When to Consider Invisalign®

Invisalign is becoming more popular than ever, and for a good reason. People want to straighten their teeth without having to deal with metal brackets and wires. Invisalign consists of transparent plastic trays that are worn over the teeth to shift them to their proper position gently.

The function of Invisalign®

The Invisalign system moves crooked, gapped teeth with a series of clear acrylic aligners. The aligners come in pairs – custom-made for the upper and lower teeth – numbering between 18 to 30. The aligners are removable and nearly invisible over the teeth. Invisalign is effective for most cases of teeth misalignment but may not work for severe cases such as overbite. Below are some issues that Invisalign can correct:

• Protruding teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Central tooth overlap
• Gapped teeth
• Incorrect teeth alignment when the mouth closes
• Mildly crooked teeth

Some of these dental issues are the result of oral disease, genetics, injury or even thumb sucking. The appearance of crooked or misaligned teeth is not the only thing to worry about; severe dental problems such as gum disease, TMJ disorder and jaw pain can also result from malocclusion if uncorrected.

When to choose Invisalign

The following are reasons one might want to consider the Invisalign system:

Discreet treatment option: Many people do not like the look of traditional braces – they are too conspicuous on the teeth. Invisalign straightens the teeth without drawing unnecessary attention.

Removable treatment option: Although Invisalign trays should remain on the teeth throughout the day, they can be taken off for tooth cleaning and eating. Brushing and flossing with braces can be difficult. Similarly, food debris can get stuck between braces, which may cause oral health problems if it lingers too long. And for those who might need to attend a social gathering, the trays can be taken off for about two hours.

For quick treatment: Another exciting fact about Invisalign is that the treatment is fast for the average patient. It is an excellent option for those who want teeth straightening treatment with short treatment duration. Braces can take up to two years to straighten the teeth, while the Invisalign system takes between six to 15 months, depending on the person’s case.

When not to consider Invisalign

In the case of severe oral problems, the dentist will not recommend Invisalign. If it is a case of extreme underbite or overbite, crooked teeth are not the issue. The jawbone must be realigned physically, and aligners cannot correct jaw misalignment.

The best candidates are older teens and adults because their jaw is no longer developing. For effectiveness, patients need to commit to wearing the Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours daily. Adults tend to commit more to the Invisalign treatment. Since the aligners are removable, younger patients may take them off if they feel slight discomfort.

In conclusion

A consultation with the general dentist is the best way to know if Invisalign treatment will be effective for you. The dentist will examine the extent of malocclusion and recommend the best treatment to restore your teeth’s alignment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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