How to Know if Invisalign Is Right for You

There’s no denying the benefits of straighter teeth: Not only can they improve your smile aesthetics for the rest of your life, but they can help you feel more confident too. Having straighter teeth can even improve your oral health, reducing your risks of decay and uneven tooth wear that can lead to a need for extensive repairs.

There’s also no denying that a lot of people don’t want to wear metal braces — especially adults. Fortunately, Invisalign® clear aligners can help. In fact, since the aligners were first introduced, they've helped more than 10 million people enjoy straighter teeth and more beautiful smiles.

At Arya Dental, Saeed Mokhayeri, DDS and Hengameh Safarcherati, DDS, offer the state-of-the-art Invisalign system to help adults and teens in Fullerton, California, enjoy all the benefits of orthodontics without relying on metal braces. Still, as good as they are, Invisalign’s clear aligners aren’t the best choice for everyone.

If you’re ready to enjoy all the benefits of straighter teeth, here’s how to tell if Invisalign is the right choice for you.

You have specific alignment issues

Invisalign can be used to treat many of the same issues as traditional braces, but it may not be the best option if you have more complex needs. Generally, Invisalign is good for patients with:

Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Open bites
Crooked teeth
Oddly spaced teeth
Overcrowded teeth

If you have complex alignment issues, Dr. Mokhayeri and Dr. Safarcherati might recommend traditional braces instead.

You don’t want braces attached to your teeth

Traditional braces use special adhesives that are completely safe for your teeth. Still, some people just don’t like the idea of having metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth.

Invisalign aligners are removable, and their smooth contours mean they’re more comfortable too.

You’re at least 13 years old

Invisalign works best once your jaws have finished growing. That usually happens by around age 13. Don’t have all your adult teeth yet? No worries: Invisalign offers an option to accommodate teeth as they come in.

You’re committed to wearing the aligners

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed — and they must be removed for meals and for brushing and flossing.

Other than that, though, the clear aligners must remain in your mouth at least 22 hours per day. If you take them out more frequently or for long periods of time, your treatment will take longer (maybe a lot longer).

If you don’t feel ready to make that commitment, then traditional braces might be a better choice.

You’re committed to the treatment plan

Invisalign aligners use a series of aligners — usually 20-30 — to move your teeth. Each aligner has a slightly different shape, and it’s these differences that keep your teeth moving.

Typically, you wear each set of aligners for a couple of weeks, then swap that set out for the next one. You need to follow your plan exactly to get the outcome you’re looking for in the estimated time frame.

You also need regular office visits (just like traditional braces). Usually, those visits happen every month or so, just to make sure your treatment is progressing.

Enjoy your best smile

Straight teeth can dramatically improve your smile and your self-confidence. To learn more about Invisalign treatment at Arya Dental, call 714-646-9546 to book an appointment today.