Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

Choosing orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile you want is an important one. Will your treatment plan meet your expectations? Will your appliances be comfortable? In considering braces, you’ve likely done research on options and thought about more cosmetic options, like Invisalign®. But how can you be sure that this treatment is right for you?

Determining Severity of Alignment Problems

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our Invisalign® dentists to determine if the issues you’re experiencing can be effectively corrected with clear braces. Invisalign® is ideal for treating minor to moderate problems that include:

• Teeth alignment relapse after an initial round of braces
• Tilted and twisted teeth
• Minor crowding
• Small gaps between teeth

Patients with severe bite problems, such as crossbite, open bite, or underbite may be better suited for traditional metal braces, or metal braces with more aesthetic components such as tooth-colored brackets and wires. However, Invisalign® is well-suited for the most common issues patients experience, as described above.

Adapting to Treatment

Getting used to Invisalign® isn’t much of a challenge compared to adapting to life with metal braces. This can include diet restrictions, more difficult teeth cleaning routines, and soft tissue discomfort; however, there are some tips to keep in mind. It’s important to keep your Invisalign® someplace safe while they’re not in-place. The aligners are meant to be removed during meals and before brushing and flossing teeth, and can therefore be misplaced if patients aren’t careful. Store your trays in their provided cases.

To keep your aligners clean, use a soft bristled toothbrush to sweep away bacteria and debris before putting them back in place. After meals, it’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean teeth, so that food particles do not become trapped on and between teeth throughout the day. Avoid using toothpaste while cleaning retainers to prevent scratching. Do not bite, chew, or otherwise play with the retainers when they’re in place so they don’t become warped and ineffective in re-aligning teeth.

Still Debating? Ask us about Clear Braces

If you have a question about whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign®, contact our office today to learn more about this treatment for achieving straighter teeth.