The answer is, yes and no – While cases including severe bite misalignment probably need to be addressed with traditional metal braces, the Invisalign® system has proven itself quite effective in treating not only mild to moderate orthodontic issues but complex crowding and malocclusions. Many highly skilled dentists have helped patients with Invisalign who had been told they needed conventional braces to straighten their teeth and correct their bite.
A Second Chance to Straighten Your Smile
Achieving a straighter smile has been difficult for many, but those who were not able to wear braces as a child, now have a discreet solution. Invisalign clear aligners provide a simple and convenient way to straighten teeth for adults and mature teens. They are not suitable for children as they must be worn for at least 22 hours per day
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
- Straightens Crooked Teeth
- Corrects Gaps and Tooth Crowding
- Treats Bite Issues
- No Food Limitations
- Removable For Proper Dental Hygiene
- More Comfortable than Traditional Braces
Invisalign for Teenagers
Metal braces can cause staining and damage to teeth. This is especially true for teens, who may not understand the importance of proper oral hygiene, and the special attention your smile needs when wearing traditional braces. This can result in further treatments to restore enamel and uniform color, which will lead to higher overall costs.
Invisalign Teen® is recommended for those who may need help complying with the Invisalign guidelines; specifically not removing them for more than a total of two hours per day. This option also provides up to six free replacement aligners if any are lost or broken.
Invisalign aligner trays are virtually undetectable. They are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that fit over your teeth to gently re-align your smile.
The Invisalign process
Images and dental impressions of your teeth are obtained and sent to the Invisalign lab where they create a digital 3D model of your teeth. The dentist works closely with Invisalign to ensure ideal results.
Patients wear each set of aligners for two weeks at a time and then move on to the next set. Teeth are gently and gradually moved into better position with every step, each tray correcting the teeth enough for the next set of trays to fit comfortably.
Will it Work for You?
Only the dentist can say for sure, but most common orthodontic problems can be completely corrected with Invisalign. If you can commit to wearing the trays as directed, then you are more than likely a candidate for Invisalign aligners.
Besides children, patients who are not a candidate for Invisalign include those with severe over-bites or under-bites or advanced gum disease. There have been cases where patients received some traditional orthodontic care with metal braces for severe bite issues during childhood but had them removed for one reason or another before treatment was complete, then later went on to achieve success with Invisalign.
Certainly, if you suffer from advanced gum disease, once sufficient periodontal care has been received, you may become eligible for treatment with Invisalign Clear Braces.
Dr. Richard Plasch provides the community of Hayward with Invisalign clear braces.
Call us today to learn more - 510-471-5521