Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Posted on January 25, 2022

What can I expect from Invisalign?

In most cases, the treatment time with the Invisalign system takes slightly longer than conventional braces. There are several factors that go into this such as the severity of your case and your compliance with the suggested treatment procedures.

Typically, people who wear their aligners as instructed can expect to have their teeth straightened between 9 and 15 months. However, people who have more severe issues with crowding or spacing of teeth may also require additional aligners compared to the average range of 14 to 26 months. Those who do not wear their aligners for the suggested 22 hours per day for the duration of the treatment period may require a longer treatment time.

These various conditions could prolong the treatment duration for each patient. As with conventional braces, multiple factors lead to different treatment times for adults and children. Typically, the younger you start treatment, the shorter your expected treatment time.

Do I qualify for Invisalign?

Your orthodontist will take X-rays and photos of your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for the Invisalign system. Although an Invisalign orthodontist will incorporate various factors to pick the best treatment plan for each person who opts for Invisalign, most patients with spacing and crowding issues and minimal to moderate tooth misalignment will qualify.

Some treatment cases in which aligners are used may hinder your teeth from moving in a specific direction, such as congenitally missing teeth or severely rotated teeth. If you have Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), it is also advisable to consider this before undergoing treatment with the Invisalign system. Your orthodontist may be able to work around any issues during the assessment visit so that you can proceed with treatment with your Invisalign orthodontist.

Are there potential side effects?

There are no significant side effects of wearing clear aligners to straighten your teeth. However, you could experience tooth sensitivity or gum increased inflammation while wearing your aligners. These potential side effects will usually lessen over time as the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth adjust to having the aligners on.

Typically, people who wear their aligners as instructed can expect to boost the aesthetics of their smiles. If you do not wear your aligners as instructed (i.e., wearing them for less time or not at all), it may take a longer treatment period to achieve your goals.

Invisalign is a great alternative to conventional braces for those interested in straighter teeth. In most cases, the treatment time takes slightly longer than conventional braces. However, if you follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how long to wear your aligners and what schedule to follow, you can achieve a gorgeous smile that will last a lifetime.

If you are curious if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams by contacting Parker Orthodontics today! We offer quality and affordable orthodontic services to ensure you achieve an ideal smile.