Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontics. The transparent and removable aligners have added comfort, control, and convenience to treatments that traditional metal braces have not. It is no wonder why millions of teens and adults around the country have turned to Invisalign to straighten their smiles. We’re proud to offer Invisalign in Reading, Allentown, Easton, Harrisburg, and beyond. But it is important to note that not every patient may be the ideal candidate for Invisalign (though that doesn’t mean a straighter smile is out of reach!). Here’s how to tell whether you’re a candidate.
You Suffer from One of the Following Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign is the ideal solution when it comes to mildly crooked teeth and orthodontic issues like:
- Protruding teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps
- Overlaps
Even small issues like those above can lead to big oral health consequences. After all, straight teeth aren’t only a cosmetic benefit. Crooked teeth make it harder to brush those hard-to-reach places, which can cause gingivitis or cavities from tooth decay. Meanwhile, crooked teeth can also lead to jaw pain, earaches, and headaches. Invisalign can help strengthen your teeth and get you smiling without pain or embarrassment.
Invisalign’s website has a Smile Assessment to help you determine whether you’re a candidate; however, we still recommend you follow up with a board certified orthodontist.
You Follow a Disciplined Routine
Wearing, removing, and cleaning your Invisalign takes a disciplined routine if you want the treatment to be effective. Invisalign needs to be worn for 22 hours per day, so you must have the motivation to keep your Invisalign in when it is needed.
Invisalign gives you control over your treatment, allowing you to remove your aligners when you’re eating or playing sports. But that control comes with responsibility. You need to follow the instructions of your Exeter orthodontist for your treatment to work.
This is why we often recommend Invisalign for teens and adults. Not only have their jaws stopped growing and they have all of their adult teeth, but they’re more likely to listen to their orthodontist’s instructions better than a young child would.
Who ISN’T a Candidate for Invisalign
Invisalign is not recommended for severe overbites or underbites. That’s because the entire jaw must be shifted. Invisalign can help with crooked teeth, but it can’t move your jaw. That’s when your orthodontist must recommend some more intensive treatments.
Invisalign also isn’t recommended for people who smoke. That’s because the Invisalign must be worn regularly and smoking can damage the aligners.
Finally, as mentioned previously, we do not recommend Invisalign for children simply because of the amount of responsibility it requires.
What are the Alternatives to Invisalign?
You don’t want to let alignment issues or crooked teeth go untreated. That can cause cavities, decay, tooth enamel erosion, pain, and even TMJ. So what can you turn to instead if you’re not a candidate for Invisalign? Traditional braces! Traditional braces may not offer all of the convenience of Invisalign, but they still promise you a straighter smile.
Only after you schedule a free consultation with our orthodontists can you confirm whether or not you’re a candidate for Invisalign. While many patients are, we work just as hard to find a comfortable, convenient, and affordable option for those who are not!
If you have questions about Invisalign, contact us today! With offices in Reading, Allentown, Easton, Exton, Springfield, and Harrisburg, you’re never far from a straighter, healthier smile.