Are you considering straightening your teeth and wondering how to be a candidate for Invisalign? It’s a common question for orthodontic patients. After all, Invisalign treatment is one of the most effective and comfortable ways to improve your smile.
But not everyone’s a candidate for Invisalign – and certain criteria can make you ineligible for treatment. If you are a good Invisalign candidate, there are ways to increase your odds of a successful outcome.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss who makes a good Invisalign candidate and how to improve your chances of being eligible for this popular teeth straightening method. We’ll cover some of the most common questions:
- Who needs Invisalign?
- Can everyone use Invisalign?
- Who is not eligible for Invisalign?
- Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Keep reading to learn how to know if Invisalign is right for you.
Who Is A Candidate For Invisalign?
Good Invisalign candidates have all of their adult teeth and permanent molars. To be eligible for Invisalign treatment, you shouldn’t have any significant dental problems, including severe misalignment or jaw issues, tooth decay, and gum disease.
The Benefits Of Invisalign
Invisalign’s clear, comfortable aligners can give you the smile you’ve always wanted – without the hassle of metal braces. And the treatment can correct many dental problems, including crowding, overbites, underbites, and crooked or gapped teeth.
Those are just some of the benefits of this unique treatment style. Eligible Invisalign candidates can also expect:
- Increased comfort: Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic, making them much more comfortable than traditional metal braces.
- Improved oral hygiene: Because the trays are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth more easily than with traditional braces, which helps reduce your risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
- Faster treatment time: In many cases Invisalign treatment can be faster than traditional braces.
- Enhanced appearance: Invisalign trays are nearly invisible, so unlike metal braces, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!
How To Be A Candidate For Invisalign
Invisalign is a great way to get the smile of your dreams. Suppose you believe that you’re someone who needs Invisalign. In that case, you’ll need to fit the following criteria to be an ideal candidate:
- Good oral hygiene: Regularly brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist improves your oral health and the success of your Invisalign treatment.
- Wearing trays as directed: To get the best results, wear your Invisalign trays for at least 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
- Treatment compliance: Following your orthodontist’s treatment plan is important, including coming in for regular checkups and avoiding foods that could damage the trays.
Ask your nearest orthodontist if you’re a good Invisalign candidate. They can give you the best advice based on your unique case and educate you on how to increase your chances of success.
Who Is Not Eligible For Invisalign?
Invisalign’s benefits make the treatment an attractive option for many people. But sometimes, Invisalign isn’t the best choice. Here are a few examples of who is not eligible for Invisalign:
You Have A Severe Misalignment
Some people have severe misalignment, crowding, or spacing, making them less-than-ideal Invisalign candidates. If you have extrusion or intrusion (protruding or sunken teeth), you might not be a good candidate for Invisalign. Your orthodontist can offer guidance on your options, but in many cases, traditional braces will be a more effective option.
You Have Poor Dental Health
Can everyone use Invisalign? Unfortunately, if you have extensive dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, Invisalign is probably not right for you. These problems can make it unsafe for you to wear the trays and cause further damage to your teeth. Your orthodontist will likely suggest treating your oral health before teeth straightening.
You Have A Crooked Jaw
Invisalign can’t be used to fix severe jaw issues. However, Invisalign treatment can help prepare the teeth for surgery and be used post-surgery to straighten your teeth. Trust the professional opinion of your orthodontist who can help you understand how and when Invisalign will be most effective for your unique case.
Abnormal Tooth Shapes or Sizes
If you have abnormal tooth shapes or sizes, like peg-shaped teeth, Invisalign might not be able to provide the level of correction you need. In this case, your orthodontist might recommend alternative treatment options, like traditional braces or veneers.
Previous Dental Work
Previous dental work, including implants, veneers, or crowns, can sometimes interfere with Invisalign treatment. If you’ve had any prior dental work done, talk with your orthodontist to see if Invisalign is still an option.
The Process For An Invisalign Candidate
If you ask your orthodontist, “Am I a candidate for Invisalign?” and they say, “Yes,” it’s time to start the treatment process. Here’s what you can expect at Bates Orthodontics.
Step 1: Come In For A Free Consultation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Bates and our team will walk you through how Invisalign works, answer any questions, and help you decide if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.
Step 2: Get Your Teeth Scanned
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, the next step is getting your teeth scanned. At Bates Orthodontics, we use a 3D scanning system instead of traditional impressions. These scans create a virtual model of your mouth, which is used to create your aligners.
Step 3: Create Your Treatment Plan
Once we have scans of your teeth, Dr. Bates will map out a personalized treatment plan outlining how Invisalign will move your teeth into their correct positions.
Step 4: Receive And Wear Your Aligners
You’ll receive your aligners and unique treatment plan at your next appointment. This is when you’ll learn how to insert and remove your aligners and clean them for optimal results.
Step 5: Checkups
Finally, you’ll visit the office for regular appointments so Dr. Bates can monitor your progress and give you your next set of aligners.
Ask Dr. Bates If You’re An Invisalign Candidate
How to be a candidate for Invisalign starts with taking care of your oral health. However, everyone’s smile is unique and requires a custom treatment plan, which may or may not include Invisalign. It’s important to partner with an experienced and reputable orthodontist who can determine the right treatment type for your case and goals.
As a Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Bates has been helping patients achieve their dream smiles for years. Best of all, at Bates Orthodontics, we don’t charge more if you’re an Invisalign candidate. We want all our patients to have access to the best treatment option for their needs without being cost prohibitive.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at Bates Orthodontics today to learn more about Invisalign!
