Cosmetic Dentistry
General Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Dental Implants
Orthodontics
Sleep Dentistry
Emergency Dentist
Children’s DentistAre you considering Invisalign to help transform your smile? It’s easy to see why this option is so appealing. After all, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and much more comfortable than traditional braces. However, before deciding, it’s important to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
Invisalign is an effective alternative to traditional braces. However, it is not suitable for all patients. By understanding how Invisalign works and the type of cases it can address, you’ll be able to decide if Invisalign is suited for your needs.
This blog post will explore the Invisalign process of aligning teeth, who can benefit from it, and who should seek alternative treatments. We’ll also discuss potential substitutes for those who are not good candidates for dental implants. Read on to find out more!
Contents Navigation
How Does Invisalign Align Teeth?
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic solution that is an alternative to traditional braces. It uses advanced 3D scanning technology to identify the proper alignment of teeth. From this data, a set of Invisalign aligner trays are created, which are fitted around your teeth like a snug glove.
Each aligner applies gentle pressure on your teeth, gradually moving your teeth a fraction at a time until the desired alignment is achieved. The aligners are replaced every week or two until your teeth have been properly aligned. This process can take around 6-18 months, depending on how severe the misalignment is.
Is Everyone a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, allowing patients to straighten teeth without using metal braces or wires. Though it can benefit some, Invisalign treatment is only appropriate for mild to moderate orthodontic cases and may not be suitable for everyone.
Here are some examples of mild to moderate orthodontic problems that Invisalign can address:
- Crooked Teeth
- Overcrowding
- Teeth gaps
- Open bite
- Overbite
- Underbite
Invisalign may not be the most suitable solution for individuals with more complex orthodontic needs requiring significant tooth rotation or movement. Other treatments, such as traditional metal braces, would be more appropriate and successful in achieving the desired result.
Can Persons of All Ages Have Invisalign?
Previously, Invisalign was not recommended for younger patients. Dental professionals were concerned about their ability and willingness to adhere to treatment guidelines, especially since patients must wear the aligner trays for 20-22 hours per day.
However, with the advent of a new Invisalign treatment called Invisalign First, children ages 6-10 can also benefit from this modern treatment. Invisalign First can address developing dental misalignment problems. Its unique features allow it to expand the dental arch and make room for incoming teeth.
To address the compliance issue of younger children, an app is now available to be used by parents for monitoring and tracking their child’s treatment progress.
With Invisalign First, more people can achieve straighter teeth and improved oral health.
Who Are Not Good Candidates for Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment offers patients a more comfortable way to straighten their teeth without bulky metal brackets and wires. However, not everyone can be considered a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
There are a few things that can contraindicate a person from getting Invisalign, including:
- Active gum disease (periodontal disease) or cavities
- Severe overbites, underbites, or deep bite
- Severely misshaped or misaligned teeth arches and jaws
- Overly crowded teeth
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Inability to comply with the prescribed wear time
Although dental implants, bridges or TMJ issues may make Invisalign more difficult to use since they limit tooth movement, they are not necessarily disqualifying factors. Your dentist will modify your treatment plan to consider these conditions.
For patients not indicated for Invisalign, alternative orthodontic treatment options are available to help you improve your teeth alignment and smile.
What Alternatives Are Offered to Patients Who Are Not Indicated for Invisalign?
For those ineligible for Invisalign, alternative options are available to achieve a beautiful smile. These include the following:
- Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are not as discreet as Invisalign but can address more complex orthodontic issues that Invisalign cannot. Using metal brackets and bands, precise and measured force is applied to teeth to move them into their desired position.
Using traditional metal braces gives dentists greater control over dental movement, making it possible to address even severe misalignments. - Ceramic Braces
These are similar to traditional metal braces, but they are made from a clear or tooth-coloured material that blends with your teeth. Ceramic braces are popular among older teens and adults because they are less visible than metal ones. Like metal braces, ceramic braces provide better tooth movement control and require frequent adjustments. - Lingual Braces
Lingual braces make use of brackets that are attached to the back or tongue side of teeth. Because of this position, they are less visible. Lingual braces work similarly to traditional braces, but due to their placement, they can be more difficult to clean and may require special maintenance. - Veneers
These are tooth-shaped shells of porcelain made to look like natural teeth. They can camouflage minor asymmetries in your smile, resulting in an even-looking smile. - Dental Crown
Crowns are made to cover the entire tooth and protect it from further damage. They are usually used in cases of severe tooth decay or injury. In some cases, they can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as closing gaps between teeth or masking discolouration. - Dental Bonding
This treatment involves using tooth-coloured material bonded to the surface of the tooth to hide cosmetic dental issues. The material is matched to the natural colour of your teeth and can be used to address chips, cracks, and small gaps between teeth.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is not suitable for everyone. There are certain cases where traditional braces are a better treatment option. However, it is worth considering if your case is suitable for Invisalign. It can be a great alternative to traditional braces and offers the added benefit of being nearly invisible while improving your smile.
Whether you would like to explore the possibilities of Invisalign or find out about other options, getting advice from an experienced professional is always beneficial.
The team at Karrinyup Dental Centre will gladly answer any questions or concerns regarding this treatment option. We can help you determine whether it is a suitable option for you so that you can get a beautiful smile in no time.
We’re here to help and make sure that everyone has access to high-quality dental care, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Feel free to book an appointment through our website or give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dentists recommend taking out your aligners if you’re going to drink anything other than water. However, if you’re out and you don’t want to take your aligners off, using a straw for drinking something is advised. Using a straw can keep your teeth and Invisalign trays from coming into contact with the liquid too frequently.
Avoid dark-coloured beverages because these can stain your aligners. Examples are:
- Cola
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Tea
Also, make sure that the beverage is at room temperature. Let hot drinks cool down before you drink them with your Invisalign in.
Most importantly, rinse your mouth with plenty of water to prevent discolouration and plaque buildup on your aligners.
If your only issue is minor misalignment or orthodontic relapse, Invisalign treatment may be able to provide the results you’re looking for in as little as 3-6 months. This can be much faster than alternative treatment options and allows your teeth to look better without a long commitment. However, other mild to moderately severe cases of misalignment may require longer treatment periods to ensure your smile turns out just the way you want it. People with more complex orthodontic needs often need 9-15 months of Invisalign use to achieve their desired aesthetic outcome.
Depending on the type of treatment and extent of work needed, prices can vary widely – ranging from $2,600 up to as much as $9,000!
If cost is an issue, but you still want a straighter look without compromising quality, then Invisalign Lite or Express could offer great value. Average costs are around $4,950 and upwards of $3,500, respectively.
For children ages 6-10 needing orthodontic treatment, Invisalign First costs an estimated $4,500 – $5,500.
