invisalign candidate

It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Ask our West Michigan cosmetic dentists if you’re a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligner treatment.

We often recommend Invisalign for teenagers and adults who want straighter teeth but are looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces. To determine your candidacy for Invisalign, call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We’re always more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

In the meantime, here are some of the reasons why you may be a good candidate for Invisalign.

1. You’re Motivated to Straighten Your Teeth

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious of your smile, you’re likely to be highly motivated to wear your aligners as directed by one of our Invisalign dentists. For Invisalign to be effective, you must wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. This means that you’ll only be able to remove your aligners during meals and while brushing teeth.

Invisalign aligners exert pressure on teeth to move them into their final positions. During the first day or so of wearing new aligners, you’ll feel this pressure on your teeth. However, many of our patients feel that this temporary pain is worth having a beautifully straight smile. After all, the pressure on your teeth is a sign that the treatment is working.

2. Your Jaw Is Finished Growing

While a patient’s jaw could stop growing as soon as 12 years of age, this doesn’t automatically make them a candidate for Invisalign braces. Since these aligners are removable, patients must also have the self-discipline and motivation to wear Invisalign despite temporary discomfort. A fully grown jaw does not mean an individual possesses the determination needed to finish treatment.

However, it’s important to understand that each patient is different. Our dentists can help you decide what method of orthodontic treatment would be best.

3. You Don’t Want Visible Metal on Your Teeth

Wish you could straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets? Ask one of our cosmetic dentists if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment.

Like the name suggests, Invisalign consists of nearly invisible aligners that straighten teeth little by little. Many of our patients appreciate that Invisalign lets them discreetly straighten teeth and avoid feeling embarrassed of how obvious brackets or wires look.

4. You Currently Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Dental plaque and tartar love to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Fortunately, Invisalign can straighten teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months, so you can continue to easily brush and floss.

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile—it also improves oral health. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to properly remove left behind food particles and plaque. However, the decision to pursue orthodontics can change that. Many of our patients who undergo clear aligner treatment are able to avoid tooth decay and gum disease later in life.

5. You Have Little to No Issues with Your Bite

While Invisalign is great for teeth straightening, it may not help patients who have serious overbites or underbites. Yet, advances in Invisalign technology have made these easier to treat with clear aligners than ever before.

If your case is serious, we can refer you to a trusted orthodontist who uses metal braces and other appliances. Untreated bite misalignment can cause uneven wear on tooth enamel, jaw pain, and even a TMJ disorder.

6. You Don’t Want Your Diet Restricted

Part of what makes traditional braces less desirable is their ability to limit what you can eat while they’re on your teeth. That generally means no chewy or sticky foods, like caramel, and definitely no corn on the cob.

Fortunately, Invisalign clear aligners are removable so when you’re ready to eat, simply take them out and place them in their protective case. There is no risk of any bracket or wire getting damaged. The only caveat: be sure to rinse and put them back in after you’re finished eating.

Call Our Invisalign Dentists

Our Invisalign dentists in West Michigan, are accepting new patients and if you’re interested, can help you get started with clear aligners. To schedule an appointment, call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations today.

This blog post has been updated.