Could I Be a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is an excellent choice for many patients who want to straighten their teeth quickly and discreetly. The system provides a series of graduated aligners that shift a few teeth at a time in a prescribed pattern. After 12 to 18 months, you will impress your friends and family with your newly realigned smile.

However, not everyone is the best candidate for this advanced orthodontic system. This blog will share the advantages of Invisalign, the characteristics of successful Invisalign candidates, and identify patients who may need a different type of orthodontic care.

Advantages of Invisalign

Discreet

No one needs to know that you are wearing Invisalign unless you want to tell them about it. The clear aligners fit your teeth closely so they do not show when you talk or smile.

Comfortable

Invisalign is made from smooth medical-grade plastic. Unlike braces, it has no irritating metal parts.

Easy Care

With Invisalign, it's easy to care for your teeth and aligners. You must remove your aligners to care for your teeth. Brush and floss carefully to remove all traces of plaque and food from your teeth.

You can clean the aligners with Invisalign's branded cleaning system or with a few at-home solutions, including clear, unscented liquid antibacterial soap and diluted hydrogen peroxide.

Better Oral Health than With Braces

When you have braces, you must be very careful cleaning around them. Reaching behind the wires and around the brackets can be a hassle. Many people miss plaque and food when they have braces, leading to worsened oral health in the years after treatment. Since Invisalign comes out temporarily, you can keep your teeth sparkling clean.

Faster than Braces

For most patients, Invisalign works faster than braces. Invisalign typically takes between 12 and 18 months, while braces take approximately 18 months to three years. Your treatment time may vary based on your tooth alignment issues.

Good Candidates for Invisalign

People who may be the ideal candidate for Invisalign share the following characteristics:

• Good oral health with no active gum disease or tooth decay
• Need for minor to moderate orthodontic correction
• Ability to wear the aligners 22 hours daily and carefully follow the dentist's instructions
• No missing teeth

People Who May Need Other Orthodontic Solutions

Moderate to Severe Dental Bite Issues

If you have a severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, you may need braces to correct it. The same caution applies to patients with jaw development or structural issues.

Children Whose Jaws Are Still Growing

Older teens and adults can take advantage of Invisalign. Children will likely need traditional braces while they are still growing.

Call Leland Dental

If you are ready to improve your smile and want to use one of the most advanced methods available today, call our Hanover, MA, office at 781-826-8395. We can schedule a consultation where Dr. Leland can introduce you to Invisalign and let you know how it can change your life.