3 Things to Consider Before Getting Invisalign
April 11, 2017
If your teeth are a bit crooked or have a few too many gaps, you’ve probably considered how to fix them. If you aren’t ready to commit to metal braces for months or even years, you may find that you prefer to use the Invisalign system. However, first it’s important to determine if you’re a good candidate.
The Severity of Your Dental Problems
The severity of your dental issues is the first thing you and your orthodontist should consider before deciding on Invisalign as a treatment option. Invisalign is not made to fix severe issues such as extreme overbites or other more advanced problems. However, if you have minor issues with gaps, crowded teeth, overbite or underbite, the procedure may be able to fix it. Your orthodontist can help you find alternatives if you decide it is not the right course of treatment.
Your Age
Age is another important factor when deciding if Invisalign is the right choice. If you are an older teenager or an adult, it may be a good choice, but children and younger teenagers usually haven’t gotten all their adult teeth yet, which means it probably isn’t the right choice. It is typically helpful for adults and older teenagers because the product is clear, which eases the anxiety of wearing metal braces or feeling self-conscious about someone noticing them.
Your Dedication to the Procedure
If you aren’t dedicated to creating a straighter smile for yourself, Invisalign won’t work. Even though it is easy to use, many people become forgetful about the product. You must remove it when you’re eating or drinking anything other than water, but some patients don’t remember to put it back in after meals. Because it requires at least 22 hours per day to work, people who don’t wear it properly often don’t see the results they hoped for. Additionally, as with traditional braces, it is important to wear a retainer at night after you complete the process. Without doing so, teeth can shift back into their pre-treatment positions.
Dr. Naran is a family dentist in Raleigh, NC, who is experienced in helping people to create happier, healthier smiles with Invisalign. Contact us to learn more about our services.