Ask Your Dentist: Is Invisalign® Good for Teeth Straightening for Adults?

Crooked teeth can affect a person’s appearance and can even lead to excess wear and tooth decay, but teeth straightening methods offered by a dentist can help patients achieve a more attractive, healthier smile. For adults seeking treatment to better align the teeth, Invisalign® is one option that is effective for many cases.

Using Invisalign® to straighten teeth

The Invisalign® system offers a unique way to straighten crooked teeth and address other common alignment issues without the use of wires or brackets attached to teeth. Instead, this treatment incorporates plastic aligner trays that are custom-made to fit tightly around the patient’s teeth. Each set is worn for a week, putting pressure on the teeth to shift them into the position of the tray. Then, it is discarded and replaced with a new aligner. The amount of trays worn and the overall time of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s unique situation.

Benefits of this treatment option

The primary benefit of Invisalign® is that it is an effective method for getting straighter teeth. This treatment is given under the guidance of a dentist so that adjustments can be made or the process can be prolonged to ensure the intended results are achieved. Additionally, many adults prefer using aligners as opposed to traditional braces because they are almost invisible when worn and can be removed when appropriate.

Candidates for Invisalign®

Invisalign® should only be considered as a treatment for patients who meet a specific set of criteria. Candidacy is determined on a case by case basis, starting with a consultation and examination by a dentist.

Age groups that can benefit from clear aligners

In general, Invisalign® can be a great treatment option for adults and older teenagers who are seeking a more discreet method for teeth straightening. Children and even younger adolescents are often recommended to turn to traditional braces. While some kids love flashy colors and patterns on metal braces, ceramic and clear braces have a much more modest appearance.

The main reason that clear aligners are not recommended for children is that the straightening process relies heavily on patient compliance. While braces are attached to a child’s teeth, plastic aligners can be removed from the mouth at any time. Similarly, adults who struggle to wear Invisalign® for at least 22 hours a day may need to consider an alternative.

Cases that may need alternative treatment

While crooked teeth can often be addressed by Invisalign®, more extreme instances may require a different type of treatment to achieve the desired results. For instance, molars that rotated by over 20 degrees or teeth that are tilted forward or back over 45 degrees most often cannot be addressed by clear aligners. Other factors or issues can also disqualify someone for this option, such an incompatible tooth shape, inadequate bone strength and severe alignment issues.

Conclusion

Visiting a dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup is the ideal time to ask about treatment options for teeth straightening. If Invisalign® is a suitable choice, you can transform your smile without anyone noticing.  

Request an appointment here: https://www.texasstarsmiles.com or call Texas Star Smiles & Fastbraces at (254) 237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Straightening in Killeen, TX.