Invisalign® is a popular choice for correcting uneven teeth, offering a route to a straighter smile without relying on metal brackets or wires. But who is a good candidate for these aligners? How do you know if they’re right for your smile? In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about qualifying for Invisalign®.
The Dangers of Uneven Teeth
Why should you consider treating your misalignment? Poor alignment could lead to major issues for the health and beauty of your smile. For example, you could have trouble brushing and flossing properly, and your uneven teeth could provide hiding places for bacteria and food particles. The result is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease! Missing teeth could also upset bite balance, so the chances of TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) developing is increased. Finally, you could simply feel uncomfortable with your smile’s appearance.
Invisalign® Candidacy
First, we want to talk to you about your smile and your goals. Next, we use detailed imaging technology, including iTero® and iCAT, to gather detailed pictures of your smile. We use them to assess the cause and extent of your misalignment, and better understand the current state of your smile. For children, we could recommend treatment to guide the growth of their smiles, such as retainers or teeth spacers. For teens and adults with severe misalignment, we may still rely on braces (although we use tooth-colored brackets to make them less visible). However, for many teens and adults we can correct the position of the teeth with a series of clear and cozy plastic aligners instead of braces.
The Treatment Process
We take detailed images and measurements of your smile with iTero®, and then combine them in a 3D model. At a special lab, the model is used to create a series of aligners from a BPA-free plastic material. The resulting aligners will then reposition your smile. A set is worn for 20 to 22 hours a day over a period of two weeks. Afterward, you upgrade to the next set in the series. For adults, this means optimal smiles are available in about a year. Teens may need around 18 months, as their smiles are still growing and developing. For additional convenience, they can be removed before meals or prior to brushing and flossing your teeth!
If you have any questions about Invisalign candidacy, then schedule a consultation today!
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEAR BRACES?
We have a clear and cozy option to correct minor misalignment. To learn more about how we correct your smile without metal braces, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.
