Invisalign in Melbourne continues to be one of the most popular teeth straightening options available. The idea of straightening your teeth with invisible aligners is incredibly attractive to many people. There are no visible wires or brackets like with traditional braces. Thus, no one needs to know you’re even receiving the treatment.

Because of the popularity of Invisalign at Melbourne Orthodontics, we get a lot of questions as to whether people are a good candidate for this amazing orthodontic treatment.

What Invisalign Can Correct

To begin to answer that question, let’s first talk about what clear Invisalign aligners actually can correct. They can correct a large number of the most common dental problems, including:

• Gaps between teeth
• Crooked and crowded teeth
• Mild overbites and underbites
• Teeth that protrude mildly
• Certain types of bad bites

As you can see, Invisalign can correct many different dental issues. It’s also important to note that Invisalign is not simply a “cosmetic” treatment. Everyone wants a perfect smile. However, the dental issues that the clear aligners can correct can lead to major dental health issues later in life, if left untreated.

What Invisalign Will Not Correct

People who have more severe orthodontic issues generally don’t make good Invisalign candidates. Invisalign can correct all the issues listed above (and more, actually), but those all involve shifting the teeth. If an orthodontic problem is caused by a misalignment of the jaw, then Invisalign treatments alone will not be able to correct the issue.

For example, if a patient has an extreme overbite or underbite, that is not a problem that adjustment of the teeth will solve. Those problems are bone issues, which may require shifting the jaw bone in order to correct them. While Invisalign is a great product, it is simply not powerful enough to correct some major orthodontic problems that are a result of bone issues.

Who Is a Good Candidate

The best candidates for Invisalign tend to be people who have minor to moderate orthodontic issues that need correcting. Typically, it is best for teens and young adults. Younger patients can also benefit from Invisalign treatment, but there are additional factors such as erupting teeth and added responsibilities that can complicate this type of treatment in younger age groups. Traditional braces are also able to correct some, but not all, more severe teeth correction problems.

Whether you are the “perfect” candidate for Invisalign is impossible to say without a comprehensive exam first. If you’re interested in Invisalign in Melbourne, the best way to find out if you’re a good candidate is to contact our office for a consultation.

Here is another factor to consider: Invisalign is a treatment methodology that requires a lot of personal discipline. The patient takes on a lot of responsibility when being treated with Invisalign.  However, there are plenty of responsibilities with traditional braces as well.

The clear plastic aligners are removable. You need to wear them for about 22 hours per day in order for the aligners to be effective. They should be taken out briefly for eating meals and brushing your teeth. However, they need to be promptly reinserted so they can continue shifting your teeth.

People who tend to be forgetful or who don’t have the discipline to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day should perhaps consider braces instead. Braces stay attached 24 hours a day and are periodically adjusted by the orthodontist to continue shifting the teeth.

Contact Melbourne Orthodontics to Learn More

Invisalign is an incredibly popular option with patients for obvious reasons. It works, and it is an effective way to correct many orthodontic issues without people knowing you are having your teeth “fixed.” If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign or schedule an appointment, contact our Melbourne, FL office today!