Invisalign clear aligners may offer more appealing and alluring perks to orthodontic patients, including (but not limited to):
- More discretion, meaning a more cosmetically appealing appearance
- Ease of removal, meaning no orthodontic-related dietary restrictions
- Less maintenance, meaning less tedious cleaning
- Less applied pressure, meaning less discomfort
That is easy to understand why some patients might prefer these aspects over what traditional braces provide. The near-transparent design can illuminate your smile well, and you won’t have any appliance-related limitations to impede you from eating well. Still, how do you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign aligners, and what are the good Invisalign candidate qualities?”
Determining if you’re a good fit for Invisalign treatment isn’t just about affording the slightly higher cost. There are various factors to consider being a suitable candidate Invisalign treatment for an adolescent or an adult. In this informative guide, we’ll delve into these factors, helping you understand if Invisalign treatment is the right choice for you or your child.
What Makes A Good Invisalign Candidate?
The following variables can make a patient a good candidate for Invisalign clear aligners:
- Personal responsibility
- Good oral hygiene discipline
- Not smoking
- Healthy gum tissue
- Matured jaw
Many older teens and adults prefer Invisalign because it works best when your teeth are fully grown, and you can take good care of them. While it doesn’t catch food like traditional braces, it’s still important to clean your teeth and aligners well to achieve the desired positions for a beautiful smile. Invisalign is a great option for teeth straightening and can help you achieve the smile you want. This is important for good orthodontic treatment.
Please remember to engage in proper dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. If you’re thinking about Invisalign express treatment eligibility for treatment options, that means making sure to:
- Brush at least 2-3 times a day, for 2 minutes at a time
- Floss, and for good measure, using a Waterpik or interdental brush
- Have cleaning products at-home and on the go
- Brush your aligners carefully
- Soak your aligners using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
- Rinse and dry your trays before storage, to minimize bacteria buildup
Patients of all ages should exercise due diligence, responsibility, and refrain from bad habits. Common knowledge that smoking is an overall health hazard (the FDA has identified over 7,000 tobacco product chemicals linked to illness), but it can also stain your teeth, your trays, and subsequently disrupt your routine.
Likewise, if a teen or adult patient is constantly taking off their trays to snack, well over the allotted timeframe they should, then that can also be counterintuitive for their overall health and oral health treatment.
Even if someone is disciplined, they may need different treatments depending on their case. Complex malocclusions may require braces and possibly orthognathic jaw surgery. Invisalign treatment is fine for basic misalignments, but not more complicated ones.
Who Is NOT An Invisalign Candidate?
To repeat some earlier points, individuals who have less healthy eating habits, a strong desire for tobacco, or engage in certain other unhealthy behaviors might not be the best fit for Invisalign treatment. When considering treatment plans, it’s important to weigh the benefits of Invisalign carefully. Usually, most Invisalign patients will be required to wear their aligners for 22 hours a day, with those two free removal hours meant for eating, drinking, and cleaning.
If you’re the type of patient who keeps taking out their aligner trays for smoke breaks or snack time, Invisalign might not be the best choice for you. In addition to not sticking to a healthy routine and following your treatment plan inconsistently, there are other factors that could make you a less-than-ideal Invisalign candidate.
For instance, ensuring you wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day is crucial. Don’t forget to maintain regular oral hygiene by consistently brushing your teeth as prescribed. So, if you’re committed to maintaining the required discipline and oral hygiene, Invisalign could still be a viable option for you:
- Active gum disease (should be treated prior to Invisalign treatment)
- Irresponsible storage and carelessness (characteristic of irresponsibility
- Active cavity (should be treated prior to Invisalign treatment)
- Severe oral issues that require more extensive treatment (not always a dealbreaker, but certainly can be)
Invisalign aligners are easy to take out, which seems like a plus compared to regular braces. Nonetheless, advance with caution! Improper storage of these items could lead to their damage, misplacement, theft, or contamination.
To avoid orthodontic problems, it’s essential to take care of your clear aligners. If you have any concerns, consult your dentist or orthodontist for guidance.
Additionally, Invisalign aligners aren’t strong enough to act as an impervious Kevlar vest for your teeth. While they can offer protection for mild cases of dental grinding and clenching at night, Invisalign aligners will not last in the face of severe sleep bruxism.
Unintentional movements can harm your clear aligners, slowing down your treatment progress. If you have severe teeth grinding or misaligned teeth, traditional metal braces or other treatments may be better. However, if you’re young with a small palate, palatal expansion could help. Talk to a licensed orthodontist for more information on fixing crooked teeth and dental issues.
Who Is A Candidate for Invisalign Express Treatment?
Expedited Invisalign treatments use up to 10 sets of aligners and can be done in about six months. These function similarly to standard Invisalign braces but with a faster outcome. This feature is advantageous for individuals seeking rapid results.
Check out the “Invisalign suitability assessment guide” to see if it’s right for you! As it utilizes the same program, it entails the same comprehensive features, such as:
- 3D iTero scanning and additional diagnostic imaging
- In-office visits and follow-up appointments
- SmartTrack aligner material and SmartForce accessories (if needed)
- Complementary teeth whitening
To be an effective candidate for Invisalign Express, an experienced orthodontist must determine that your case is mild enough to complete in 10 tray sets or less. This means only minor spacing or crowding, and an experienced orthodontist will have the expertise needed to assess how minor (or major) your crowding and spacing are For more elaborations regarding how this evaluation happens, refer to our Invisalign Express Guide.
This type of clear aligner treatment is great for people who just need some simple cosmetic fixes or for those who used to wear braces but have noticed their teeth shifting a bit. Since it’s mainly for cosmetic reasons, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover it. But the good news is, it costs less than full-time Invisalign treatment, and you can make it even more affordable with low monthly payment plans. This treatment helps with tooth movement and straightens your teeth, especially if you have crowded teeth.
How Do You Know If You Are A Good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?
If you’ve assessed all of the above factoids and still don’t know whether or not you’re a good Invisalign candidate, their official Smile Assessment Quiz. However, should doubt persist despite all considerations, there exists a definitive solution to your quandary: consult a reputable orthodontist!!
A trusted orthodontic expert has the skills to find the best solution for your teeth problems. They have the capability to resolve this matter during your initial complimentary appointment, frequently within the same day! So, if you’re unsure about whether you can use Invisalign plastic aligners, why wait?
