There is no doubt that Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic options and is often the go-to choice for people looking to improve their smiles. In many cases, Invisalign can provide great results. However, some people are not good candidates for Invisalign.
In this blog post, we will discuss who these people are and why they are not good candidates for the treatment. Remember that this is not an exhaustive list; you should always consult your dentist to see if Invisalign is right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners that are virtually invisible. They are custom-made for each patient and worn to gradually move teeth into their proper positions.
Invisalign is an alternative to braces and can be used to address a wide variety of orthodontic issues. The aligners are made from a comfortable, medical-grade plastic that is gentle on the gums and cheeks. They are also removable, so they can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign is an effective way to achieve straight teeth and can be an ideal solution for busy adults who don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional metal braces. If you’re looking for a discreet way to improve your smile, Invisalign could be the right choice for you.
But while it has become very popular over the years, unfortunately, not everyone is considered a good candidate for Invisalign.
Who Should Not Get Invisalign?
Some certain conditions and complications may disqualify a patient from Invisalign treatment. These include, but are not limited to:
- Overly Crowded teeth:
If the teeth are too crowded, Invisalign may not be able to align them properly. Sometimes, patients may need to have their teeth extracted before starting treatment. You may also need to see an orthodontist for traditional braces. - Gum disease:
Gum disease can also cause problems with Invisalign treatment. If the gums are not healthy, they may not be able to support the Invisalign aligners. - Missing teeth:
Missing teeth can also make Invisalign ineffective. If there are gaps in the teeth, the aligners cannot close them properly. - Patients who have had recent dental work, such as crowns or bridges:
If you have had recent dental work, Invisalign may not be the right treatment for you. This is because Invisalign applies pressure to the teeth to move them into the desired position, and this can cause recent dental work to become loose or even fall out. - People with certain medical conditions:
Though Invisalign is generally safe and effective, some medical conditions may make it a less ideal treatment option. Patients with osteoporosis, for example, may be at risk for fractures if their teeth are moved too much. Additionally, patients with immune system disorders may be more susceptible to infection during treatment. As a result, Invisalign is not generally recommended for patients with these conditions. - Teeth damaged by trauma:
Invisalign is not the best choice for patients with teeth damaged by trauma. This is because Invisalign relies on gentle, gradual pressure to shift teeth into alignment. However, teeth damaged by trauma are often weak and brittle and may not be able to withstand the pressure of Invisalign. For these patients, traditional braces or another type of orthodontic treatment option may be a better choice. - TMJ Disorder:
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. A TMJ disorder affects the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. It can cause pain, clicking, and popping of the jaw. If you have TMJ disorder, Invisalign may not be the right treatment for you because it can aggravate the condition. - Tooth decay:
For Invisalign to be effective, patients must have healthy teeth. If there is any tooth decay present, it will need to be treated before starting Invisalign.
Once these conditions and complications have been addressed, a patient may be able to begin treatment. During the initial consultation, the dentist will thoroughly examine the patient’s mouth to identify existing issues and determine whether or not Invisalign is a good option.
Also Read :- Tips for Eating While Wearing Invisalign
What Issues Can Invisalign Address?
Invisalign is an excellent way to address several different dental problems, provided they are not severe. If you have:
- Crooked teeth:
Invisalign can realign your teeth so that they become straight. This gives you a more attractive smile and makes it easier to clean your teeth, which can help prevent gum disease. - Gaps between teeth:
Invisalign can help close gaps between teeth and give you a fuller, more uniform smile. - Overbite:
An overbite occurs when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth. Invisalign can help to realign your teeth so that they fit together correctly. - Underbite:
An underbite is when your lower teeth protrude beyond your upper teeth. Invisalign can help correct this issue. - Crowded teeth:
If your teeth are crowded, Invisalign can help to space them out so that they are more evenly spaced. - Crossbites:
A crossbite happens when your upper teeth bite the inside of your lower teeth. This can cause wear and tear on your teeth and gum tissue. Invisalign can help address a crossbite.
