To determine if your teeth could be straightened with Invisalign your dentist will complete an assessment of your oral history and a close examination of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. Based on your particular case, your dentist will help you decide if clear aligners are the best orthodontic solution for your needs.
Here are a few of the factors that can contribute to helping you reach your goals in regards to the Invisalign treatment process.
Your Case
As long as your case isn’t too severe, Invisalign can treat a variety of issues such as gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and cross-bites.
For more severe cases, like large overbites, another orthodontic treatment is likely necessary to straighten your smile. If your case is not treatable with Invisalign, your dentist will help you find another suitable option such as traditional metal braces.
Your Age
Both adults and teens are potential candidates for Invisalign clear aligners. But because their teeth are still developing, children are not considered to be candidates for Invisalign. If your child requires early orthodontic treatment, your dentist will recommend other options to use while they wait for their permanent teeth to fully erupt and grow in.
Your Commitment During
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option because of the ability to remove the clear aligners during treatment. But it’s very important not to abuse this feature. For best results, you must make sure to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day.
Even though you can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss, you should keep them in your mouth as much as possible to see the best results.
That means if you are not able to fully commit to the treatment plan set out by your dentist, the treatment simply won't work.
Your Commitment After
Once your treatment is over, your dentist will create a custom dental retainer to ensure that your teeth do not start to shift back to their original positions. It is important that you understand that for the next 9 to 12 months, you will have to be consistent in wearing your retainer until enough bone can be deposited around the new positions of your teeth.
We understand that it can be frustrating to trade one oral appliance for another, especially for an extended period of time, but to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, your retainer will need to become your new best friend for a while. Thankfully, you won't have to wear it for 22 hours a day like your aligners.