Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Suitable For Everyone?

While Invisalign clear aligners may be an orthodontic treatment option for busy adults and teens, they won't be suitable for everyone. Your Winnipeg dentist will consider many factors when determining whether Invisalign is right for you.

To find out whether Invisalign could help straighten your teeth, your dentist will assess your oral history and closely examine your teeth, gums, bite and jaw. The dentist will then help you decide if clear aligners are the best orthodontic solution for your needs based on your specific case. 

Here are some factors that may contribute to helping you reach your goals in regards to the Invisalign treatment process. 

Your Case

As long as your case isn't too severe, Invisalign can be used to treat several issues such as crowded teeth, gapped teeth, cross-bites, underbites and overbites. 

For more severe cases such as large overbites, another orthodontic treatment option will likely be needed to straighten your smile. If Invisalign can't be used to treat your case, your dentist can help you find another appropriate option such as traditional metal braces. 

Your Age

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

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option because of the ability to remove the clear aligners during treatment. But it’s very important not to abuse this feature. For best results, you must make sure to 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. 

That means if you are not able to fully commit to the treatment plan set out by your dentist, the treatment simply won't work.

Your Commitment After

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 understand that it can be frustrating to trade one oral appliance for another, especially for an extended period of time, but to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, your retainer will need to become your new best friend for a while. Thankfully, you won't have to wear it for 22 hours a day like your aligners.

Want to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign? Visit us to find out. Contact our Winnipeg dentists to book your consultation today.