Invisalign is an increasingly popular alternative to wire metal braces, proven to straighten misaligned teeth in about 6-12 months. Deciding to invest in any orthodontic work is a big decision. Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself if you are thinking of taking the plunge:
1. Does the state of your teeth cause you pain, discomfort, or embarrassment? People explore orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry for many reasons. Many of us are self-conscious about our smile – we cover our mouth when we laugh and we avoid full smiles in order to hide our misaligned or mangled teeth. Others may have pain due to improper bite and overcrowding. If you fall into either of these categories you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
2. How do you handle pain? Going to the dentist frequently appears on lists of top 10 fears. People remember the old-fashioned drills and uncomfortable chairs. Dentistry has changed immensely over the past 25 years, and many painless options exist to help you achieve optimal oral health. Invisalign is significantly less painful than traditional braces or other cosmetic options such as implants or veneers.
3. Do you have extra teeth or overcrowding? Are your teeth misaligned? Do you have an improper bite? Invisalign treatment works well on all of these conditions.
4. Are you good at following-up at home on dental and medical care? Like all orthodontics, in order for Invisalign to be effective, you must diligently care for your teeth the Aligners between fittings. The dentist will adjust the aligners every 2 weeks. you must remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water and must clean your teeth and the aligners before putting them back in. If you are not good at home care then Invisalign may not be for you.
“If you are considering Invisalign or other medical or dental cosmetic treatment, it is best to consult with a qualified dentist,” says Dr. Ramin Moradi. “A professional dentist can examine your teeth and determine if you are a good fit for Invisalign or other technologies.”