Is Invisalign For You?
Have you had braces in the past as an adolescent and you didn't wear your retainers? Have you always wanted to straighten your teeth but never wanted to have metal wires and brackets in your mouth? Well, if you answered yes to one or both of the above questions, then Invisalign might be a great option for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a set of clear trays that you change once every 2 weeks to help move and straighten your teeth to place them in optimal occlusal and periodontal position. What does this mean? Basically, your teeth are moved to make sure they are straight and aesthetically pleasing, your bite is good, and your gums are healthy and stay healthy.
What does Invisalign have to do with my gums?
While it is true most people get braces or Invisalign for aesthetic purposes, an even greater benefit is that since your teeth are straight and not crowded this allows for your mouth to stay cleaner, as well as easier to clean, which leads to healthy gingiva. In fact, more often than not, I prescribe Invisalign as a treatment for patients more from a periodontal standpoint (gum health), than from an aesthetic standpoint.
Can Everyone get Invisalign?
Most people do qualify for Invisalign, but there are restrictions that might not qualify you as an Invisalign candidate. For instance, it is preferable to have all 28 adult dentition already erupted. Too much crowding or over rotated teeth might be an issue as well. In those instances, traditional braces are possibly a better option.
How long is treatment with Invisalign?
That is a hard question to answer since it depends on the patient’s mouth and the severity of malocclusion, but generally it can be as little as 3 months to as long as 3 years. Your individual treatment will vary since each patient will have a different treatment plan. No two mouths are the same.
How do I get started?
The best way is to contact one of our Dental365 offices and schedule a consultation with one of our Invisalign Certified Dentists. At your consultation visit, we will discuss fees with you, as well as take pictures and impressions. The only way to find out if Invisalign is a good choice for you is to come in and see. We hope to see you soon!
