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 regard 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.
Another orthodontic treatment may be required to straighten your smile in more severe cases, such as large overbites. If Invisalign is not an option for you, your dentist will work with you to find another solution, such as traditional metal braces.
Your Age
Invisalign clear aligners are suitable for both adults and teenagers. Children, on the other hand, are not considered candidates for Invisalign because their teeth are still developing. If your child needs early orthodontic treatment, your dentist will suggest other options to keep them busy while they wait for their permanent teeth to fully erupt and grow in.
Your Commitment During
Because the clear aligners can be removed during treatment, Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option. However, it is critical not to abuse this feature. You must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day to achieve the best results.
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
Your dentist will create a custom dental retainer after your treatment is completed to ensure that your teeth do not shift back to their original positions. It's critical that you understand that you'll need to wear your retainer consistently for the next 9 to 12 months until enough bone has formed around your new teeth positions.
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.