Your Invisalign® Provider
Your dentist will conduct an evaluation of your oral history and closely examine your bite, teeth, jaw, and gums to determine if your teeth can be straightened with Invisalign. Depending on your specific case, your dentist will help you make your decision on whether or not clear aligners are the best orthodontic treatment for you.
Below we have listed a few elements that can help you reach your smile goals, in terms of the Invisalign treatment process.
Your Individual Case
As long as your condition isn’t too severe, Invisalign should be able to treat various orthodontic problems like crowded teeth, gapped teeth, crossbites, underbites, and overbites.
In more serious situations such as large overbites, another orthodontic treatment will probably be needed to straighten your smile. If Invisalign can't be used for your case, your dentist may be able to help you find another treatment method like traditional metal braces.
How Old You Are
Both adults and teens are potential candidates for Invisalign clear aligners. But because their teeth are still developing, children are not considered to be candidates for Invisalign. If your child requires early orthodontic treatment, your dentist will recommend other options to use while they wait for their permanent teeth to fully erupt and grow in.
Your Commitment During Your Treatment
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option because the clear aligners can be removed during treatment. But it’s very important not to abuse this feature. For best results, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day.
Even though you can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss, you should keep them in your mouth as much as possible to see the best results.
Therefore, if you can't commit to the treatment plan that your dentist has developed for you, your treatment won't be able to work.
Your Commitment After Your Treatment
Once your treatment is over, your dentist will create a custom dental retainer to ensure that your teeth do not start to shift back to their original positions. It is important that you understand that for the next 9 to 12 months, you will have to be consistent in wearing your retainer until enough bone can be deposited around the new positions of your teeth.
We realize how frustrating it can be having to trade one oral appliance for another, especially for a long time period. But, in order for your treatment results to stay effective, you will need to make your retainer your new best friend for a designated amount of time. Thankfully, you won't have to wear it for 22 hours a day like your aligners.