Did you know 45% of Americans associate straighter teeth with career success? Nearly one-third of Americans notice a person’s teeth before any other feature, too. If you’re concerned about the state of your teeth, you might want to consider Invisalign.
Invisalign aligners can straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. Instead, the nearly invisible aligners will provide you with comfort and convenience you can’t get from braces. Not everyone is an ideal Invisalign candidate, though.
Not sure about getting Invisalign?
Keep reading for the five signs you’re an ideal Invisalign candidate (and three signs you’re not). After reading this guide, you can determine if Invisalign is right for you. Straighten out the situation with these tips.
Signs of an Ideal Candidate
Invisalign aligners are nearly transparent, retainer-like aligners. While they can help fix most smiles, they’re not for everyone. Here are the five criteria that could make you an ideal Invisalign candidate.
1. Your Age
One of the first indicators that you’re a good Invisalign case is your age.
Invisalign is great for older teens and adults. At this point, most of your teeth are already grown in.
Older teenagers and adults often choose Invisalign because the aligners are transparent. As a young adult or working professional, you likely won’t want to walk around with obvious braces. Invisalign aligners can hide the fact that you’re receiving orthodontic treatment.
With Invisalign aligners, you won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious. Improving the state of your teeth will eventually give you a confidence boost, too!
2. Your Condition
Speak with your dentist about the current state of your teeth. They might recommend Invisalign as a treatment for:
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
If your teeth are mildly crooked, misaligned, or gapped, you’ll make a great Invisalign candidate. Invisalign can help make these minor adjustments and straighten your smile.
Your dentist will consider the severity of your case before suggesting Invisalign.
3. Your Eagerness for a Better Smile
Invisalign is pretty easy as far as orthodontic procedures are concerned. You won’t have to visit your dentist because a loose wire is poking into your cheek, which often happens with braces. However, you’ll still need to dedicate yourself to fixing your smile to become an ideal Invisalign case.
For example, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 22 to 23 hours every day. If you’re eager to fix your teeth, you’ll have no problem remembering to wear your Invisalign retainers. Neglecting to wear your aligners constantly, however, could impact and delay your treatment.
You’ll also need to take care of your aligners.
For example, you should remove your aligners before meals. Then, you’ll need to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back on. Otherwise, you might get food particles trapped between your aligners and teeth.
This could cause bacteria to spread, leading to plaque or tartar development.
Your dedication to improving your smile will keep you on track with caring for your aligners.
4. Your Current Dental Health
Your dentist will assess your current dental health before determining if Invisalign is ideal for you. If you don’t have any cavities or gingivitis, you could make an ideal candidate.
Otherwise, your dentist should address these issues before they help you straighten your teeth.
Invisalign aligners can help you avoid future dental issues. For example, food particles love to hide in the large gaps between your teeth. These particles can cause bacteria to develop and spread.
Over time, this bacteria can accumulate into plaque or harden into tartar. Both can contribute to gum disease, which can lead to future dental concerns.
5. The Assessment Test
If you’re still unsure whether or not you’d make an ideal candidate, there’s a free assessment test available online. You can provide Invisalign with information about yourself and your oral health goals. Then, the test will determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
Don’t trust the test alone, though. Instead, visit your dentist and have their keen eye make the final assessment.
Signs Invisalign Isn’t For You
There are some cases that Invisalign can’t help. Here are a few signs that Invisalign isn’t the orthodontic treatment you need.
1. Your Condition
Take the time to review the condition of your teeth with your orthodontist. While Invisalign can help with a number of conditions, there are limitations.
What can Invisalign not fix? For starters, it can’t help fix jaw size problems. This means the upper jaw and lower jaw have large size discrepancies. This is less than 5% of the population. Some orthodontic problems, such as large overbites, need more advanced procedures to shift your jaw into place.
If you’re not an ideal candidate, Dr. Eshom might suggest alternative treatment options instead. For example, traditional metal or clear braces might work better for a severe crossbite.
We can review your options and help you develop a customized treatment plan.
2. Younger Ages
Younger children and teenagers still have growing teeth. Their teeth can shift, changing the condition of their teeth. For example, the emergence of new adult teeth could cause crowding.
If the condition is severe enough, the dentist might recommend traditional braces instead of Invisalign.
Taking care of your aligners also requires a lot of responsibility. A child might forget to take their aligners out before they eat. This can cause discoloration or odors to develop.
Younger children might also leave their aligners somewhere. Replacing aligners can become costly. In the cast of forgetful, young children, braces are the better option.
3. You Can’t Afford It
Orthodontists prescribed Invisalign trays to over 931,000 patients last year. The trays cost between $3,000 and $5,500 each.
We make quality Invisalign and clear aligner treatment affordable to you. That is why we do the most and best Invisalign in San Diego County.
We offer payment plans to help you cover the cost of treatment. Before making your decision, consult us about the options we have available. Ask if you can develop a payment plan.
Smile Wide: 5 Signs You’re an Ideal Invisalign Candidate
Ready to start smiling ear to ear? Review this list of signs you’re an ideal Invisalign candidate. If you think you make the cut, discuss treatment with your orthodontist and get started!
Eager to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? Schedule a free consultation today.