Invisalign has revolutionized the dental industry as a comfortable, low-profile solution for millions of people wanting to improve their smile. However, Invisalign isn’t for everyone, and our Rochester dentist takes a look at the important criteria that determine whether a patient is a good candidate.

Invisalign is ideal for adults and older teens who have a full set of adult teeth. However, for children, tweens, and young teens with still-growing teeth, Invisalign is not a good fit. Adults and older teens both appreciate Invisalign’s low-key, transparent approach – especially high school-age kids making their way through the periods of awkwardness and self-consciousness that come with being a teenager. Many adults, while likely not feeling the same level of social discomfort, prefer Invisalign precisely because the clear aligners won’t make them look like a teen again, which is something that metal braces unfortunately can’t avoid.

As a respected Invisalign dentist, Circle Drive Dental understands that being able to remove one’s Invisalign aligners is a key selling point for patients across Minnesota. However, we’re also aware that the product’s greatest strength can also be its biggest weakness, depending on the patient’s dedication level. For this reason, we always stress to our patients the need to remain dedicated throughout the treatment period, and not to take advantage of the times when the aligners must be removed – specifically, when consuming food and beverages.

In order to exert their full potential, the Invisalign aligners must remain in a person’s mouth for a 22 hours per day, at minimum. Patients who don’t follow this guideline risk rendering the treatment ineffective, or at the very least extending the treatment period and spending more money. Much like a person who doesn’t wear his retainer and finds that his teeth have shifted back to their pre-treatment position, an Invisalign patient who isn’t 100% dedicated to the process could experience the same problem.

Invisalign is an effective solution for the following oral issues:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth

 The caveat here is that Invisalign isn’t for patients with severe orthodontic problems, i.e. a large overbite. In this case, a more sophisticated orthodontic procedure is necessary in order to shift and maintain the jaw in the proper position.

Invisalign is a desirable path for people whose professions require public speaking, leading meetings, and presenting to clients. Not only will Invisalign deliver straighter teeth and a better smile, two things that are prized in social settings, but the fact that it’s removable makes it attractive for professionals who’d rather not have the aligners in their mouth during certain responsibilities. Traditional braces don’t offer any choice in the matter, but Invisalign certainly does.

It’s a well-known fact that permanent braces can make eating, brushing, and flossing difficult and frustrating. But with Invisalign, a patient can remove the trays and easily do everything that needs to be done in order to maintain good oral hygiene. If you’re worried that braces will prevent you from adequately caring for your teeth, Invisalign is the right alternative.

Our position as a trusted cosmetic dentist in Minnesota makes us the ideal resource for people seeking more information about Invisalign. Contact us today and our team will review pricing and timing with you, and confirm your readiness to use Invisalign to improve your teeth.