Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

You have probably heard of Invisalign® teeth-straightening treatments. This process can be effective at changing the appearance of your teeth. If you are unhappy with how crooked your teeth look and how this affects your smile, talk to your dentist. You might be a good candidate for this treatment. There are some signs that indicate that this is the right procedure for you.

Issues that crooked teeth can cause

When a person’s teeth are not straight, several consequences can follow. Some of these are cosmetic, while others have to do with the person’s oral health. Having crooked teeth can be embarrassing and may hinder the person’s self-esteem. A person with crooked teeth may not want to be around others or may hide their smile.

Misalignments can cause other problems. Crooked teeth are more challenging to keep clean by brushing and flossing. This can make the teeth more prone to decay and infections. Misaligned teeth may also damage adjacent teeth and be painful.

Invisalign is a good option for people who are self-conscious about their appearance

These aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Other people will not likely notice when someone is wearing them. Contrast this with other treatments that use metal brackets and wires. These stand out and can hamper a person’s smile. People who are wary of this should wear clear aligners to straighten their teeth instead.

Good for people who want a shorter treatment time

Straightening teeth with some methods can take up to three years. The treatment length with Invisalign is usually shorter. Some people may start to see results in as few as six months. Ordinarily, it should not take longer than two years to fix alignment problems. Patients who are opposed to longer treatment periods will be happy with the faster results that come from clear aligners.

Good for people who want a removable option

Many teeth-straightening treatments are permanent throughout the treatment period. Only the dentist can remove them at the appropriate time. Invisalign aligners are removable. The patient does not have to wear them 24 hours a day. The dentist will tell most patients to wear the aligners for 21 to 22 hours each day. People who have the aligners should remove them while eating and to clean them.

Good for people who need a more comfortable option

One of the most appealing aspects of wearing Invisalign is that these aligners should not irritate the mouth. It can take some time to get to the aligners. But the mouthpieces should not rub sores on the cheeks, tongue, or gums. This option is an effective way to straighten teeth, but the aligners are not painful or uncomfortable to wear.

Preparing for Invisalign

This clear aligner system is gaining more following. Teens and adults like this dental straightening method because of its discreetness. Invisalign can treat crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth. At the same time, it can fit into the patient’s lifestyle. Preparing well for this treatment is important. Here are some tips to consider:

• Budget for it. Dental insurance may or may not cover this clear aligner system. Contacting the insurance provider before the appointment can help the patient understand the terms of the coverage.
• Brush more often. Twice a day is not enough if one is preparing for an Invisalign treatment. Brushing should be after each snack or drink. This will help keep the mouth free of bacteria that could stick to the aligners. The teeth must also be cavity-free. This will prevent possible problems or delays during the treatment.
• Get the necessary supplies. While waiting for the custom clear aligners, the patient can start gathering the other supplies for the treatment. Doing so can make things easier for the patient. Always have the dentist’s contact number as well.
• Assemble a portable dental kit. Brushing and flossing are important during an Invisalign treatment. Having a portable dental kit can help the patient perform oral care even on the go. The kit must contain a travel-sized toothbrush, a removal tool, and a hard case are examples of these supplies. Mints, pre-threaded floss, pain relievers, and mini mouthwash are helpful as well.
• Reduce snacking. Wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day is important for the treatment to work on schedule. Frequent snacking forces the patient to remove the aligners for more than two hours. This can delay the treatment. It can also increase the patient’s risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.

Straighten your teeth and revitalize your smile

You should not have to feel ashamed about the way you look. Unfortunately, having crooked teeth can do this. There is a good way to straighten your teeth and feel happy with your smile. Invisalign aligners can help you achieve your goals and repair misalignments. Talk to your dentist today to see whether this is right for you.

Are you considering Invisalign in the Sterling area? Get more information at https://www.sterlingvadentist.com.

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