Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?

If you desire to straighten your smile without resorting to traditional metal braces, then there’s a high likelihood that you’re considering invisible aligners or Invisalign® treatment. Invisalign treatment utilizes a set of clear, custom-made aligners that gently reposition teeth within 12 to 18 months. While Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic treatment option, the truth is that it isn’t suitable for everyone.

Your dentist examines various aspects of your dental health and unique needs to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign treatment in Calgary, AB may be right for you, if:

You have a treatable case of malocclusion.

Invisalign treats various bite problems, including overbite, underbite, gap teeth, open bite, crowded teeth and crossbite. However, if your bite is severely misaligned, the dentist may recommend using traditional alternatives, i.e., conventional metal braces.

You can adhere to treatment guidelines.

For Invisalign to work effectively and produce successful outcomes, you must wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours every day. If you fail to observe these instructions, treatment may be derailed, leading to unsuccessful treatment outcomes. If the dentist determines that you’re incapable or unwilling to keep your aligners on for the recommended amount of time, fixed braces may be preferred.

You’re a non-smoker.

Smoking stains the clear aligners, thus negating the benefits of clear braces. If you’re a heavy smoker and aren’t planning to quit, opting for Invisalign treatment may be a futile exercise.

You have good oral hygiene.

When you begin your Invisalign treatment, you must be careful to keep both your teeth and aligners clean. Failure to observe proper dental hygiene habits can lead to infections, bad breath, and other complications. What’s more, individuals with excellent oral hygiene tend to have healthy teeth and gums, making you a more likely candidate for Invisalign treatment.

All your adult teeth have erupted.

Dentists prefer to wait until all adult teeth have erupted before starting Invisalign treatment. That’s because it’s usually hard to predict how children’s adult teeth will grow in. Waiting eliminates the errors caused by speculation, and this is one reason why Invisalign is generally recommended for older teens and adults.

When all is said and done, the most reliable way to find out if Invisalign is suited for you is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a certified Invisalign provider. If you’re interested in Invisalign in Calgary, AB, please call East Hills Dental Clinic to schedule your consultation today.