Will Invisalign® Take the Place of Teeth Straightening With Regular Braces?
In recent years, more patients are looking to straighten teeth with aesthetic treatments like Invisalign®. Although traditional braces have been used for many years, some patients may be averse to them due to cosmetic concerns. Clear aligner treatments are effective in many situations, but patients must understand what makes an ideal candidate.
Why choose Invisalign® over regular braces?
Patients are no longer faced with metal brackets and wires as the only option to get a beautiful, straight smile. Clear aligners allow patients to maintain better oral hygiene habits throughout treatment, and this is one of the main advantages that dentists consider. In addition, the aligners are so subtle that most people would not even realize that the patient is wearing them.
Who is a candidate for Invisalign® treatment?
There are certain situations that are better suited for Invisalign® treatment than others. Patients must be willing to follow treatment directions, and the goals of treatment must also be considered. There are a number of orthodontic concerns that can be corrected with clear aligner therapy.
Compliant patients
With Invisalign® treatment, a patient wears custom-fitted trays for a period of two weeks and then switches to another set. The trays must be worn about 22 hours of the day; ideally, they are only removed for eating and hygiene routines. Patients must be willing to maintain this level of compliance throughout the entire treatment process. Also, once treatment is complete, retainers must be worn every night. If a person is not able to commit to this, the treatment may not give the desired results.
Patients with crowded teeth
Clear aligner therapy can be a viable option for those wishing to straighten crowded teeth. In many cases, the doctor can show the patient what the expected outcome will look like with 3D models. In some situations, certain teeth may have to be removed to make room in the arch for a straighter smile.
Patients with spacing issues
A patient may present for an orthodontic consultation because of gaps between the teeth. In many cases, Invisalign® can close the spaces to give a more even-looking smile. It is important that those with this type of orthodontic treatment commit to wearing retainers every night. If not, spaces can open back up over time.
Patients with misaligned bites
Some people have problems with chewing function due to a misaligned bite. This may be caused by an underbite or overbite. People may also be concerned about the aesthetic issues that this causes. Invisalign® can be used in some of these situations to correct bite problems. It is important to note, though, that advanced cases may require adjunctive surgery or other options to get the desired result.
Conclusion
For those considering orthodontic treatment, a consultation should be set up to find out if Invisalign® therapy is a viable choice. With a commitment to compliance from the patient, the process can be rewarding one that gives a confident smile.
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