Many teens and adults love the idea of using Invisalign clear aligners to improve their smile. And why wouldn’t they? Invisalign helps patients with all sorts of dental issues achieve a perfectly aligned smile that they are proud to show off.
Invisalign can treat mild to moderate cases of the following dental problems:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gapped teeth
- Open bite
- Crowded teeth
The best way to learn if your smile is eligible for this treatment is to visit with an experienced and certified Invisalign dentist near you today.
Here are four more questions to ask yourself when considering Invisalign to correct your teeth:
1. What are my other options?
It’s important to consider all of your orthodontic options. The thought of traditional metal braces might make you cringe, but it shouldn’t! Dentists and orthodontists now offer more inconspicuous traditional braces options than ever before. Today’s braces are made from thinner materials so they are sleek and elegant.
Your dentist or orthodontist may also offer ceramic braces. Instead of metal brackets, tooth-colored ceramic holds the wire in place. These braces are hardly noticeable.
Now that you know about your other options, ask yourself these questions about Invisalign clear aligners:
2. How does Invisalign benefit me?
Aside from being nearly invisible, here are the other benefits of choosing clear aligners:
- Less time in the dentist chair. Patients with traditional braces visit the dentist every four weeks and even more often for broken brackets and wires. With Invisalign, patients usually only visit the dentist every six weeks.
- Clear aligners don’t irritate your lips and gums like metal braces do.
- No diet restrictions. The removable aligners allow you to eat whatever you want without worrying about food getting stuck in and between brackets.
- Shorter treatment time. In many cases, Invisalign works faster than traditional braces. Treatment time averages between 12 and 18 months.
3. Do I have enough self-discipline?
Invisalign is typically only recommended for older teens and adults because of the amount of responsibility that’s required. The removability of these aligners is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Patients can be tempted to take out the aligners during unnecessary times. While patients do need to remove their aligners to eat and brush their teeth, the aligners still have to be worn for at least 20 hours a day. If not, the desired results won’t be achieved.
Patients are also much more susceptible to misplacing or throwing away the aligners. This can lead to spending more money and longer treatment time.
For most patients, the risk is worth the reward, but it’s important to consider everything before deciding.
4. Will I care for my Invisalign aligners properly?
In addition to the responsibility of wearing the aligners most of the time and not losing them, Invisalign patients must properly care for their aligners and teeth.
To clean the aligners, your dentist may suggest the Invisalign Cleaning System, or you can brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure never to use hot water on the aligners. This could distort the plastic. If you drop your aligner in an unsanitary place, it must be sanitized before going back into your mouth.
It’s important to brush your teeth after every meal to ensure good oral health and avoid a smelly aligner.
Remember, too, that traditional braces come with their own cleaning instructions. Consider which one is easier for your lifestyle.
Visit an Invisalign® Dentist Today
To learn if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, schedule an initial consultation today.
Our dentist offers complimentary Invisalign consultations to help you decide if this remarkable orthodontic treatment is right for you. Call (916) 469-9178 to schedule an appointment.
