What Patients Should Learn About Invisalign

If you're curious about whether you might be a candidate for clear braces, one of the most popular systems that patients often discuss with their practitioners in Invisalign. By using a series of clear aligners that bring your teeth to the desired positions, this method is less invasive and visually obvious than traditional dental braces. Before you commit to working with an Invisalign services provider, though, it's a good idea to learn more about what you might be getting into.

Not for Everyone

There are instances where a patient simply will not be a candidate for Invisalign. You can go to an Invisalign services practice, get X-rays done and learn whether your circumstances make you a good candidate. Individuals may be rejected or asked to hold off if they have, for example, advanced caries that need to be treated.

Anyone who has issues arising from how the channels for their teeth formed when their baby teeth came in may end up being ruled out, too. Minors who haven't lost all their baby teeth or are still waiting for all their incisors and their first molars to erupt will be asked to delay getting aligners.

It's also wise to talk with your doctor about whether other life commitments preclude using clear braces. Individuals engaged in athletic activities that require them to constantly hydrate may have to use regular dental braces instead.

Time Commitment

The Invisalign process calls for a great deal of personal discipline, as it asks patients to consistently follow a 22-hour-a-day schedule for an average of 12 to 18 straight months. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a regular eating schedule, as it can be difficult to cram three meals a day in just two hours of time. You'll also need to make sure you get in two teeth brushings during the two hours available each day. If a doctor has doubts about the ability of a patient to handle such a schedule, like when dealing with less mature minors, they may determine that the person is not a good candidate.

There will still be lesser discipline concerns after the process is finished. Retainers will be required to keep teeth straight, potentially for the rest of the patient's life. For the initial three months, the retainers will have to be worn all day. You may then only need to wear them at night if there's been satisfactory progress.


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