People dealing with tooth alignment issues don’t need to go through the awkward braces phase anymore. Instead, they may be able to get their teeth discreetly straightened through Invisalign. It’s a revolutionary technology that uses clear aligners to give patients great results in very little time.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, you might have learned they are not a good solution for everybody. Keep on reading to understand if Invisalign may work for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign actually works on the same principle as braces. They both apply pressure to the teeth in order to slowly pull them into their most optimal position.
Invisalign does this through multiple sets of clear trays, which you’ll wear for at least 20-22 hours every day. The trays are specifically designed for you based on some scans of your teeth and the orthodontist’s input, who’ll establish the "path" your teeth will take to correct your alignment issues.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is usually recommended for:
- Minor to Moderate Tooth Alignment Issues: As revolutionary as it may be, Invisalign isn’t able to correct all types of misalignment. It’s most often used to correct minor to moderate imperfections because the amount of pressure they can place on the teeth is limited when compared to traditional braces.
- Skeletal Jaw Alignment: Jaw alignment problems such as overbites or underbites can be skeletal (caused by the bone itself) or dental (caused by tooth positioning). Invisalign is only able to correct minor or moderate dental jaw alignment concerns. If the issues are major or the jaw is misaligned for skeletal reasons, you might need braces or even jaw surgery to correct them.
- People Who’ve Stopped Growing: Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment, even among teenagers. However, a teen might not be a good candidate for Invisalign if they are still developing. The trays are best used for older teens or adults who won’t go through any more facial or skeletal changes.
- People Who Can Commit to Them: If you want results, you will need to wear your trays for at least 20-22 hours a day. This is not negotiable. If you wear them for less, you can delay your treatment or even notice your trays don’t fit anymore because your teeth are shifting back. If you cannot commit to this, then you are not a good candidate for Invisalign and may benefit more from braces instead.
Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Invisalign
The best way to learn if Invisalign is right for you is to see for a short consultation. Based on a thorough assessment of your tooth or jaw alignment, you can access the right path towards straight teeth and a healthy bite.
To get started, request an Invisalign appointment with our San Diego dentists online, or call us at (619) 299-1122.
