Is Invisalign Right for You?

As an adult seeking orthodontic treatment, traditional metal braces may not always be ideal. After all, braces draw a lot of attention, and many detract from your professional image, which leaves you wondering how to fix your smile without compromising your daily life. Enter Invisalign®.

Invisalign treatment utilizes a series of clear, custom aligners to gently move teeth to their preferred positions over several months. Unlike metal braces which are fixed, Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them off when you need to eat or brush your teeth. Invisalign treatment delivers impeccable results without disrupting your everyday life.

Despite its great benefits, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. Our dentist considers your various, unique needs to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Below, we have compiled five powerful indicators that point to your suitability as an Invisalign candidate:

1. You have a straightforward bite problem.

Invisalign has been shown to work for common dental problems, including overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbites, and gaps in teeth. However, the severity of the bite problem may dictate a different approach to treatment. If you have severely misaligned teeth, our dentist may prefer to go with conventional braces.

2. You’re responsible and can comply with treatment guidelines.

Invisalign treatment only works if you’re willing to comply with treatment instructions. For this crucial reason, treatment is reserved for older teens and adults, as these ages can adhere to guidelines. For instance, you must keep your aligners on for 22 hours each day. If you fail to do so, treatment may fail.

3. All your permanent teeth have erupted.

Except in the case of early-phase orthodontics, orthodontic treatment is typically reserved for when all the permanent teeth have grown in. It’s impractical to start orthodontic treatment before all the teeth erupt because we may not always accurately predict how the other teeth will grow in. As such, it’s best to wait.

4. You practice good oral hygiene.

You must be capable of cleaning both your teeth and the trays to ensure they don’t cause infections or other dental health challenges. If you have ongoing cavities or gum disease, you’re likely not going to be in a position to start your Invisalign treatment right away.

5. You’re a non-smoker.

Smokers don’t make for good Invisalign candidates, as smoking can stain the trays and interfere with treatment. If you have to keep removing the trays to smoke, you’ll interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness. If you’re a smoker and are interested in Invisalign, we recommend quitting the habit first.

Ultimately, the best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist in Whitby, ON. Call DSV Dental – Brooklin Village now to book your appointment.