Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
If you are considering braces today, your choices are much greater than they were in the past. One of those choices is the Invisalign® system. Many orthodontists today offer Invisalign® clear braces as a way to treat dental flaws without the metal and discomfort of traditional braces. For the right candidate, Invisalign® can be a perfect fit for a uniform and perfect smile.
What Is Invisalign®?
The Invisalign® system is a new and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces. Instead of using wires and metal brackets, the Invisalign® system uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays. These trays are custom molded with slight variations. By switching them out every couple of weeks, they are able to create incremental changes to the position of your teeth over time.
Because Invisalign® aligner trays are made of clear hard plastic, they are essentially imperceptible. This makes the system a potentially perfect choice for professionals who want to improve their teeth while still maintaining a polished look. It can also be the perfect choice for teenagers who want to put their best face forward. But before making plans to move forward with the system, first your orthodontist must determine if you are a good candidate.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign® Braces?
Invisalign® braces are desirable for a lot of people, but it is not the best choice for everyone. Some patients would be better served with traditional braces. So how do you know if you are a good candidate for the Invisalign® system?
The most basic metric to determine a good candidate for Invisalign® braces is a patient with healthy teeth and gums that are free of damage and decay. Healthy teeth and gums provide a strong and supportive base for the shifts that your teeth will make over time. Good oral health also proves that the patient is committed to the long term health and care of the teeth.
Your candidacy for Invisalign® braces may also depend heavily on the type of dental work that you need. Invisalign® can correct many dental issues, but there are also issues that it cannot solve. Crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and crowded teeth can all be addressed with invisible aligner trays. But if you need to correct more deeply seated jaw issues like an overbite or underbite, your orthodontist will almost undoubtedly recommend traditional braces instead.
Finally, a good candidate for Invisalign® is a patient with a strong sense of self-discipline. Invisalign® may be removable, for easier eating and cleaning - but to work correctly, the aligner trays must be worn for at least 22 hours per day. You must have the wherewithal to reliably wear your aligner trays for a suitable amount of time, or risk significantly slowing down the amount of time it will take to achieve the results that you want.
Learn More about Invisalign® from a Skilled Orthodontist Today
If you are considering braces, now is the time to discuss the possibility of Invisalign® with a trusted orthodontist. Contact Dr. Kellyn Hodges today to schedule a consultation and find out if Invisalign® clear braces are right for you.
