed to wearing the aligners as directed.
Invisalign typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000, which is comparable to traditional braces in many cases. Many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment apply the same benefits to Invisalign as they do to braces. Payment plans and financing options can help spread the cost over the course of treatment.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues where the patient wants a discreet, removable option. Traditional braces may be better suited for complex bite corrections or cases requiring significant tooth movement. Schedule a consultation to discuss which treatment option best fits your alignment needs and lifestyle.
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