Crooked teeth are not impossible to fix so if you’re ready to achieve your dream smile, ask our Shelby Township cosmetic dentists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign aligners. On average, patients can see desired results in 12 months, though the exact duration of treatment varies per individual.
Here are a few things to keep in mind and ask yourself before getting started with .
Questions to Consider Prior to Invisalign Treatment:
1. Would You Feel Self-Conscious With Metal Braces?
The traditional way to straighten teeth involved metal brackets and wires. In fact, metal braces are still very effective for children, teens, and adults alike. However, metal braces are no longer the only option out there for patients looking to improve their smile.
Many of our patients appreciate that Invisalign’s nearly invisible aligners are subtle enough to go unnoticed by friends, family, and coworkers. While Invisalign is noticeable up close, most people won’t even realize you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment. There is also no metal used whatsoever with Invisalign!
2. Are You Self-Disciplined?
You don’t have to be a child or teenager to qualify for orthodontic treatment. Because smile correction is possible at different stages in life, our dentists recommend Invisalign clear aligners for patients of varying ages. Oftentimes, the older the patient, the more motivated they are to straighten their teeth since they know what they want and are committed to the entire process.
Regardless of age, for Invisalign to work, you must wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day. This means only taking them out to eat, brush, and floss. If the Invisalign aligners are not consistently worn, you could end up prolonging your treatment time and spending more money in the long run.
3. Do You Follow Instructions Given?
Since adults are the ones paying for their own treatment, they’re often highly motivated to wear their aligners as instructed by our dentists. We’ll also give you other directions that will help you care for your clear aligners between appointments and keep them in good condition.
For example, you’ll need to gently brush your teeth (and aligners) after meals to avoid staining your clear aligners. Our dentists recommend rinsing the aligners in lukewarm water and cleaning them with non-abrasive toothpaste. Most patients find it easiest to brush them at the same time as their teeth.
4. Are Crooked Teeth Affecting Your Oral Health?
Teeth straightening doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile, it also reduces your risk for cavities and gum disease. People who have crooked teeth have more difficulty brushing and flossing which over time, leads to oral health issues.
If you’re prone to cavities because of crowded teeth, schedule a consultation with our Invisalign dentists as soon as possible. They can work with you to determine whether you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment.
5. Do You Have Major Bite Issues?
Advances in clear aligner technology have made it possible for our dentists to treat more severe cases with Invisalign, but it’s important to remember that each patient is different. For example, if you need to move your jaw forward or back, we may recommend you receive metal braces instead.
Metal braces can be combined with other types of treatment (like headgear) to move your jaw into optimal alignment. Issues with your bite can lead to other oral health problems, such as TMJ disorder, jaw pain, teeth grinding, or uneven wearing of your teeth.
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
Our , can help you get started on a straighter smile today. Call the dental office of Jeffrey T. Baker DDS at (586) 992-9222 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
