If you are considering straightening your smile with Invisalign®, you might be wondering if you'd be a good candidate. Our Langley Straight Smile dentists are here to tell you who might be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign’s popularity is rising because people want to fix their smiles without the look of metal and wires. Invisalign is very different, yet offers similar results. Invisalign uses clear plastic trays that fit over your upper and lower teeth. This is a modern alternative to traditional braces, however, Invisalign is not the solution for every patient.
What issues does Invisalign correct?
Invisalign works for most dental issues but is not designed to correct issues that are too severe. For large issues like an overbite, more advanced orthodontic work is necessary to shift the jawbone. Invisalign is an orthodontic solution for the following:
- Gaps in teeth
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Mild underbites
- Mild overbites
- Overcrowded teeth
- Excessive central tooth overlaps
- Imperfect positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed
- Protruding teeth
Mild dental issues can be caused by genetics, oral diseases, injury, and even thumb sucking. Crooked and misplaced teeth are not just a cosmetic issue but commonly lead to serious dental issues. Gingivitis, periodontal issues, jaw pain, earaches, and headaches are all issues that can be a direct cause of ill-positioned teeth or dental issues.
When does Invisalign not work?
When severe oral issues are present, Invisalign is not a recommended treatment. When there is an issue like an extreme overbite or underbite, crooked teeth are not the only problem. The jaw bone needs to be physically shifted and the aligners are not able to correct bone issues.
Older teens and adults are the best candidates for Invisalign because their jaws have stopped growing. Unlike children and younger teenagers, adults are more dedicated to the Invisalign program to be successful.
Braces are permanent and work to correct dental issues around the clock, whereas Invisalign aligners can be easily removed if the patient wants. Younger patients with less dedication may remove the aligners if their mouth feels uncomfortable. In order to be effective, the aligners must be worn 22 hours a day. So if they are removed from the mouth for more than 2 hours a day, the treatment will be ineffective.