What makes you a good candidate for Invisalign and when should you consider investing in it?
Invisalign represents a revolution in the field of orthodontics, as it takes the stigma out of metal, cumbersome braces. Particularly for use in teens and adults, Invisalign offers a clear advantage over braces for many reasons, including:
- Clear aligners are invisible
- Plastic aligners are smooth and comfortable
- They’re removable for easy cleaning and maintenance
- You can eat what you want; just take them out during meals
Conversely, braces require brackets and wires that can feel uncomfortable and poke the inside of the mouth. Plus, brushing and flossing are more difficult and there are many foods you simply can’t eat.
Factors
That being said, is Invisalign for you? The only clear way to know for sure is to schedule a complimentary visit with Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser . Don’t worry about your age. Kids as young as 12 have been fitted for Invisalign, and people as old as 80 have too! Factors such as your smile, bite issues, longevity of use and budget all come into play. Truth is, most people can benefit from clear aligners like Invisalign, while some simply can’t due to skeletal issues such as misaligned jaws. So, if you’re looking to recreate a whole new jaw and improve your teeth as a whole, you may be better off with traditional braces, as Invisalign is ideal for moving individual teeth instead. That said, the technology has come a long way and can even treat buck teeth, severe overbites and underbites.
Adaptability
For people whose mouths are still growing, such as teenagers, Invisalign is an excellent choice because it allows for some adjustments and makes way for those adult teeth still coming in. At a time in middle school and high school when image is so important, many people opt for Invisalign Teen over traditional braces to avoid that self-conscious stage where wearing metal braces can draw unwanted attention. This subset of the population is especially conducive to wearing Invisalign because teens often play sports. They can remove the aligners when playing anything from lacrosse to football so as to avoid hurting their mouths.
Why Make the Investment
If you’re an adult considering Invisalign, now may be the time to invest in them because you’re likely in a spot in your life where you can afford them. You may feel a stigma at work, for example, wearing metal braces as an adult. With Invisalign, you can finally get your teeth straightened with invisible clear aligners, giving you the option to remove your aligners when you eat. No hassle getting food in your braces. No awkward smiles. No food particles stuck in metal wires. In addition, if you’re looking to treat just a few teeth, this could be the process for you. According to WebMD, Invisalign is great for uses at different stages in the process, whereby only the teeth that need to be moved are moved.
Of course, everyone is different, and your mouth is inherently different than your friend’s. That’s why it’s important to make an appointment with your orthodontist to see if you’re officially a good candidate for Invisalign.
