Invisalign sounds like an ideal orthodontic treatment option. It is practically invisible, has no food restrictions, and is relatively painless. Unfortunately, while Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option, it isn’t for everyone.

Think you might want to get Invisalign? Learn more about who is a good candidate for this type of orthodontic treatment.

Older Teens and Adults are Better Candidates for Invisalign

Age plays a role in whether or not you are a good candidate for Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment option usually works best for older teens and adults because in most cases, responsibility increases with age.  Younger teens and children can get Invisalign treatment but other treatment options, such as traditional braces, may be a better option. Each patient and situation is different though.

Older teens and adults are better candidates because they are often able to follow the strict instructions that come with Invisalign. Invisalign aligner trays must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day and changed out on schedule. Younger teens may be tempted to frequently remove the aligner trays or forget to switch to a new tray as scheduled.  Younger patients also tend to lose things more often and losing trays can lead to problems.

The Orthodontic Problems That Need to be Corrected

Invisalign can correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems. However, it cannot properly correct major orthodontic problems, such as a severe overbite or underbite. It cannot correct these major orthodontic problems because the structure and positioning of your jaw need to be corrected and Invisalign primarily corrects the placement and position of your teeth.  Technology is always advancing, however, so Invisalign may have even more uses in the future!

Minor orthodontic problems that can be corrected with Invisalign include:

• Crooked teeth that slightly overlap each other
• Protruding teeth or teeth that are not in their proper position
• Gaps that have formed between the teeth
• Overcrowding of the teeth
• Some crossbites – when the upper teeth fit on the inside of the lower teeth
• Minor open bites
• Minor underbites and overbites

If you need to have severe orthodontic problems corrected the only treatment option that may be available to you is traditional braces. An orthodontist can give you a better idea of the type of orthodontic problems that need to be corrected in order to give you the smile you always wanted.

Other Qualities That Make a Good Candidate for Invisalign  

The activities you engage or things you like to do in often determine what type of orthodontic treatment option is best for you. Invisalign may be a good treatment option for the following type of people:

• People who do a lot of public speaking – the aligner trays can be easily removed if there is a concern about slurring or mumbled speech while talking. However, most patients easily adapt to the trays and can speak with ease.
• People who play full-contact sports – the trays can be removed while you play a favorite sports activity.
• People who lead busy lives – many times, there are fewer visits to the orthodontist required with Invisalign. You will still need to go to the orthodontist, but you won’t have to go as often as those with traditional braces

Schedule a Consultation with an Orthodontist to Discuss Invisalign

The only way to know for sure if you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to visit an orthodontist.  After conducting a brief examination, your doctor will speak with you about what results you wish to see from undergoing orthodontic treatment. Once this information is gathered, your orthodontist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign or if you should consider other orthodontic options.

Want to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign? Call Melbourne Orthodontics today to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Dr. Reddick will discuss various orthodontic treatment options with you and help you determine which one will get you the best results.