Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom trays to help straighten teeth. It can correct tooth alignment problems and enhance your smile and confidence. The aligners are nearly invisible, offering a natural look. However, they may only suit some patients, as dental needs vary. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

If you are not an ideal candidate for Invisalign, your dentist may propose other options to help align your teeth. A qualified dentist can guide you to the proper treatment for your needs and help you achieve your dental goals. This blog looks at the signs that you might be a good fit for Invisalign.

You Have Different Orthodontic Issues

One apparent reason to consider Invisalign is to address an orthodontic issue. Invisalign could be an ideal option for you if you have one or more of the following orthodontic issues:

  • Mild Overjet

An overjet is a type of dental malocclusion. It occurs when your upper front teeth stick extend too far forward. This condition can affect your smile and make chewing, speaking, and breathing difficult. Misalignment can occur due to genetic factors or certain habits during childhood, such as thumb-sucking.

Invisalign applies pressure to teeth that have shifted out of place, guiding them back to their correct position. The duration of treatment for overjet teeth typically depends on the severity of the misalignment.

  • Crowded Teeth

Crowding occurs when there is not enough space for all the teeth to fit correctly in the mouth. Crowded teeth can significantly affect one's smile, lower confidence, and make social interactions harder. For overcrowding, Invisalign also gradually pushes the teeth into their correct positions. As the teeth move, they create extra space in the mouth, reducing crowding.

  • Crossbite

A crossbite happens when the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth or the upper back teeth bite outside the lower teeth. Crossbites can wear down enamel and lead to pain in your teeth and gums. Invisalign can help straighten your teeth for better biting and chewing.

  • Underbite and Overbite

An overbite happens when the upper teeth cover the lower front teeth too much, causing severe bite problems. An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude more than the upper teeth. Both conditions can cause discomfort while eating, chewing, or closing your mouth. In both cases, Invisalign can be a great choice for realigning your teeth.

You Want a Subtle Orthodontic Treatment

You may be suitable for Invisalign if you want a subtle, natural orthodontic treatment. Many orthodontic patients, particularly adults, prefer not to draw attention to their dental treatment. With Invisalign, you can achieve a natural-looking smile without it being evident that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Besides being nearly invisible, Invisalign trays are easy to wear every day.

You Have Experienced Chips or Breaks

Chips or breaks in your teeth may indicate a bite issue that needs orthodontic care.

Some bite issues can cause certain teeth to endure more pressure than they should when biting down. Instead of spreading the chewing force across several teeth, one tooth may take on all the stress. Invisalign aligners can protect your teeth from breaking or chipping.

You Have Crooked or Misaligned Back Teeth

Many people think about their front teeth when they consider Invisalign clear aligners. However, this treatment can also help straighten teeth, including those at the back.

While these teeth may not affect your smile’s appearance, they can lead to dental issues. Misaligned back teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and other dental concerns over time.

You Grind Your Teeth

Do you experience chronic tooth sensitivity or jaw discomfort? These could be signs of teeth grinding, known as bruxism, which can gradually wear down your enamel, leading to sensitivity and decay.

Dentists link bruxism to malocclusions. Invisalign might help address these issues, or you may need a custom night guard to protect your teeth from grinding.

You Have Previously Worn Braces

If you have had braces before and your teeth have shifted again, your orthodontist might suggest Invisalign. After your dentist removes your braces, they can recommend retainers to hold your teeth in place. However, some people stop using the retainers, leading to teeth shifting. If you have had braces, your dentist is less likely to recommend that same treatment again. Instead, they may suggest Invisalign, which can effectively keep your teeth in position.

You Can Afford the Treatment

Invisalign tends to be more expensive than braces and other methods for fixing crooked or misaligned teeth. The cost can range from $4,500 to $9,000 for clear aligners, depending on how much adjustment your teeth need. Like other orthodontic options, your dental insurance may cover some treatment costs.

Your Teeth and Gums are Healthy

Good oral health is one of the critical indicators that you are fit for Invisalign. For Invisalign to work well, you must have healthy teeth and gums. If you have dental problems like cavities, gum disease, or tooth decay, you need to fix these issues first.

