Who is an ideal candidate for Invisalign®?

Crooked teeth and misaligned teeth are dental problems that affect people of all ages. Sometimes the degree of misalignment is minimal and can be remedied quite easily (or it may even be so minimal that no major realignment is necessary). Sometimes the misalignment is more pronounced, however, and this can lead not just to self-consciousness but problems speaking and chewing.

The question then becomes: Invisalign® or orthodontic braces? Traditional braces using wires and brackets have worked well at straightening teeth for decades, and Invisalign® uses custom aligners that are transparent and hence virtually invisible. Traditional braces are on at all times and may require additional visits to the orthodontist for tightening and adjustment. Invisalign® aligners are switched out every two weeks and provide a gradual reformation of the smile. While you may want to choose Invisalign® over traditional braces, as it turns out, the decision between the two may not be so easy.

An ideal candidate for Invisalign® will have the right amount of tooth misalignment, which means that the degree of crookedness will not be extreme. Invisalign® can treat a lot of different misalignments, but it cannot treat all kinds. For more pronounced crookedness, traditional braces are the better option.

Candidates for Invisalign® will be those who are self-conscious about their smiles. Traditional braces rely on visible brackets and wires. While some braces can be constructed from ceramic materials to help blend in with your teeth, they will still be noticeable. Since Invisalign® uses removable plastic retainers, they are much less noticeable, even when the retainers are worn.

Another benefit of Invisalign® is that they can be removed when eating, meaning you do not necessarily have to avoid foods that could potentially damage or become trapped in wires and brackets of traditional braces.

To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®, you need to speak with a skilled cosmetic dentist about your treatment options. For more information on orthodontic treatments as well as teeth whitening, porcelain dental veneers, dental crowns, laser dentistry, and sedation dentistry, it is important to visit our Glen Rock, New Jersey cosmetic dentistry office.