Known for providing comfort, convenience and confidence, invisalign is used by over 2.5 million individuals throughout the world. Not only are these nearly invisible, but they can also be removed easily. The trays are also safe because they lack wires that poke into the delicate areas of your mouth. The question, however, is should you opt for these or regular braces?
While a dentist is the best person to answer this question, the following lines will give you an idea about your options.
When is Invisalign a Suitable Option?
Invisalign is approved for adults and teens whose permanent teeth have completely erupted and can follow the directions of the treatment. However, it won’t suit everyone; researchers believe that this treatment is perfect for treating mild dental issues such as:
- Overly Crowded Teeth – If your teeth can’t fit comfortably in your mouth or if the gaps between them are less than normal (1-5 millimeters), your dentist may suggest these clear trays.
- Widely Spaced Teeth – If there’s a larger space between your teeth, be it because of abnormal growth of the jaw or shifting teeth due to missing teeth, you may be fitted for your own Invisalign trays.
- Bite Irregularities – If your teeth tend to bite over your lower teeth or if your upper and lower jaws are misaligned, your dentist can help you by prescribing Invisalign.
- Mild Relapse – If you have been using traditional braces in the past and some relapsing tooth movement took place, you may need to wear these trays for a while.
Instances Where Your Dentist May Recommend Braces
Invisalign isn’t for everyone, unfortunately, which means that your dentist may decide to use traditional orthodontic treatments. The following are the main conditions that mandate the use of traditional braces:
- Teeth crowding and spacing that is more than 5 millimeters
- Discrepancies involving how the upper and lower jaw joints and muscles work together
- Skeletal malocclusions
- Severely rotated teeth
- Open bites which need to be closed
- Severely tipped teeth
- Jaws with multiple missing teeth
At the dentist’s office, they will assess whether your smile is ready for Invisalign or traditional braces. If you’re a good candidate for the clear, plastic trays, they will create a custom set of trays which you’ll need to change every two weeks. However, keep in mind that Invisalign is conventionally more expensive than traditional braces, so find out whether your insurance provider offers coverage for your treatment beforehand.
To determine whether or not you’re ready for Invisalign, get in touch with a family dentistry expert today.