For example, if you have cavities, your dentist could suggest fillings to treat them. These fillings can change the shape and size of your teeth, so your custom-made Invisalign aligners will fit well after your dentist does the fillings.

However, cavities can still occur during treatment. If this happens, you should address the issues quickly to prevent any problems with the realignment process.

You Have a Good Oral Hygiene Schedule

If you take care of your oral hygiene, you are likely a good fit for this treatment. Good oral hygiene practices include:

  • Brushing Regularly

Brush your teeth at least twice daily before putting in the clear aligners. Remember to brush your tongue to prevent bacteria from damaging your teeth and gums. If you are out and do not have a toothbrush, rinsing your mouth after meals can also help before you put on your aligners.

  • You Floss Often

Flossing helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth and prevents gum irritation and cavities from forming.

You Have All Your Adult Teeth

Most orthodontists will only perform realignment treatments if you have all your adult teeth. Orthodontists consider this approach because they cannot predict how the remaining teeth will come in. If some permanent teeth are missing, the treatment could result in misaligned teeth when the remaining teeth shift.

Sometimes, an orthodontist may suggest additional procedures to fix these issues before starting the Invisalign treatment.

You Are of the Right Age

You must also have all your permanent teeth and be old enough for the Invisalign treatment. Although there is no specific age limit for obtaining Invisalign aligners, orthodontists often hesitate recommending them to teenagers.

Invisalign trays are fragile and need careful handling to achieve the best results, and candidates must commit to taking care of these aligners.

Fitting Invisalign requires the orthodontist to consider the growth and development of the jawbone. This growth can impact how well Invisalign works for teenagers. Unlike adjustable braces, Invisalign is custom-made, meaning the orthodontist must create a new set if it no longer fits properly.

Orthodontists usually suggest braces instead of Invisalign for teenagers. Braces are devices that correct misaligned teeth in both adults and children. Thin wires attach them to the teeth, preventing removal and simplifying aftercare more than Invisalign.

You are Consistent and Follow the Aftercare Instructions

The success of the Invisalign treatment largely relies on how well you adhere to the aftercare guidelines. You will be a suitable candidate for Invisalign if you are consistent and can maintain oral health during the treatment. Essential care practices for your aligners include:

  • Wearing Your Aligners Consistently

Wear your aligners consistently to achieve your dream smile in the shortest time. Your orthodontist will advise you on when to remove them. Following this guidance is essential to ensure your treatment stays on track.

  • Keep Your Invisalign Trays Clean

Since Invisalign trays are clear, stains and discoloration can stand out. You should keep your aligners clean to avoid bad breath and other problems that might impact the treatment’s effectiveness.

  • Avoid High Temperatures

High heat can warp the plastic in Invisalign trays, melt the aligners, and disrupt the alignment of your teeth.

  • Do Not Eat with Aligners In

Remove your Invisalign while eating to prevent damage or staining. Rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles.

  • Soak Your Aligners

When your aligners are not in use, keep them in lukewarm water. The water will help prevent odors and keep them clean. After soaking, lightly brush them with a soft toothbrush before reinserting them.

  • Schedule Regular Dental Visits

After finishing your Invisalign treatment, maintain good oral hygiene. Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor your progress. These appointments include professional cleaning and help prevent problems impacting your results.

You Are Not a Smoker

For the best results, you should keep Invisalign trays in your mouth most of the day. Smoking means you would have to take the trays out each time you want to smoke to avoid damaging them. Taking your Invisalign out for many hours could make your treatment ineffective.

Smoking with your Invisalign on can also lead to several issues, such as:

  • Staining

Many people choose Invisalign for its clear look and ability to create a natural smile. However, smoking can stain the aligners and alter their color, affecting their appearance.

  • Damage to the Aligners

You should keep your aligners in good condition for the treatment to work well. Smoking and vaping can damage aligners. Tobacco sticks to the plastic, reducing its effectiveness. Additionally, using tobacco can cause different oral health issues.

