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So many of us have misaligned teeth or problems like an overbite that we’ve left untreated far into adulthood. You might be feeling like it’s too late to correct these problems now. After all, who gets orthodontics as an adult?
As it turns out, lots of people! Invisalign is a more subtle, comfortable, and hygienic alternative to braces that’s become the preferred method of treatment for most patients. However, how do you know if you qualify for Invisalign in McFarland? Read on in this blog from Lakeview Modern Dentistry to find out what factors are most important in determining candidacy for Invisalign.
Invisalign is very different from traditional braces in many beneficial ways. Firstly, there are no fixed metal wires or bands that are uncomfortable or cause pain. Instead, Invisalign uses removable clear plastic aligners that can be removed at any time and place much gentler pressure on the teeth.
The ability to remove your aligners enables you to eat whatever you want as long as you remember to take your aligners out. It is also much easier to practice good oral hygiene because you have full access to all of the surfaces of your teeth when brushing and flossing. By far the biggest advantage is cosmetic.
Braces are clunky hunks of metal that stick out of your mouth like an eyesore. Invisalign, on the other hand, is discreet and transparent. No one will notice you’re wearing Invisalign unless you point it out to them; this is especially desirable for adults who often feel embarrassed to be undergoing orthodontics later in life.
When it comes to determining if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, this largely depends on the severity of your orthodontic problems. Invisalign can correct a variety of problems, including:
However, it is best suited for minor to moderate alignment issues rather than severe malocclusions. In the past, Invisalign could not be used to correct significant bite issues. Now, we can bond Invisalign attachments to your teeth to help anchor your aligners to work on these issues as well.
However, depending on how severe they are, braces may be a more suitable choice for you. If you have very large gaps, Invisalign will also take much longer to close them than with braces. If your teeth need to be rotated or pushed up into the gums, only braces can perform these movements.
Another important consideration is your willingness to comply with treatment. Invisalign is usually only recommended for adults. This is because, as patients paying for their own treatment, they have more personal responsibility in following directions.
Children and teenagers are less likely to comply with treatment because they tend to frequently remove their aligners or not wear them for long enough. Aligners must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day to produce the desired results in the proper time frame.
Another important factor in being a suitable candidate for Invisalign is your oral health. Those with active tooth decay or gum disease will need to get this treated before they can think about orthodontic treatment.
Active gum disease is a particular problem because you need to have healthy gums and a stable jawbone to safely shift the teeth. You will also need to actively practice good oral hygiene throughout your treatment by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and cleaning your aligners.
At Lakeview Modern Dentistry, we encourage you to come in for a consultation with Dr. Kevin Degroot if you’re interested in Invisalign to correct orthodontic issues. Long gone are the days when we have to wear uncomfortable wires and brackets that make us feel self-conscious to straighten our teeth. Contact us today to find out if Invisalign is right for you!
