Am I a Candidate for Invisalign® Braces?

It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Ask our Hudsonville cosmetic dentists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligner treatment. We often recommend Invisalign for teenagers and adults who want to correct crooked teeth but don’t want all that comes with traditional orthodontic treatment.

Continue reading to learn if Invisalign aligners are right for you. Also, feel free to call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We’re always more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

What Issues Can Invisalign Fix?

Before you decide to pursue Invisalign, it’s important to know what this clear alternative is best suited to treat. One of our dentists will sit down with you to discuss next steps after performing an oral examination of your teeth and bite. It’s during this one-on-one that we can inform you of whether Invisalign is the right choice or not.

Invisalign can treat the following orthodontic problems:

• Crooked teeth that slightly overlap
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth that protrude or are not in their proper position
• Overcrowding of teeth
• Minor open bites, underbites, and overbites

How Does Invisalign Work?

Before aligners can be created, our Invisalign dentists will put together a plan for you using specialized computer software. Depending on your needs, this tailored plan will consist of several dozen stages and within each stage, will be a set of aligners.

Top and bottom aligners are to be worn for a few weeks at a time and must be kept on for at least 20-22 hours each day for best results. You will be expected to progress through each provided aligner until treatment is complete.

Invisalign May Be Right for You If:

You’re Motivated to Straighten Your Teeth

Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners exert pressure on teeth to move them into their final positions. During the first day or so of wearing new aligners, you’ll feel this pressure on your teeth. However, many of our patients feel that this temporary pain is worth having a beautifully straight smile. You’ll know that the treatment is working if you feel this pressure.

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious of your smile, you’re likely to be highly motivated to wear your aligners as directed by our Invisalign dentists. For Invisalign to be effective, you must wear your aligners the required number of hours each day. This means that you’ll only be able to remove your aligners during meals and while brushing teeth.

Your Jaw is Completely Done Growing

While a patient’s jaw could stop growing as soon as 12 years of age, this doesn’t automatically make them a candidate for Invisalign braces. Since these aligners are removable, patients must also have the self-discipline and motivation to wear Invisalign despite temporary discomfort. It’s important to understand that each patient is different. You and our dentists can discuss what method of orthodontic treatment will ultimately be best for your child.

You’re Not a Fan of Metal on Your Teeth

Wish you could straighten teeth without braces? Well, you’re in luck because clear aligner treatment does exactly that. Like the name suggests, Invisalign consists of multiple stages of nearly invisible aligners that straighten teeth little by little. Many of our patients appreciate that Invisalign lets them discreetly straighten teeth without their friends, coworkers, and family knowing.

You Want to Improve Your Oral Health

Dental plaque and tartar love to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Fortunately, Invisalign can straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months so you can easily brush and floss. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile–it also improves oral health. Many of our patients who undergo clear aligner treatment are able to avoid tooth decay and gum disease later in life.

You Have Little to No Issues with Bite

While Invisalign is great for teeth straightening, it won’t help patients who have serious over or underbites. Fortunately, we can refer you to a trusted orthodontist who uses metal braces and other appliances. If left untreated, bite misalignment can cause uneven wear on tooth enamel, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorder.

Transform Your Smile

Our cosmetic dentists in Hudsonville, MI, are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile. To schedule an appointment, call Hudsonville Dental today at (616) 209-4024.

This blog post has been updated.