Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth are more than an aesthetic concern: they can cause a wide range of dental conditions, from tooth decay and gum disease to temporomandibular joint-related issues. For that reason, a dentist will recommend orthodontic treatment to align your smile, be it with braces or Invisalign® in Grand Prairie.
Unlike braces, clear aligners are removable, making them a go-to option for patients looking for a comfortable, discreet, and effective way to straighten their bite. However, Invisalign does come with a series of limitations. To help you figure out whether or not they’re the right orthodontic device for you, we created this checklist.
Understanding Invisalign and Its Benefits
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure that gradually straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners. These custom-made invisible trays fit your teeth precisely, unlike traditional braces with metal brackets and wires. The plastic-like material is soft and applies less pressure, meaning less discomfort for the wearer.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when worn, which is why many patients opt for this discreet option. Moreover, the aligners are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions. You only have to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily.
What Makes a Good Invisalign Candidate?
1. Mild to Moderate Misalignments
Invisalign is intended to successfully correct mild to moderate dental misalignments. Some of the alignments Invisalign can solve include:
- Crowded Teeth: If the mouth is too small to accommodate all of the teeth, teeth may overlap or twist.
- Teeth Space: Too much space between teeth can cause discomfort, food traps, and a higher risk of dental decay.
- Overbite or Underbite: An overbite can occur when the upper teeth jut out too far over the lower teeth, while an underbite happens when the lower teeth jut out past the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth rest inside rather than outside of lower teeth, it is known as a crossbite. This can alter the alignment of your jaw and cause uneven tooth wear.
However, in cases of severe misalignment or complicated bite issues, traditional metal braces, jaw surgery, or other orthodontic solutions might be required to achieve the desired results.
2. Commitment to Wearing Aligners
Your dedication to wearing the aligners is a crucial component of Invisalign's success. The aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day to be effective. This implies that you will only take them out when brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking anything other than water.
Invisalign is more flexible than traditional braces, but it requires commitment. If you can’t maintain this schedule, it is probably not a good fit for you.
3. Fully Erupted Permanent Teeth
The best candidates for Invisalign are those whose permanent teeth have fully erupted: adults and older teens. Invisalign might not be an option until your child has all of their permanent teeth in place if they have not yet grown all of their adult teeth.
4. Healthy Gums and Teeth
Your teeth and gums must be in good condition before beginning Invisalign treatment to prevent them from developing further. Your dentist will advise you to take care of any cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns before beginning treatment.
Furthermore, your teeth must be strong enough to withstand the changes because Invisalign moves your teeth into new positions. To get the most out of this treatment, taking care of any ongoing dental problems beforehand is crucial.
5. Non-smoker or Willing to Quit
Smoking can have a major impact on how well your Invisalign treatment goes. In addition to discoloring the clear aligners, smoking raises your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues, which could make your treatment less successful.
Therefore, quitting smoking before treatment is advised, even though it does not preclude you from using Invisalign.
Boast the Smile of Your Dreams with Invisalign Grand Prairie
Invisalign is a simple but effective method for straightening your smile. Nevertheless, it does come with some requirements, and committing to the treatment is a must to ensure its success. That, and enjoying good oral health, are the most determining factors.
If you’ve assessed all the above factors and still don’t know whether you’re a good Invisalign candidate, Lynn Creek Dental can help. Contact us today and get a professional assessment from the orthodontists on our team!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
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