Almost everyone wonders, at some point, whether they would be a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment. Whether you have a slight imperfection in your smile or a larger alignment issue, Invisalign can probably fix it. So, the short answer is that, yes, almost everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. But that wasn’t always true.
What Problems Can Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign has been effective in creating over 10,000,000 perfect smiles! After receiving FDA approval in 1998, it was put into use in 1999. Since then, it has undergone many changes, making the technology even better. Align Technology, creators of Invisalign, continue to discover better ways to straighten teeth more reliably.
When new, Invisalign was useful for correcting minor alignment problems and gaps between teeth. As popularity continued to soar, Align continued to increase the scope of treatment. SmartTrack® material was the result of over 8 years of testing and sorting through over 260 different materials.
From those humble beginnings, Invis has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatment methods in use. It has been proven effective in treating the following alignment problems and more:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gap teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
While it cannot fix all orthodontic problems, it can correct a great number of issues. Your orthodontist may recommend traditional metal or clear braces if you are not a candidate for Invisalign. The only way to know for sure is to have a complete orthodontic examination.
How Invisalign Works
Although it may seem like magic, it is science. Traditional braces work using tension to force teeth to shift into the correct positions. Invisalign uses gentle but constant pressure to move teeth.
The concept is rather simple, but also complex. Beginning with x-rays and digital images of your mouth, the orthodontist creates a 3D map. Computer software analyzes the current position of teeth. Using these tools, the orthodontist plots a course for the movement of your teeth to create your perfect smile. Trays are printed, trimmed, and checked for quality assurance. Each tray is unique to your smile!
Invisalign trays are created using the imaging, x-rays, and the know-how of the doctor. Each set of trays is designed to be worn for about two weeks. Patients wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours each day. Trays are sequenced to create gradual movement. As the patient shifts to a new set of trays, the gentle pressure continues moving teeth in the desired direction.
Additionally, with SmartForce® attachments, Invisalign can be very effective in correcting even the most complex of alignment issues.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Although you will need a complete examination before an assessment can be made, answering the following questions will help:
- Are you unhappy with your current smile?
- Has your dentist recommended Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment?
- Do you want a discreet, almost invisible way to straighten your teeth?
- Do you have enough personal discipline to wear your alignment trays 20 to 22 hours every day?
If you answered yes to all or most of the above questions, you may be a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Although you should rely on the recommendations of your orthodontist, they do take your wishes into account.
Advantages of Invisalign Treatment
There are many advantages of Invisalign treatment. Among them:
- Almost invisible
- Fits easily into busy lifestyles
- No dietary restrictions
- Patient-centered
- Affordability
- Average treatment times are shorter
Your orthodontist can discuss all the additional merits with you while setting up your treatment plan.
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Disadvantages of Invisalign Treatment
As with all good things, other things should be considered before making your final decision.
Although Invisalign can treat a wide variety of malocclusions, it can be less effective on complex issues. Consult your orthodontist, who will help you clear up any questions you may have. They will also tell you if you are not a good candidate for Invisalign.
Wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day takes dedication and commitment.
Oral hygiene is an important part of the treatment process. Leaving food particles on your teeth while wearing the trays can accelerate tooth decay.
Although there are no dietary restrictions, there may be periods when you might opt for softer food choices. You will likely experience a small level of discomfort when shifting to a new set of trays. Limiting food choices to softer options can greatly decrease the level of discomfort.
Finding a Great Invisalign Provider
Align Technology trains and certifies all Invisalign providers. They have a rating system that is based on the number of successful Invisalign treatments performed within an orthodontist’s office. The eight-tier scale ranks providers as follows:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Gold Plus
- Platinum
- Platinum Plus
- Diamond
- Diamond Plus
These ratings reset every year, so to maintain a certain level a provider must consistently have patients completing treatment.
When searching for an Invisalign provider, check their current provider rating. Don’t just rely on that though. Although a Bronze provider may not have serviced as many patients, they just finished achieving certification so they have the latest updates on new techniques.
Also, check patient testimonials. If people are posting good results, you can usually trust their words. When people are not happy about their experience, they’ll usually say so. If people are happy, they relay that in their statements.
Although pricing is often a concern for many people, you can rest assured that Invisalign can be affordable and fit within your budget. In fact, in recent comparisons, pricing has been very comparable to traditional braces and other treatment methods.
Find out If You Are a Candidate for Invisalign
If you are ready to set up a consultation appointment, Dr. Seth Margulies at Amboy Orthodontics in Perth Amboy, NJ is ready to assist you on your journey to a perfect smile. You may use our online Appointment Request form or call our office at (732) 896 – 2534. Whether you are looking for Invisalign treatment, a second opinion, or are just curious — our staff is always ready to help.
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Please check out the other articles on our orthodontics blog too.