Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

Are you looking for a straighter smile? As the name suggests, Invisalign® is a series of nearly invisible aligners that we use to straighten 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 Invisalign dentists if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment. Invisalign braces can help you change your smile and your life.

To learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I willing to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day?
• Do I have all of my permanent adult teeth?
• Would I feel self-conscious about wearing metal braces?
• Is my oral health affected by crooked teeth or a misaligned bite?
• Do I have issues with bite alignment?

Am I Willing to Wear Aligners 20 to 22 Hours a Day?

Patient compliance is of the utmost importance during Invisalign treatment. After all, Invisalign only works as long as you wear your clear aligners. Otherwise, your teeth will take longer to move into their final positions. Invisalign braces 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. 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 self-conscious about your smile, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists.

During treatment, you will have to wear clear aligners over your teeth and only remove them for eating and brushing your teeth. If you’re diligent, you can have a straighter smile in as little as 12 to 18 months with Invisalign®.

It’s important that you brush your teeth after eating before wearing your aligners again. Otherwise, you’ll stain the clear plastic.

Do I Have All My Permanent Adult Teeth?

Our dentists recommend Invisalign for teenagers and adults because their teeth have stopped growing. 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 traditional metal braces? If you don’t want metal wires and brackets 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 braces 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 Invisalign braces 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 braces 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.

Many patients find this ideal compared to wearing traditional metal braces during their entire treatment period. Each patient is different, which is why it’s important you request an appointment with one of our Invisalign dentists.

Ready to Learn More?

Our Invisalign dentists in Canton, MI can let you know if clear aligners are right for you. To schedule an appointment with Hometown Dental, call (734) 667-4941 today.