Am I a Candidate for Invisible Braces?
Introduction
Invisible braces are an option for most patients looking to improve their smile. Crooked teeth can be straightened, unevenly spaced teeth can be moved together, and even over- and under-bites can often be corrected. Unlike traditional dental braces, however, not everyone is a candidate for invisible braces. Only your Dentist/Orthodontist can decide if they’ll work for you, but here are some general guidelines.
Age
There is no minimum age for getting invisible braces. Rather, in order to utilize them, you must have all of your adult teeth. If your molars are fully erupted, then you’ve met the first basic requirement.
Typically, you’ll have your complete set of adult teeth by your early teens, sometimes as young as twelve years old. Your dentist will easily be able to determine if your teeth are fully developed.
Types of correction
Invisible braces can be used to correct the same problems as those fixed by traditional dental braces. For example, invisible braces are an option for those whose teeth are:
- Crooked
- Overlapping
- Misaligned
- Unevenly spaced
- Crowded
As mentioned above, sometimes over-bites and under-bites can also be corrected with invisible braces. It’s the severity of the problem, and not the type of problem, that usually determines whether you’ll have to utilize metal dental braces instead.
Severity of misalignment
Invisible braces can correct most small to moderate problems. More extensive corrections may require metal dental braces. Technology continues to advance, and with the time, invisible braces will be a possibility for more and more patients.
Do not be discouraged if you feel that your teeth have serious alignment problems. There is still a chance that invisible braces will work. A simple visit to your Dentist/Orthodontist is all it takes to find out.
Prior dental work
Prior dental work, such as crowns and bridges, may or may not affect your candidacy. These types of appliances and fixtures do not necessarily exclude you as a candidate for invisible braces. Again, this is a factor that only your dentist or an orthodontist can properly address.
Current use of traditional dental braces
Those currently wearing metal dental braces often wonder if they can switch to invisible braces. For some patients, making a switch is a possibility. Your dentist may also decide that some combination of traditional dental braces and invisible braces is the best approach.
Dedication
Last but not least, good candidates for invisible braces are those that are dedicated to making it work. In order to be effective, the aligner must be worn virtually 24 hours a day.
You should not take the aligner out for more than an hour or so each day. Additionally, you should not take the aligner out on a daily basis. If you become lax or forgetful about wearing your aligner, invisible braces won’t work. With standard dental braces, removal isn’t an option, which is one reason why invisible braces take a stronger commitment.
Success also depends on making and keeping regular appointments with your Dentist/Orthodontist. A series of aligners are used to correct your smile, and it is crucial that you receive, and begin to wear, the next aligner at the proper time.
Conclusion
Not all dental braces were created alike! Invisible braces are the most discreet and comfortable option on the market today. If you are interested in dental braces, it’s worth taking the time to consult with an orthodontist or a cosmetic dentist about this exciting possibility.
