If you are less than pleased with your smile, there are options. You have probably heard of different alignment treatments such as braces or Invisalign. These are great options for adults or teens who want to straighten their teeth without having to use braces. If you are wondering “is Invisalign right for me,” you should have a better idea of whether or not you’re a good Invisalign candidate by the time you finish reading this blog.
Smiles are important. When we meet someone new, their smile is one of the first things we notice. A smile can show others that you are happy or entertained. When you laugh, your smile is on full display to show your joy and positive emotions.
When someone is unhappy with their smile due to misaligned teeth, it’s obvious. They may avoid smiling with teeth in pictures. When laughing they might cover their face or mouth with their hands. In short, feeling insecure about your smile is limiting and can hold you back socially. To build a smile you are proud to display, Invisalign may be the right option for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is clear aligner therapy that is designed to straighten teeth without braces. Most people associate Invisalign with invisible or nearly invisible braces. These aligners are plastic trays that are meant to straighten teeth over time.
While Invisalign is a great way to augment your smile, not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign treatment and may require braces instead. Before we get into the answer to “Is Invisalign right for me,” let’s talk about what it treats.
What Does Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign is used to straighten teeth, correct minor misalignments in the jawline or bite. It is also used to improve the overall shape of your smile. With Invisalign, you are treated for common problems like underbites, overbites, gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, and crossbite.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by slowly moving teeth into a predetermined position over time. The clear plastic aligners (or retainers) are custom-made to fit your teeth. These aligners slowly move your teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign retainers must be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. So, if you’re asking yourself “is Invisalign right for me?” That will depend on whether or not you can dedicate yourself to wearing and taking proper care of your plastic aligners.
About once a week, you’ll switch to a new retainer. Each retainer will be closer to the alignment that will work best for your teeth and jaw. However, if you don’t wear your retainers for the required amount of hours a day, it can delay the process. Subsequently, you’ll have to wear the current aligner longer, pushing back the day you complete Invisalign treatment.
The Difference Between Invisalign and Braces
When it comes to aligning teeth, the two main options are braces and Invisalign. While these methods both can achieve the same results, they are very different. Traditional braces are glued to the teeth. They then stay on for the remainder of the treatment, which can last for 18 to 24 months.
Benefits of Invisalign vs Braces
Many teens and adults elect to get Invisalign over braces for added convenience. Compared to metal braces, Invisalign has many benefits. These range from aesthetic to functional benefits.
No Food Restrictions
Traditional braces are somewhat delicate. Certain foods can cause a wire to snap or a bracket to come off. While wearing braces, patients cannot eat hard foods like nuts, toffee, or other hard candies. Braces also get in the way of certain foods such as whole apples, which instead must be cut.
With Invisalign, you don’t have to change your eating habits. Since the tray is removed during mealtimes, there are no food restrictions. Invisalign candidates can rest assured that minimal disruption in their life will occur with these clear aligners.
Discreet in Appearance
One of the most desirable aspects of Invisalign is its discreet appearance. Unlike braces, Invisalign is practically invisible. There is no need to worry about covering your mouth when you laugh to hide braces. Invisalign is a good choice for those who need treatment but don’t want to appear as though they need it.
Easier to Clean
Compared to metal braces, Invisalign retainers are much easier to clean. Invisalign is removable and is much more conducive to eating regular meals as well as brushing your teeth. With Invisalign, you can remove any food particles from around your aligners with a simple swish of water.
Less Maintenance
If you prefer a lower-maintenance lifestyle, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. In comparison to regular braces, Invisalign requires less maintenance. Metal braces require frequent trips to the orthodontist to adjust them. If they break, that is another reason you would have to visit the orthodontist.
Who is the Best Candidate for Invisalign?
The best Invisalign candidate is someone who wants the benefits of a powerful teeth aligner without the high maintenance required with metal braces. If you are wondering “is Invisalign right for me,” the following considerations would make you a good candidate for Invisalign:
- Can afford the potentially higher cost: Invisalign can be more expensive than metal braces. A good Invisalign candidate is someone who can afford the potentially higher cost.
- Have good oral hygiene: If you have bad oral habits such as clenching and grinding your teeth, smoking, and/or chewing on objects, Invisalign is not for you. However, if you have good oral hygiene habits and can dedicate yourself to cleaning your Invisalign multiple times a day, then this treatment is right for you.
- Want a less obvious alignment treatment: Invisalign candidates are generally people who want a way to straighten their teeth without the obvious look of braces.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
A local orthodontist can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. If you are honest with your orthodontist about the state of your teeth, have an interest in good oral hygiene habits, and can commit to following up with care instructions, then Invisalign is right for you.
The severity of your teeth and jaw issues will also determine if Invisalign will work for you. Invisalign does have some limitations. Therefore, there are some conditions it cannot fix. If you are wondering “is Invisalign right for me,” the following can be treated by Invisalign aligners:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Crooked teeth
If you have a more severe case of one of the aforementioned dental occurrences, you may need more orthodontic care than can be provided by Invisalign. For example, while Invisalign can correct gaps between teeth, it cannot close gaps that are too large. Therefore, it’s important to speak with an orthodontic professional about your needs and goals before assuming Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign for Teens and Adults from Palm Beach Orthodontics
If you want to know “is Invisalign right for me,” the professionals here at Palm Beach Orthodontics can provide an answer. We offer free consultations to determine what the best course of action is for your desired results. Contact us, today, to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign!