If you’re feeling self-conscious about your crooked smile but don’t want standard braces, Invisalign might be a great option for you. Invisalign® are clear aligners that are used as orthodontic devices to straighten your smile. The treatment involves wearing a series of clear aligners over a period of several months, with each successive set of aligners moving teeth closer to a straighter position. Here are some things to consider to determine when it’s a good time for Invisalign:

• Length of treatment: While some patients can see a marked improvement in their smile in as quickly as 2 months, the majority of Invisalign® patients wear their aligners for about 12 months. Depending on the severity of the problem, your custom treatment plan may last eight months, 12-18 months or longer.
• Age:
  • Invisalign for Teens
    • Invisalign® for teens can be a highly effective treatment for correcting an imperfect smile because a teenager’s teeth aren’t as affixed in position as an adult’s are. As a general rule, teens must have the majority of their permanent teeth before treatment can be initiated. When considering this treatment for your teen, know that discipline is a very important factor as the clear aligners must be worn at least 20-22 hours a day.
  • Invisalign for Adults
    • Invisalign® for adults may take longer to yield results when compared to teens, but it’s been proven effective for adults in their 20s to senior citizens in their 80s. Bone density is often the key that determines whether it is a good treatment option for an adult.

• Teeth positioning: Overall, Invisalign® is recommended for kids who have lost all of their baby teeth and have a full set of permanent teeth, which is usually around ages 12 or 13. Typically before treatment is started on a younger patient, an X-Ray will be done to assess the position of the teeth and check how much space is needed for remaining teeth to come through. Treatable cases with Invisalign® include overbites, underbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, and relatively straight teeth that need minor movement.
• Maturity: Patients must be responsible enough to wear the aligners for up to 22 hours a day, every day. Luckily, each Invisalign® aligner tray has a small blue indicator on them that will allow you or your dentist to know if they’re being worn frequently enough. Patients will also need to keep their teeth and aligners clean.

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If you are interested in finding out more about Invisalign for you or your child, make an appointment with us today!