Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments of the last century. This innovative dental technology uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to gently move the position of teeth. This gradually brings them into alignment, making sure that teeth come together properly when you close your mouth – something known as your bite.

Unlike braces, Invisalign doesn’t require any brackets, wires, or other metals. Instead, technology is used to create images of your teeth, while special software determines how they will need to move in order to improve their position. A series of aligners are then created, with each aligner matching a specific stage in the treatment process. Patients wear them exactly as directed so that gradual consistent force is applied to the teeth to encourage them to move into their new and improved position. There are no awkward brackets and wires to get in the way, teeth remain easier to clean than with braces, and you can eat whatever you like without having to worry about the effect of food on your braces.

Although Invisalign is a very effective treatment for many different patients, you will still need to have your suitability assessed before you can begin your Invisalign journey. This involves attending an appointment so that your Invisalign provider can find out more about you, your oral health, and your smile goals.

Typically, people who are found to be good candidates for Invisalign have a number of things in common.

Issues with the Alignment of Their Teeth or Their Bite

As an orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is designed to correct teeth that are poorly aligned. This means teeth that are crooked, twisted, overlapping, gapped, or set in front or behind other teeth. Invisalign can also correct your bite, ensuring that your teeth come together properly when you close your mouth.

No Outstanding Dental Work

There is little point in correcting the position of your teeth if they are unhealthy. Your Invisalign provider will want to make sure that there are no signs of decay or damage before you start your Invisalign treatment. If there are, you will need to have these treated first.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums will be another of the things that your Invisalign provider will be looking for. This is because gum disease can severely affect the success of Invisalign treatment. Gum disease occurs when bacteria found in sticky plaque on the teeth spreads onto the gums, causing inflammation and swelling. Without treatment, it will get worse, and patients may find their gums starting to recede away from teeth, infections developing, and teeth becoming loose.

A Commitment to Your Treatment

Invisalign only works if you are fully committed to the treatment. That’s because it's up to you to make sure that you wear your aligners exactly as directed and in the right order. Aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day every day, only being removed for eating and cleaning. Each aligner also needs to be worn for the recommended number of days before you move on to the next one in the series. That’s because the treatment plan is created based on how long it will take teeth to move in each stage of the process. For this reason, it’s also essential that you wear the aligners in the right order too. Failing to do so can affect the success and length of your treatment.

 

You Want a Discreet Orthodontic Solution

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are virtually invisible once they are in place. This means that you don’t have to worry about brackets and wires showing, and you can eat whatever foods that you want to. You will just have to discreetly remove your aligners before eating, and brush your teeth before you pop them back in.

If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, contact our experienced and knowledgeable dental team at Courthouse Art of Dentistry in Arlington, Virginia at 703-794-3727 today.