What Makes a Good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?

Did you know that more than 4 million people in the United States have braces? Almost a quarter of them are adults. In fact, without dental insurance, people pay on average $5,000 for braces alone. 

It is becoming more popular with adults and children to have a form of teeth correction through braces or Invisalign. Often, people are choosing to fix their teeth for cosmetic purposes. With more opportunities to have an orthodontist close by, it is opening the doors for people to choose what to do about their smile. 

How is Invisalign treatment changing the game of orthodontics?

What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a newer treatment than braces to help correct your misaligned bite, gap teeth, and overcrowded teeth. This treatment uses a clear, flexible aligner that is molded to your teeth.

Every one to two weeks you will change the clear aligner for a new one. Additionally, you will be expected to wear your Invisalign retainer for 20-22 hours per day. The only time you will be taking your retainer out is for eating, drinking, brushing, and cleaning the retainer. 

While the thermoplastic used to create Invisalign is not completely invisible, it will be much less visibly obvious than other options.  

Invisalign vs. Braces
Braces have been the go-to option for many years as a form of teeth and bite alignment. Braces are bulky, painful, and downright annoying to deal with. 

But - they have produced great results.

Technology has improved and nowadays, clear aligners are an option instead of braces with Invisalign leading the way.

Some dental practices are reporting shifts in children and adolescents getting Invisalign treatments versus braces. Sometimes, this difference is as much as 80% of patients choosing Invisalign and clear aligners.

The benefit of Invisalign versus braces is that you don't have to deal with more pain from the brackets. You also decrease the risk of emergency visits from broken parts and sores in your mouth.  
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You have the flexibility to clean your teeth easier since the aligner can be removed. 

However, you have to be more compliant with Invisalign treatments. If you are looking to get your child Invisalign, you have to trust that they will not accidentally leave their expensive aligner on a lunch tray. 

For Invisalign to be effective, you need to wear it the majority of the day. Some parents and dentists don't think this is realistic to expect from children. 

Braces are usually effective at adjusting significant teeth and bite misalignments because they don't need the patient to remember to use them. 

Signs You Need Invisalign
Invisalign is available for children, adolescents, and adults. Common signs you need Invisalign include bite misalignments, overcrowded teeth, or want straighter teeth.

It can also be used for children who are still developing and growing. This treatment can help assist in preventing further bite issues, help with oral habits (thumb sucking), and develop their jaw or arch. 

In general, you can see that there are many reasons to get Invisalign and it is widely available for the majority of the population. It can handle tough dental cases as well as minor cosmetic adjustments. 

Many people start seeing positive results in just six months. 

Things To Know
Braces are cumbersome. They take up lots of space, rub against the inside of your cheek, and are painful. 

You should be mindful that the road of Invisalign isn't completely smooth sailing. First, Invisalign isn't just an aligner. Sometimes, your orthodontist will place attachments directly onto your teeth. 

This lets the aligner move your teeth more effectively. You don't have to have attachments on all of your teeth, but your orthodontist will recommend what he or she thinks is appropriate based on your case. 

It is recommended that you brush your teeth after eating with Invisalign and before you put the aligner back into your mouth. Well - if you factor in three meals a day, this can easily ramp up. 

Drinks can also stain your retainer, such as coffee or tea. Water is always a safe option, but be aware of those sugary drinks and their effects on your aligner. Drinking anything other than water and not brushing after can leave acid and sugar on your teeth that can develop into cavities. 

Should You Get Invisalign?
This is up to you. As you have read, Invisalign can be a great treatment alternative for all age groups. It is also generally less painful and causes fewer emergency visits to your orthodontist. 

Luckily, most orthodontic services are starting to incorporate Invisalign treatments as an option for patients. Look for dental offices that are trained in the latest technology to ensure that you are receiving quality care. 

Many offices also have traditional braces, clear braces, and Inbrace lingual braces. Knowing you have options lets your orthodontist talk you through your options. 

Be aware that although technology has improved braces to be less conspicuous and bulky, it is still something that is designed to be left on your teeth on a semi-permanent basis. Most often, you will go in for minor changes and adjustments. 

Aligners give you the freedom for a couple of hours a day to not have anything impeding your mouth. Just don't forget to put it back in when you're done eating, drinking, or brushing.

Next Step
With many options available in the dental field, it can become overwhelming. Invisalign is a newer option that can help both you and your child in achieving that Hollywood smile. 

Make sure you reach out to a trusted dental office where they can help talk you through your candidacy for Invisalign. There are many benefits to Invisalign and you want to be well-informed before taking that next step.
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Check out locations nearest you to find skilled dentists and orthodontists to help you or your child feel confident in their smile.