If you have any of the dental cosmetic issues mentioned, Invisalign can help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Invisalign treatment process:
- Step 1:
Schedule an orthodontic consultation with your dentist to see if Invisalign is right for you. - Step 2:
If you are an ideal candidate for treatment, the next step is to take dental impressions, photos, and x-rays of your teeth. These will be used to create a digital 3D model of your teeth. - Step 3:
Using data obtained from step 2, your Invisalign provider will develop a custom treatment plan. - Step 4:
Once your aligners are ready, you will be given a series of aligners to wear throughout your treatment.
Invisalign gradually and gently moves your teeth into place based on the exact movements your dentist recommends. The aligners are worn over your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for around two weeks. You can remove them only to drink, eat, floss, and brush. Your teeth will move as each aligner is replaced with the next one in the series. The movement occurs little by little, week by week until they have straightened to the final position prescribed by your orthodontic treatment plan.
The total treatment time averages between 9 and 15 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30. However, these will vary from case to case. All you have to do is wear them as directed and attend regularly scheduled visits to ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
What Are The Limitations Of Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is a great option for patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. However, Invisalign is not right for everyone.
Here are some of the limitations of Invisalign treatment:
- Invisalign treatment can only be used to correct mild to moderate orthodontic issues. You must seek other treatment options if you have a severe dental misalignment.
- Invisalign treatment can take up to a year or more to achieve results. If you are looking for immediate results, this may not be the right treatment for you.
- Invisalign treatment can be expensive. The cost of treatment will vary depending on your case, but it is typically more expensive than traditional braces.
- Invisalign treatment requires a high level of compliance from patients. You must be willing to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day to see results. If you are not compliant with the treatment plan, you may not achieve the desired results.
If you are considering Invisalign treatment, it is important to consult with a dentist to discuss whether or not it is right for you.
Does Age Matter For Invisalign Treatment?
Age is not a major factor when it comes to Invisalign treatment. In fact, Invisalign has successfully treated patients of all ages – from teenagers to adults.
The success of Invisalign depends on the specific dental issues being treated and the severity of the case. In general, patients of all ages can be successful with Invisalign if they are willing to wear the aligners in compliance with the dentist-recommended amount of time each day and follow their orthodontist’s instructions.
Invisalign is a discreet treatment option for patients wanting to improve their smile without others knowing about it. And because Invisalign can be customised to each patient’s unique needs, age is not a barrier to getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
What Alternative Treatment Options Do You Have?
Invisalign isn’t the only option for straightening your teeth. Here are alternative treatments to Invisalign:
Dental braces
Braces have been used to straighten teeth for centuries and are still an effective treatment option today. Braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic, and they’re attached to the front of your teeth with a bonding material. Your dentist or orthodontist will adjust the braces periodically to gradually move your teeth into their desired position.
Dental braces are the more traditional choice for straightening teeth. They are usually less expensive than Invisalign and can be used to correct more serious cases of misaligned teeth. However, braces are not removable, so you have to be careful about what you eat (no sticky or chewy foods!) and how often you brush and floss your teeth. Bulky braces can also be uncomfortable, especially at first.
Dental Bonding
This is a procedure in which tooth-coloured resin is applied to the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Bonding can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps in teeth, or change the shape or colour of your teeth.
Bonding is usually more affordable than Invisalign and can be completed in one or two dental visits. However, the results of dental bonding are not as long-lasting as Invisalign, and the bonded resin is more susceptible to staining and chipping than natural tooth enamel.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers can be used to deal with various problems, including crooked teeth, chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, and stained or discoloured teeth.
Veneers are usually less expensive than Invisalign and don’t require as much maintenance. But there are some drawbacks to dental veneers as well.
Veneers are not reversible, so once they’re bonded to your teeth, they’re there for good. And because they’re made of porcelain, veneers can chip or break if you’re not careful with them.
Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery is a more extreme option for straightening your teeth, but it may be necessary if your teeth are severely misaligned due to skeletal problems. Jaw surgery involves breaking and resetting the bones in your jaw so that your teeth can be repositioned.
Jaw surgery is usually only recommended for adults since it requires lengthy recovery and can cause significant discomfort. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your dentist or orthodontist if you’re considering jaw surgery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering Invisalign, it’s important to consult with an experienced dentist like those at Ashburton Dental Centre. We can help you determine if Invisalign is the best option for your needs and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure a successful outcome. Book an appointment online or call us today at (08) 9516-1003 to get started on your beautiful, healthy smile!
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