Quick Summary
Good candidates for Invisalign want a straighter smile, can commit to wearing the aligners at least 22 hours a day, and already have good oral hygiene habits. In most cases all permanent teeth need to have come through, because the planning software cannot plan accurately around baby teeth. Untreated decay or gum disease must be addressed before treatment starts.
If you are self-conscious about crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, you might feel shy or hesitant about flashing a big smile. At Merry Dental, we can help you achieve a straighter smile you’ll be proud to show off with Invisalign aligner treatment!
Are you wondering whether Invisalign is right for you? Keep reading to learn some of the factors that would make you a good candidate for Invisalign treatment!
You Want a Straighter Smile
The first thing that would make you a candidate for Invisalign is your desire for a straighter smile! If you are an adult whose teeth have shifted as they age or a teen who needs corrective realignment, properly aligned teeth are likely a priority for you.
With Invisalign clear aligners, you can achieve a straighter smile in as little as twelve months! Because the aligners are clear, often, you are the only one who knows you are wearing them.
You Can Commit to the Invisalign Treatment Regimen
A good candidate for Invisalign would be fully committed to carefully following the Invisalign treatment regimen. The most important part of that regimen is wearing your Invisalign aligners for at least twenty-two hours a day.
Invisalign aligners are custom-fit and made of a smooth, flexible plastic that is comfortable to wear both day and night. Invisalign aligners won’t cause the minor cuts and oral irritation common with traditional metal braces.
You Have Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The best candidate for Invisalign is someone who has good oral hygiene habits. These habits include brushing at least twice a day for at least two minutes per brushing, flossing at least once a day, using an anti-bacterial rinse once a day, and scheduling bi-annual dental cleanings and checkups.
Good oral hygiene habits make maintaining your aligners easier during treatment. Invisalign aligners can be conveniently taken out while you eat or drink, but you must brush your teeth before replacing them to maintain the health of your teeth and the cleanliness of the aligners.
You Are the Right Age
People of all ages have successfully straightened their smiles with Invisalign, but there are some restrictions. In most cases, you would be the right age for Invisalign if all of your permanent teeth have come through.
If you still have baby teeth, you would have to wait to start Invisalign treatment. Without a complete set of permanent teeth, the advanced Invisalign software can’t accurately plan effective treatment.
You Do Not Have Any Outstanding Dental Health Issues
The health of your smile is an important factor in determining your Invisalign candidacy. Issues like untreated tooth decay or gum disease would need to be addressed before you could start Invisalign treatment.
One of the ways that Invisalign can straighten your smile is by closing unwanted gaps between teeth. If you have a dental issue in or around a gap in your teeth, it should be treated before realignment with Invisalign.
You Have Realistic Expectations About Treatment Outcome
To be considered a good candidate for Invisalign, you should be prepared to start your treatment with realistic expectations about what Invisalign can do for you. Because individual results can vary, you should clearly understand how much Invisalign can help you reach your smile goals.
To help you set realistic expectations, the Invisalign planning software used to design your treatment plan can also show you an image of your projected treatment outcome. Sticking to the Invisalign regimen can be a lot easier when you have already seen the potential results!
While Invisalign isn’t right for absolutely everyone, most people are good candidates for achieving a straighter smile with Invisalign. The impressive results of Invisalign treatment at Merry Dental can allow you to proudly show off a beautiful, straight smile!
Are you wondering whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment? Schedule an appointment at Merry Dental in Billerica, MA, today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for Invisalign?
People of all ages have straightened their smiles with Invisalign. In most cases you would be the right age once all of your permanent teeth have come through. If you still have baby teeth, you would have to wait, because the planning software cannot accurately plan treatment without a complete set of permanent teeth.
Do I need to fix other dental problems first?
Yes. Issues such as untreated tooth decay or gum disease need to be addressed before Invisalign treatment can start. Because one of the things Invisalign does is close unwanted gaps, any dental issue in or around a gap should be treated before realignment begins.
What oral hygiene habits do I need during treatment?
Brushing at least twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing at least once a day, using an anti-bacterial rinse once a day, and scheduling bi-annual cleanings and check-ups. Aligners come out while you eat or drink, and you must brush your teeth before replacing them.
Can I see the result before I start?
The Invisalign planning software used to design your treatment plan can show you an image of your projected treatment outcome. Individual results vary, so this is a projection rather than a guarantee, but many patients find it helps them start with realistic expectations.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.