Invisalign are clear orthodontic aligners for your teeth. They are custom-made trays that cover your teeth, gently pulling them into their proper position. With time, your teeth change position, and the dentists make another tray to continue shaping your teeth.

 

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is beautiful, comfortable, and discreet. They are ideal for anyone who needs to improve their teeth, especially if your problem is straightforward. Invisalign will align your teeth effectively.

 

What Makes You a Good Candidate?

Adults and older teens show the most interest in Invisalign. They do so because they want to fix their teeth without the cumbersome metal and wires look of traditional braces. However, Invisalign is not for everyone. There are a few factors to consider before the dentist fits you for Invisalign.

Your Problem Should Be Straightforward

Invisalign is great for straightforward cases. If your problem is more complicated, you may need to settle for traditional metal braces. The situations that Invisalign works effectively on include:

 

• Mild underbites
   

• Mild overbites
   

• Mildly crooked teeth
   

• Overcrowded teeth
   

• Gaps in teeth
  
   

Be Responsible

If you want Invisalign to work for you, you need to commit. The aligners require you to wear them for 22 hours. Stick to it since the system relies on you wearing them for the set number of hours. After eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, pop your aligners back into place.

 

Forgetting or choosing not to wear them for the proper hours will not benefit you. It will cause your teeth to shift back to their previous position. Without care and responsibility, Invisalign will not be effective.

 

You Should Have All Your Adult Teeth

Invisalign is not an option for anyone without all their adult teeth. The reason is that you cannot predict how teeth will grow. Hence, you could be using Invisalign to align your teeth but interfere with their growth. Children’s teeth are still growing, so using Invisalign may get in the way.

 

You Should Have Good Oral Hygiene

Invisalign aligners are trays. So without proper oral care, they can harbor leftover food. Bacteria can work on these leftovers, causing infection, tooth decay, and cavities. Clean your aligners at regular intervals and brush your teeth as regularly as possible.

Stop Smoking

Smoking stains teeth, and it will do the same thing to your aligners. You cannot keep removing them so you can smoke. It will interfere with the number of hours you need to wear your aligners. Also, the process would be cumbersome. You would also need to brush your teeth every time. Otherwise, you will stain them, along with the aligners.

Your Age

Part of the reason your dentist will consider your age is to ensure you have all your adult teeth. They will also consider age because adults and older teenagers are more responsible and follow instructions. They can wear their aligners for as long as they need to and observe oral hygiene. They will not remove them and lose them as younger children would. Hence, they would be effective in aligning their teeth.


 

For more on Invisalign, contact Le Smile Aesthetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at our office in Fall Church, Virginia. You can call (703) 534-6226 today to schedule an appointment.