Invisalign is an increasingly popular choice for people looking to correct their smile without the hassle of traditional braces. But is Invisalign right for you? Here our cosmetic dentist shares some of the signs that you might be a candidate for Invisalign:
You Have Mild to Moderate Misalignment Problems
Invisalign is best suited for people with mild to moderate misalignment. You may need to explore other options if your teeth are severely misaligned.
Invisalign is an excellent choice for people with mild to moderate misalignment. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Invisalign is also removable, so you can eat and drink whatever you want. Plus, you can brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
You Maintain Good Oral Health
To be a candidate for Invisalign, you must have good oral health. This means that you have healthy gums and teeth and no active cavities.
If you have any active cavities, you will need to treat them before starting Invisalign. This is because the Invisalign aligners will put pressure on your teeth, and this can cause holes to worsen.
Once you have good oral health, you must consult a dentist to see if Invisalign is right for you.
You Want More Discrete Orthodontics
Invisalign is an excellent option for people who wish to straighten their teeth without having to wear metal braces. The aligners are clear, so they’re much less noticeable than metal braces. Invisalign is also removable, so you can take them out for eating and brushing your teeth.
You Can Commit to Wearing Invisalign
This treatment is for you if you’re willing to wear Invisalign for 22 hours or so per day. For Invisalign to work, you need wear the aligners for almost all day. This means you need to be willing to take them out for eating and cleaning and put them back in afterward.
You should also be willing to commit to the treatment. Invisalign treatment typically takes 9-18 months, though it can vary from patient to patient. You have to be ready to commit to wearing the aligners for the entire treatment in order for it to be successful.
What to Expect from Invisalign
First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign-certified orthodontist. During this appointment, the orthodontist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create a personalized treatment plan.
Once your treatment plan is created, you’ll be able to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will look at each stage of treatment. You’ll then be able to choose whether or not to proceed with Invisalign.
If you decide to proceed with treatment, you’ll be given a custom set of clear, removable aligners. You’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. As you progress through the aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into place.
Overall, treatment with Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months. After treatment is completed, you’ll have to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new, straight position.
Conclusion
If one or more of the abovementioned signs resonate with you, Invisalign might be the right option. Invisalign can be an effective way to fix the alignment of your teeth as well as your bite.
If you’re considering Invisalign, be sure to schedule a consultation with a Melrose dentist who offers Invisalign to see if you’re a good candidate for treatment.
Melrose Dental Group offers the services of a cosmetic dentist in Melrose. Schedule an appointment to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign!