Let’s face it, we’re not all born with perfectly straight, movie star-quality teeth. If your smile could use an adjustment, but you have no interest in a mouth full of metal, then Invisalign treatment may be the perfect option for you.
Right now, you might be wondering, “what exactly is Invisalign, and how do I know if it’s right for me?” Well, wonder no more – you came to the right place. Here we’ll provide an overview of Invisalign and share some key questions and considerations to help you determine if you are a candidate for this discreet treatment.
So what is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners. Each aligner uses just the right amount of force to gently shift your teeth into the correct position.
While traditional metal braces are typically attached to the front of the teeth by bonding glue and include multiple hardware elements – brackets, archwire and elastic bands – Invisalign’s aligners are designed to be virtually invisible and fit snugly over your teeth.
Is Invisalign right for me?
As is the case with most dental treatments, Invisalign is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few key considerations and questions to help you determine if Invisalign is the right course of treatment for you.
1. How do you want to improve your smile?
This is the fundamental question. Deciding what you want to fix and how severe these issues are will help you determine whether Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign is very effective at correcting issues such as
● Crowding
● Gaps
● Overbite
● Underbite
● Crossbite
More severe issues, such as large overbites, generally will cannot be fixed by Invisalign, as these situations require more advanced treatment and orthodontic procedures to shift the jaw and align teeth.
2. What’s your age? (we won’t tell…promise)
While there is no “magic age” when it comes to Invisalign, there are some key considerations to keep in mind related to age. Older teenagers and adults are ideal candidates. The treatment is not recommended for children and younger teenagers because their teeth are still growing.
It is never too late to improve your smile, but it is important that you have the dexterity and hand strength necessary to insert and remove the aligners.
3. Can you commit?
The adage, “anything worth having takes work” is especially true when it comes to a beautiful smile. While ultimately Invisalign is relatively easy, the treatment does require a commitment on the part of the patient.
The aligners must remain in your mouth for at least 22 hours each day to be effective. You will be required to remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything but water, otherwise, Invisalign will be a constant companion. If you neglect your aligners or fail to put in the necessary time, the treatment will not work, and you will see little to no improvement.
Invisalign FAQs
Below are a few frequently asked questions regarding Invisalign candidacy that may be helpful in your decision making.
Q: How long will Invisalign treatment take?
A: Invisalign treatment is effective in getting fast results – you can have a beautiful smile in as little as 12 months.
Q: Am I a candidate for Invisalign if I have a dental implant?
A: Yes, however, it depends on the position of the implant, and the desired result as the implant cannot move during the treatment.
Q: Is it safe to begin Invisalign treatment while pregnant?
A: Pregnancy is not a contraindication to Invisalign treatment. However, it is critical that you can commit to wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
Q: Can Invisalign fix my buck teeth?
A: Invisalign is often a very good course of treatment to correct “buck teeth.” However, it depends on the degree/severity of the issue. If there are more significant issues contributing to the appearance of buck teeth – such as skeletal or other dental problems – another treatment might be required.
The Bottom Line
If you want to achieve a beautiful smile through treatment that is discreet, fast and effective, then Invisalign is for you.
To find out if Invisalign will work for your smile, give us a call to schedule a free consultation. At the consultation, we’ll determine if you’re a good candidate, the length of your treatment, and the costs.
You can call us at [phone] or email us at [email] to book your consultation today.