Getting a straight smile and a healthy bite doesn't necessarily require metal braces. Today, patients can improve tooth alignment through Invisalign, a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to reposition teeth.
Invisalign is discreet, comfortable, and very popular. However, it’s not for everyone.
If you’ve been thinking about getting Invisalign, check out 5 factors that can help you determine if you’re a good candidate:
Invisalign works roughly the same way as metal braces. It places pressure on the teeth to pull them into a better position to correct teeth alignment.
However, Invisalign cannot put the same amount of pressure on teeth as metal braces. As a result, it’s most effective for mild to moderate alignment issues. For severe cases, patients may still require metal braces.
If you want to get Invisalign because of an overbite, underbite, or any other type of jaw position issue, the type of malocclusion you have matters greatly.
If the improper bite is dental in nature (caused by tooth position), then Invisalign might be able to help. But skeletal issues (caused by the position of the bone) will require braces or even surgery.
While there’s no age limit for Invisalign, orthodontists usually don’t recommend it for very young children who are still developing. They usually provide it once the child reaches their teenage years, which is also when they’re most likely to comply with the treatment properly.
Orthodontists will not recommend Invisalign if you are already struggling with certain oral health conditions, such as cavities or gum disease.
You will first need to get the appropriate treatment for your condition, and then you may be cleared for Invisalign. Clear aligners can also increase your risk for such oral health issues if you don’t brush your teeth and clean them daily, so oral hygiene habits can also factor into whether you’re a good candidate.
Lastly, you are a good candidate for Invisalign if you can fully commit to your treatment. For it to be effective, patients need to:
Failing to follow these instructions could lead to ineffective treatment and increase your risk for cavities and gum disease.
Come see Dr. Bobbio for a short consultation to find out if Invisalign is the right solution to get a straight smile and healthy bite.
To get started, book an appointment at Bobbio Family Dental at Birchwood online, or call us at (571) 371-0767 for a chat.