Is Invisalign® Right for Me?
Are you looking for a straighter smile? As the name suggests, Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible that are used to move your teeth little by little over the course of several months. If you don’t like the look of metal braces, ask one of our Canton Invisalign dentists if you’re a candidate for this form of orthodontic treatment.
Before moving forward with an evaluation for Invisalign, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
Am I Willing to Wear Aligners 20 to 22 Hours a Day?
Patient compliance is of the utmost importance during clear aligner treatment. After all, Invisalign only works as long as you wear your trays. Otherwise, your teeth will take longer to move into their final positions. Invisalign aligners work best for patients who wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, as instructed by our dentists.
Most adults are motivated to straighten their teeth because they know what it’s like to feel self-conscious while smiling at work or other public events. Teenagers also know what it feels like to cover their smiles in group pictures or to be teased in school. If you’ve ever felt less than enthused about your smile, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with one of our local Invisalign dentists.
Read More → Why Clear Aligners Are the Preferred Choice for Adults
During treatment, you will have to wear clear aligners over your teeth and only remove them for eating, brushing your teeth, and drinking beverages other than water. It’s important that you brush your teeth after eating and gently clean the aligners before putting them back in place. Otherwise, you risk staining the clear plastic and having bacteria accumulate on the trays.
If you’re diligent throughout treatment and do not have more severe orthodontic issues, you can have a straighter smile in as little as 12 to 18 months with Invisalign.
Do I Have All My Permanent Adult Teeth?
Our dentists recommend Invisalign for adults and teens because their teeth have all fully erupted. Children can get all their permanent teeth as early as 12 years old. However, it’ll be up to you as the parent to determine whether your child is responsible enough to wear their clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.
Would I Feel Self-Conscious About Metal Braces?
Wish you could straighten teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional metal braces? If you don’t want wires, brackets, and elastic bands on your teeth, ask one of our dentists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth, thin plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums. Many of our patients also appreciate that Invisalign clear aligners are subtle enough to go unnoticed by friends, family, and co-workers.
Is My Oral Health Affected by Crooked Teeth or a Misaligned Bite?
Crooked teeth affect more than just your appearance, they also affect your oral health. Plaque loves to hide between crooked, crowded teeth. If you’re prone to getting cavities, you may want to ask one of our dentists if clear aligners would help. Once we’re able to fix crooked or crowded teeth, you’ll have enough space to brush and floss properly.
Do I Have Issues with Bite Alignment?
While Invisalign can correct minor issues with bite, we may not recommend it if your jaw needs serious realignment. Other types of appliances (like headgear) are sometimes better for moving your jaw into a proper position.
If your case is complex, you may need metal braces during the first part of your treatment before switching over to Invisalign clear aligners. That way, the metal braces handle the complex movements of your teeth and jaw and the aligners finish the job discreetly. Many patients find this ideal compared to wearing traditional metal braces during their entire treatment period.
Set Up an Invisalign Consultation Today
Our , can let you know if clear aligners are right for you during a one-on-one consultation. To schedule an appointment with Hometown Dental and get started, call (734) 667-4941 or contact us onlinetoday.
This blog post has been updated.