Am I A Good Candidate For Invisalign?

Getting metal braces at any age can impact your self-esteem especially the younger you are. However, you’ve likely heard about Invisalign which offers a more transparent solution to braces and a better confidence boost. According to a survey done by Invisalign 47% of Invisalign teen users had a boost of self-esteem in the process of treatment compared to just 22% of teens with metal braces. So, Invisalign may be worth considering if your teen or child is worried about braces But, not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign, so who qualifies? Best Smiles is your preferred Invisalign Orthodontist, read our top tips on if you would be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.

When is Invisalign Used?

First, it’s important to understand what Invisalign can do compared to traditional metal and wire braces. Metal braces are great for larger movements of teeth since they offer the most pulling force and fine-tune adjustments at the orthodontist’s office. However, most people needing braces don’t necessarily need the full “power” of metal braces. For example, Invisalign cannot help larger issues like overbite while traditional braces can. It’s a good idea to ask an Invisalign orthodontist what it can help with?

• Small gaps in teeth

• Overcrowded teeth

• Mildly crooked teeth

• Imperfect position of teeth when the mouth is closed

These examples are not exhaustive and may be worth going to an Invisalign orthodontist to see if your teen qualifies for treatment. In some cases, orthodontists may be willing to try Invisalign even if the problem isn’t mild. Either way, it never hurts to ask especially since Invisalign often is not fully covered by insurance and may not produce the desired effects for some conditions.

What Does Invisalign Not Treat?

Invisalign is not recommended for patients with more severe oral issues. This is because Invisalign is clear hard plastic retainers that pop in and out of the mouth whereas metal braces are cemented to each tooth and use strong metal wires to push and pull teeth accordingly. In cases of extreme overbite, underbite, or the jawbone needs to be physically shifted in place, then metal braces are a must. Another consideration is the age of the patient. Generally, young adults and adults are better suited for Invisalign since their jaws have stopped growing and the remaining issues are usually milder and more static. However, the younger the patient is, the more likely they are to need mental braces since the mouth and jawbones are so dynamic and still growing.

Either way, the only way to know for sure is by visiting an Invisalign orthodontist and getting a professional medical opinion. Remember that Invisalign does boost teen confidence more but cannot be used in cases of severe oral problems and instead is better suited for mild annoyances.