Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without using metal braces. However, not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. If you are not eligible for Invisalign, don’t worry! There are still plenty of other options available to you. Read on as AP Dental will discuss the qualities of ideal candidates for Invisalign.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made aligners to straighten your teeth. These clear, plastic trays are made to fit around your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. Invisalign is effective for various dental issues, such as crowded or spaced teeth, overbites, and underbites.
Can All Patients Have Invisalign?
Invisalign is an ideal choice for adults and teens who are looking to improve their smiles. Invisalign generally works for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Ideal candidates for Invisalign include those who:
- Are Committed to Treatment.
Invisalign treatment time typically takes between 6 and 18 months, so it is important that patients for Invisalign are prepared to commit to the entire treatment before beginning. Invisalign also requires patients to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day and switch out aligners every two weeks. Patients need to be committed to the process for it to be successful. - Have Good Oral Hygiene.
Good oral hygiene can help ensure that Invisalign treatment progresses without complications from bacterial buildup. - Have Minor Misalignment.
Invisalign is not recommended for those with severe misalignment because it cannot address all issues associated with more serious cases. It can, however, be used to treat minor crowding and gaps between teeth. - Are Willing to Make Lifestyle Changes.
Invisalign requires the patient to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods during the first few weeks of treatment, limiting their intake of drinks like coffee and tea, and brushing more often than they would with traditional braces. Ideal patients for Invisalign must also be willing to wear their retainers after treatment is complete to maintain the new alignment of their teeth.
Who Is Not Eligible for Invisalign?
Invisalign is not suitable for everyone, as some orthodontic problems need a wider range of tooth movements that Invisalign cannot offer. If you are wondering who is not eligible for Invisalign, read on:
- Pre-existing dental conditions.
If you have existing dental issues, such as cavities, they must be addressed before undergoing Invisalign treatment. Additionally, if you have other pre-existing dental conditions, such as periodontal disease or an impacted tooth, then Invisalign may not be an ideal treatment option. - Severe bite problem.
If you have a serious bite issue, such as an overbite or underbite, then Invisalign may not be the appropriate treatment to address this problem. Other types of orthodontic treatments may be better suited to correct bite issues. - Missing teeth.
If you have any gaps in your smile due to missing teeth, then Invisalign will not be able to address this issue. This problem requires dental appliances such as bridges or dentures to fill the gap. - Severe crowding.
If you have severely crowded teeth, then Invisalign may not be able to move your teeth enough to achieve the desired results. In this case, traditional braces may be a better option.
Overall, it is important to discuss your eligibility for Invisalign with a qualified orthodontist before beginning treatment. This will help you receive the most appropriate care and achieve great results. With a comprehensive understanding of what your treatment entails, you can have confidence that your smile will look great at the end of your treatment journey!
At What Age Can Patients Have Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great way to improve your smile without having traditional metal braces. In the past, Invisalign was only recommended to teens and adults, but now, with the new Invisalign First system, children as young as six can start treatment to improve their smile! This can be a beneficial option for parents concerned about their children’s teeth alignment and who want to prevent any more significant issues from developing in the future.
Generally, Invisalign is suitable for patients who can comply with the strict instructions of Invisalign wear. As Invisalign requires a higher level of compliance for effective tooth movement, adult patients are generally best suited for the process. Younger teenagers may also be considered if they demonstrate a degree of maturity and commitment to following the prescribed wear time of 20-22 hours per day. Children under 13 years of age may need additional oversight to make sure that they’re wearing their aligners properly so that treatment progress continues in the right direction.
What Are the Alternatives to Invisalign?
If you do not meet the criteria for candidates for Invisalign, there are other options available that can help address your orthodontic needs. These include:
- Traditional braces.
Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true way to correct misalignment and even out your bite. They use brackets placed on the teeth, wires, and rubber ligaties to gradually move the teeth to the desired position. - Lingual braces.
Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, but they are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front. This allows them to be hidden from view and not be as visible when you smile or talk. - Veneers.
Veneers are thin shells of ceramic or porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can change the shape, size, and colour of your teeth to camouflage misalignment. They also require less time than braces.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a popular choice for straightening teeth, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s invisible, comfortable, and can give you results quickly. But it may not be suitable for everyone. That said, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist and get their opinion on what treatment is right for you. No matter which route you choose, having straight teeth will make you feel more confident and improve your oral health.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Schedule an initial consultation with AP Dental today! Our professional and friendly team can help determine if you are eligible for treatment and provide quality service. Book an appointment online or by visiting our dental clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign trays should be kept clean for them to work effectively. You can brush your Invisalign trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep them smooth and scratch-free. The trays should also be rinsed with water after each use. Keeping your trays clean is important because food debris and bacteria can build up on the trays, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
During Invisalign treatment, you can eat whatever you want since the aligners are removable. Just remember to take them out prior to eating and drinking so that nothing gets stuck in the aligner or it doesn’t get misshapen from bites of food. The only exception is cold water, which can be sipped with the aligners still in place. Otherwise, the tray should always be removed before consuming any coloured or hot drinks. This allows patients to have Invisalign treatment without having to give up all their favorite meals!
Invisalign aligners are made from a flexible material that is strong and durable. However, it is important to handle the trays with care, as they can be easily damaged if dropped or bent. If your trays become damaged, you must replace them as soon as possible to maintain your treatment timeline.
Invisalign is a more costly treatment than traditional braces due to the intricate process needed to customise the aligners. Additionally, Invisalign requires ongoing monitoring of progress using specialised software. Invisalign aligners are replaced every two weeks, which can add to the final price. The cost associated with these services can add up quickly, making this type of orthodontic treatment more expensive than traditional options.
