Are your teeth crooked or crowded? Do you shudder when asked to smile for a photo? Perhaps you should become one of the 27% of American and Canadian adults working with an orthodontist to straighten their teeth.
There are plenty of options out there for fixing your teeth. Traditional metal braces are always a choice. For a more camouflaged treatment, you might choose ceramic braces.
Maybe you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
But what is Invisalign and how do you know if it will work for you? Keep reading to learn more.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign vs. braces. It can be a tough call to make.
With traditional braces, brackets are affixed to your teeth. Wires are then placed through the brackets and tightened to straighten your teeth over time.
For Invisalign, your orthodontist will take x-rays and/or scans of your mouth, then take an impression of your teeth. Clear plastic trays to fit over your teeth will be made from these impressions. Over time—and through a series of trays—the pressure of the trays straighten your teeth.
How long does Invisalign take and what is the Invisalign cost? On average, it takes 12 to 18 months to successfully straighten your teeth and an average of about $5,700. Don’t forget to check what your insurance may cover.
Search for “best Invisalign near me” to learn more about how it all works.
Read on for 5 signs that you’re a good match to start straightening your teeth with Invisalign.
1. Your Oral Health Is on Point
In order for Invisalign to work properly, your mouth needs to be in good shape. You should have no cavities, no infections, and no gum disease.
Taking good care of your mouth during treatment is essential, so it helps to already have a strong routine.
2. You Need a Mild to Moderate Fix
Invisalign works best for those who have straightforward dental issues that could be categorized as mild or moderate. These include:
- gapped teeth
- crowded teeth
- overbites or underbites
- open bites
- crossbites
If your problems are more complicated, Invisalign might not work for you. Your orthodontist will talk with you about your particular case and whether you should go with Invisalign or braces.
3. Your Adult Teeth Are In
To use Invisalign braces, all of your adult teeth need to be in. Teenagers and adults are, therefore, great candidates for Invisalign. And there’s no age limit! Even adults over 50 can benefit from Invisalign treatment.
4. You’re a Non-Smoker or Ready to Quit
In order to be successful, you have to wear your tray for 20 to 22 hours every day. Taking them out to smoke several times a day may compromise your treatment. Tobacco can also affect the trays, making them unhygenic.
If you’re not already a non-smoker, you will need to be willing to quit to begin Invisalign.
5. You are Responsible
For Invisalign to be successful, you need to follow the treatment plan to the letter. You will need to be responsible for cleaning your teeth regularly and remembering to switch out your trays on time. It’s important to be committed to improving your smile!
You Think You’re a Candidate for Invisalign. Now What?
So, you can check off all 5 of those signs. You think you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. It’s time to put a plan into action.
Find an orthodontist who is knowledgeable about Invisalign and make sure to have all your questions ready. A plan can be made and you can be on your way to straighter teeth and a brighter smile.
Be sure to check out the rest of our site for more valuable tips for your health and wellbeing.
