If you are wondering, “Am I a candidate for Invisalign?” the answer is that you probably are! Although the initial creation of Invisalign® only included addressing minor orthodontic issues, many improvements have been made to this innovative system of alignment trays.

What Exactly Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a custom-designed transparent aligner system based on impressions of your teeth or 3D computer images from an intraoral scanner. These aligners, made of comfortable BPA-free polymer, move your teeth into position by applying gentle pressure. Patients will have a new set of aligners every two weeks throughout their treatment.

Invisalign is quite different, but it achieves the same results as traditional metal braces. Straightening one’s teeth may be done for various reasons, with the most popular being aesthetics. Straight teeth and a properly aligned bite are important aspects of your overall oral health.

Though you must wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours, you can take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Individuals who have the self-control to continue wearing the aligners throughout treatment are good candidates for Invisalign.

If you want your orthodontic treatment to be discreet, or if you don’t want to go to school or work with metal braces, Invisalign is also an excellent option for you.

What Does Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign is effective for the majority of dental issues. Still, it cannot correct problems such as severe overbites that may require more advanced measures to shift the jawbone.

Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic treatment for:

Teeth that protrude
Gapped teeth
Tooth crowding
Overbites
Crooked teeth
Underbites

Your orthodontist can let you know if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

What Doesn’t Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign is not recommended when there are severe oral issues. In some cases, where there is an extreme overbite or underbite, orthognathic surgery may be necessary. The doctor must sometimes physically shift the jaw bone before using aligners to shift teeth into alignment. In some instances, Invisalign may be used before surgery to correct teeth alignment to make jaw alignment more precise.

Can I Get Invisalign If I Have Missing Teeth?

Some patients believe that they are ineligible for Invisalign because they have missing teeth. That is a misconception. Missing teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth. Misaligned or gapped teeth may be corrected before or after tooth replacement.

If a patient’s tooth is missing, the teeth on either side may gradually drift into the space it once occupied over time. This may result in insufficient space for a replacement tooth. Invisalign is typically recommended before dental treatments to realign neighboring teeth and make room for a crown, bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.

There are a variety of tooth replacement options in the world. Crowns, dental implants, partial dentures, and bridges are some examples. Experts advise that it is best to undergo this orthodontic treatment before deciding on tooth-replacement options.

Moving the neighboring teeth into the optimal alignment will make more space for the replacement tooth. Furthermore, if the teeth are not properly aligned, they may require additional dental work. Fillings and crowns are examples of this. Bacteria can also grow where the teeth are misaligned, causing cavities and complicating dental procedures.

Can Kids Get Invisalign?

Children can wear Invisalign. The treatment is just as safe and effective for children as adults as long as the child’s teeth structure has reached a certain maturity. Invisalign offers Invisalign First® specifically to address early orthodontic problems in children as young as seven.

Can Teens Get Invisalign?

Unlike braces, teens can remove Invisalign aligners to brush and floss. This makes it easier for your teen to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. However, because patients should wear Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective, it is critical to replace them immediately after brushing and flossing.

Invisalign aligners are clear and less noticeable to onlookers than bulky metal braces. Teens are very self-conscious about their appearance and generally dislike the idea of wearing bulky metal braces making Invisalign the ideal treatment option.

Advantages for Teens

Braces have a greater amount of hardware than Invisalign aligners. There are brackets and elastics to contend with, which means more room for breakage. Those breakages mean more trips to the orthodontist for repairs, which isn’t fun for the teenager or the parent.

If your teenager is physically active or participates in contact sports, Invisalign aligners may be a good option for reducing breakage and appointment hassles.

They’ll remain self-confident.
They’ll be comfortable.
They won’t have to change their diet.

Braces are permanent and work around the clock to correct dental issues. Patients can remove Invisalign as necessary for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Patients should wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to be effective. As a result, removing them from the mouth for more than 2 hours per day may prolong treatment.

Does My Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontic treatment, but some do. The following dental insurance companies are more likely to cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign:

Cigna
Delta Dental Care
Humana
Aetna

You can also purchase an orthodontic supplemental plan to augment any insurance coverage already in place.

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

At Milestone Orthodontics, our experienced and caring professionals are ready to guide you through your orthodontic journey. Our doctor can answer the question, “Am I a candidate for Invisalign?”

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call:

West Orange — (973) 354-5597
Paramus — (201) 806-6581

We look forward to meeting you!