  • Bad Breath

No one wants bad breath while using Invisalign trays or orthodontic devices. Nicotine from smoking can dry out your mouth and lead to bacteria buildup, which causes bad breath. Consider cleaning your Invisalign trays often by taking them out for a fresh breath. Skipping this step can affect your treatment results.

If you smoke, your dentist might suggest quitting during Invisalign treatment. They can also recommend other options, like braces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Braces

Below are some commonly asked questions on Invisalign braces.

What Is Daily Life Like With Invisalign?

You might wonder what daily life will be like with the aligners. Here are some points to consider:

  • Speech

At first, wearing your aligners may change how you speak. You could notice a lisp, which might catch you off guard. However, practicing speaking will help the lisp disappear more quickly. You should contact your orthodontist to check the fit if it does not improve in a few days or weeks.

  • Diet

Adjusting your eating habits can be challenging when you start using aligners. Plan your meals so you can eat quickly, brush your teeth, and put the aligners back on. You should drink only water while wearing them.

  • Discomfort

Invisalign is usually more comfortable than regular braces. However, you might feel discomfort if your teeth shift or the edges of the aligners rub against the cheeks or gums. Many use wax to cover the rough edges until they are used to the aligners.

  • Buttons

Your orthodontist might place buttons on your teeth as part of your treatment. These buttons help to attach elastics between your upper and lower teeth for better alignment. They may be uncomfortable initially, but your mouth will adapt fast if you use them as your dentist recommends.

What is the Difference Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces?

Invisalign and braces straighten teeth and correct bite issues, but they work differently. The differences include the following:

  • Braces consist of metal brackets and wires that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position. In contrast, Invisalign uses a series of removable, custom-made aligners that you change every few weeks, moving you closer to your ideal smile.
  • Invisalign aligners hug your teeth closely, making them hard to notice and great for mild to moderate issues. Although Invisalign is comfortable and easy to use, it might only suit some cases. Braces work well for challenging orthodontic problems because they give precise control over how teeth move.
  • Wearing braces can lead to discomfort since the metal can irritate your mouth, and you may feel pain after receiving adjustments. On the other hand, Invisalign usually causes less pain, although you might feel a bit uncomfortable when you switch to a new set.
  • Brushing and flossing can be challenging with braces, raising the chance of plaque and gum issues if you do not maintain oral hygiene. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can clean your teeth more easily. Still, you should clean the aligners regularly to maintain hygiene.
  • Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods to keep your braces safe. However, you can enjoy any food with Invisalign by removing the aligners while eating or drinking.
  • The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the case's complexity and length of treatment. Traditional braces tend to be less expensive than Invisalign. Still, many patients believe that the higher price of Invisalign is justified because it is more comfortable and easier to use.

Do I Need To Wear Invisalign All The Time?

For the best results, wear your Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours daily. This flexibility allows you to take them out for meals, snacks, and cleaning for about three to four hours, more significant than what people with metal braces experience. However, you should not leave the trays out too long, as this can hinder your progress and affect your treatment plan.

How Long Does It Take To Complete Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment usually takes about a year. Some people may need longer if they have complicated dental problems, while those with small misalignments might complete it in just a few months. How long your treatment lasts will depend on how well you follow the instructions and how your teeth react to the aligners.

Do I Need a Retainer After an Invisalign Treatment?

Yes. After any orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions. Invisalign retainers are straightforward, like the trays you used during treatment. At first, you may need to wear them all day every day for a few months, but later, you can switch to wearing them only at night, following your Invisalign provider’s advice.

Find Professional Dental Services Near Me

Everyone desires an attractive smile, but it can be hard to achieve with misaligned teeth. Luckily, if your teeth are crooked or misaligned due to genetics or dental issues, there are ways to straighten them. Over the years, teeth-straightening options have increased, including choices like Invisalign.

Invisalign might not work for everyone with misaligned teeth. To achieve the best results, you should have permanent teeth and wear the aligners regularly. To ensure success, you can find out if you qualify for Invisalign. We at Beach Dental Care Anaheim offer safe and effective orthodontic services for our clients in Anaheim, CA. Call us at 714-995-4000 to learn more about your options.