Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and if you aren’t happy with how your teeth look, it can have a large impact on your confidence. Luckily, there are many solutions to help correct cosmetic and orthodontic issues. For adults with crooked teeth, Invisalign treatment can be a great way to straighten your smile without the need for awkward metal braces. Dr. Smith is a preferred Invisalign dentist and can evaluate whether this option is right for you.
Some signs you might benefit from Invisalign:
You Are Unhappy With Your Smile
First and foremost, the biggest reason to consider Invisalign is if you are unhappy with how your smile looks. Feeling self-conscious about your teeth can take a toll on your well-being and it’s worth a visit to a professional to see what your options are. Even if clear aligners are not the best fit, we can typically make a recommendation for a cosmetic or restorative treatment that matches your needs and desires.
You Notice Symptoms of a Misaligned Bite
Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. If your bite is misaligned, you may notice jaw pain when eating, uneven sensitivity, or even headaches. A dental professional can examine your teeth and determine whether misalignment is the cause. Invisalign can treat mild or moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Your Orthodontic Issues are Not Severe
While Invisalign can be used to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, there are some issues it may not be able to fix completely. If you have severe crowding or misalignment, we may recommend a different route for treatment. The aligners may also be less effective if you have short or rounded teeth.
You Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It’s important to practice proper dental hygiene when undergoing Invisalign treatment. You will want to be sure any problems, such as tooth decay, are treated before you get clear aligners. Additionally, you will need to take care of the aligners and keep your teeth clean while using them to prevent any issues.
You Don’t Smoke
In order for clear aligners to work properly, you need to wear them for 22 hours a day at a minimum. You should plan to only remove them to eat or while brushing/flossing. Taking a smoke break can reduce the overall time you wear the aligners and so you might not see the results you are hoping for. Additionally, nicotine can stain your Invisalign trays, not to mention your teeth.
The Process of Getting Invisalign
The first step is a consultation with our Invisalign dentist. We will examine your teeth and give you recommendations for treatment. We also take a 3D scan that we then use to show you projected results for treatment. You will need to come into the office every few weeks but can usually switch aligners at home. The average length of time for treatment is 12 months, although this might be longer or shorter depending on your specific concerns.
