Invisalign is the latest technology in orthodontic treatment. It straightens your teeth and aligns your bite in a discreet way that is also safe and effective. Many patients are choosing Invisalign over braces because of the many benefits this system offers.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, you’ll need to find out if you are a candidate for this treatment option. What makes someone a candidate for Invisalign? Here’s the general criteria.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a method for straightening teeth and aligning your bite. The treatment consists of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners that fit over your teeth. These aligners will gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over time. You wear each aligner for about two weeks, then switch to the next one in order until you have worn the complete set. By the time you have completed your series of aligners, your teeth should be in proper alignment and your treatment will be complete.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
A good candidate for Invisalign is someone with mild to moderate orthodontic needs. Invisalign is capable of correcting most common orthodontic conditions, including crowding, overbite, underbite, gaps between the teeth, and more. To determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will need to perform a brief evaluation of your teeth, mouth, and jaw.
If you are eligible for Invisalign, the next step is to determine if it fits your lifestyle. The aligners are removable, but need to be worn at least 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective. You’ll need to see your dentist every 6 weeks or so for them to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign’s popularity is due to its many benefits:
- Discreet. The clear aligners fit snugly to your teeth and are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly without the metallic look of braces.
- Comfortable. The aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
- Convenient. The aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out when you eat and clean your teeth. There are no food restrictions and no special brushing or flossing tools required.
- Shorter treatment time. On average, Invisalign treatment is shorter overall than braces, taking anywhere from 6-18 months as opposed to the 1-3 year range for braces.
Who is Not a Candidate for Invisalign?
Some patients have complex orthodontic cases that will require braces or other types of treatment to achieve the necessary results. Examples include:
- Serious bite problems. Some bite misalignments will require braces or other orthodontic treatments to correct.
- Large gaps between teeth. Significant gaps between teeth may be too wide for Invisalign to treat.
- Teeth that need to be raised or lowered. When one or more teeth need to be moved vertically, either up or down in the jaw, braces may be needed.
- Significantly rotated teeth. If you have one or more teeth that need to be rotated more than about 20 degrees, Invisalign is not capable of that amount of rotation.
Your dentist can assess the current position of your teeth and determine whether or not Invisalign would be an effective treatment option for you.
Where Can I Get Invisalign?
Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can often receive this treatment from your general dentist without needing a referral to an orthodontist. Glassman Dental Care provides Invisalign for patients ranging from older children and teenagers to adults. If you want straighter teeth or if your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be a possibility. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not you are a candidate for Invisalign.
Call 212-787-4860 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.