Talk to anyone who’s tried it, and they’ll tell you that Invisalign is a game-changer.
People today want to improve their smile without the awkward look of metal wires in their mouth, and these clear plastic aligners do just that.
It’s recognized as the easiest, most comfortable solution for orthodontic issues.
However, Invisalign is not the perfect fit for everyone. Read on to learn three ways you can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
What Issue Are You Trying to Correct?
Invisalign is a great solution for…
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Teeth that are overcrowded
- Mild overbites or underbites
- Poor positioning of teeth when mouth is closed
Why Is It Important to Correct These Issues?
Dental issues are often caused by genetics or may be the result of oral diseases, injury or trauma to the mouth, or thumb sucking.
Improper positioning of the teeth is not simply a cosmetic issue; it can lead to more serious problems like gingivitis, dental cavities, jaw pain, and headaches.
How Old Are You?
Over one-quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults.
However, orthodontic treatment typically begins between ages eight and 14 since abnormal bites usually become noticeable between ages of six and 12.
That being said, children and young teenagers don’t necessarily make good candidates for Invisalign because their teeth and jaw are still growing.
It also requires a sense of maturity and responsibility to maintain Invisalign.
Older teens and adults are the ideal candidates for Invisalign because they are more dedicated to their oral health and seeing the process succeed.
For younger patients, traditional metal braces can have a higher success rate because of the fixed nature of the braces — they cannot be removed, eliminating the temptation to “cut corners” or end the program prematurely.
In order to be effective, Invisalign must be worn 22 hours a day; if they are removed for more than two hours each day, the treatment will not produce optimal results.
Older teenagers and adults often prefer Invisalign because of their subtle appearance.
Almost half (47%) of Invisalign Teen users surveyed reported a boost in self-esteem during the process of treatment compared to 22% of teens wearing metal braces.
The reason is obvious — teenage years can be uncomfortable enough without a mouth full of metal.
And adults can feel less self-conscious about their smile with transparent aligners.
Take the Smile Assessment Test to Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Invisalign
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not Invisalign is right for you, check out Invisalign’s free Smile Assessment.
Of course, the online assessment results aren’t set in stone.
Only a trained orthodontic professional can make an accurate assessment of your eligibility, so set up a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist when you’re ready to find out if you are a candidate.