In today’s day and age, a bright, perfectly straight smile is highly coveted. However, achieving such a smile and the confidence that comes with it can be challenging.
Fortunately, Invisalign aligners offer a discreet solution for reaching your smile goals. If you’re looking for a less noticeable way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign might be the ideal choice.
However, despite its appeal, Invisalign has its limitations and might not be the best choice for achieving straight teeth for everyone.
Is Invisalign suitable for everyone? Who should not use Invisalign? And are there alternative treatments out there? These are some of the questions we will answer today’s blog post.
Who Should Not Use Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is a cutting-edge method for straightening teeth, especially suited for individuals with busy lives who desire a more discreet solution. These custom-made, removable aligners effectively tackle mild to moderate cases of:
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Underbite
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
However, Invisalign might not be the best option for everyone. It may not be suitable for individuals who:
- Have complex malocclusions that require tooth extractions
- Have severely misshapen teeth
- Have teeth that are extremely rotated
- Have significantly misaligned teeth
- Have severe overcrowding
- Suffer from active gum disease
- Have numerous cavities or tooth decay
- Struggle with maintaining good oral hygiene
- Cannot adhere to wearing the aligners as directed
Patients Related Factors for Those Who Should Not Use Invisalign
Certain patient-related factors can also impact the success of Invisalign treatment. These include:
Poor Compliance
If a patient struggles to follow the recommended aligner-wearing schedule or doesn’t wear them for the advised duration each day, treatment may be prolonged and less effective.
Poor Maintenance
Aligners need to be taken off for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Failing to clean them or the teeth properly can lead to bacteria build-up, which can hinder treatment progress.
Complex Anatomy
Unique tooth and jaw shapes may make it harder to achieve optimal results with Invisalign, making traditional metal braces a more suitable option.
Misaligned Bite or Crowding
Severe cases of misalignment or crowding might be better addressed with conventional braces.
Cost Considerations
Invisalign is usually more expensive than traditional braces, which is an important consideration when choosing a treatment option.
Why Invisalign is Not Right for Severe Crowding or Spacing Problems
Invisalign is quite efficient for treating mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues. However, it is not effective for those with severe alignment problems.
Due to its gradual and gentle pressure approach, Invisalign can only move teeth slightly. It is best for subtle adjustments rather than substantial shifts.
Traditional braces are often more effective for cases with extensive crowding or spacing. They offer greater control over tooth movement and can precisely target which teeth need to be adjusted. This type of correction often requires stronger forces than Invisalign can deliver, making traditional braces a better option for more severe cases.
Is Invisalign a Good Option for Severe Bite Issues?
People who have severe bite issues are among those who should not use Invisalign. Significant tooth movement is required to improve the bite in severe bite cases. Traditional braces are capable of achieving this due to the strong forces provided by metal wires and brackets, which allow for more precise control over each tooth’s movement.
In contrast, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners designed for more gentle and gradual adjustments. This method lacks the strong force necessary to address severe malocclusions, making it inadequate for substantial tooth movement.
While Invisalign alone might not be sufficient for complex orthodontic issues, combining it with traditional braces can offer a more effective solution.
How to Find Out if You Are a Candidate for Invisalign
Consult with an Orthodontist or Dentist
Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who specializes in Invisalign. They will assess your dental and orthodontic needs through a comprehensive examination.
Evaluate Your Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign is most effective for mild to moderate cases of crowding, spacing, and misalignment. Traditional braces might be a better option if you have severe bite issues, significant tooth rotation, or complex malocclusions.
Assess Your Oral Health
Good candidates for Invisalign should have healthy teeth and gums. If you have active gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues, these must be addressed before starting Invisalign treatment.
Consider Your Commitment & Compliance
Invisalign requires wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and following care instructions. If you can commit to this schedule and maintain good oral hygiene, you’re more likely to be a successful candidate.
Alternative Treatment Options
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces feature brackets that are either tooth-colored or clear, providing a more discreet alternative to the metal brackets used in traditional braces.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the most commonly used type of braces. They feature metal brackets fixed to each tooth, linked by a wire that is adjusted periodically to slowly move your teeth into the correct alignment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces. The difference is that they are placed on the back side of the teeth, making them less visible from the outside.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a widely used solution for a range of orthodontic issues. However, despite its advanced technology and numerous benefits, it isn’t ideal for everyone. Knowing if you’re a suitable candidate is essential for achieving your smile goals safely and effectively.
If you’re interested in a straighter smile and considering Invisalign, Normandale Dental can help assess whether it’s the right fit for you.
Schedule an initial consultation or contact us by calling (952) 208-6718.
FAQs
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatment usually takes around 12 to 18 months. The duration depends on how complex your orthodontic issues are.
Can I eat and drink with my Invisalign on?
It’s recommended to remove Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating or drinking with Invisalign aligners can damage the clear aligners and increase the risk of stains.
