Could I Be a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign® is an innovative, highly effective system that straightens teeth and improves smiles. It is a comfortable, discreet alternative to braces.

Many patients who want straighter teeth ask whether they are good candidates for Invisalign treatment. Fortunately, this system can create a dazzling smile for adults and older teens.

Good Candidates for Invisalign

• Adults and older teens whose jaws have finished growing
• Patients with good oral health and excellent hygiene habits
• Discipline to follow the dentist's treatment instructions
• Former braces wearers
• Patients who would like to receive orthodontic treatment without drawing unwanted attention

How Invisalign Works

The Invisalign system uses high-tech digital scanning to produce a 3-D model of your mouth. The dentist uses this data to plan a series of clear, medical-grade plastic aligners. These aligners move teeth gently to new positions.

Each aligner in the series repositions the teeth a small amount according to your dentist's plan. Your new smile will take shape for approximately 12 to 18 months. At the end of the treatment, you will have an even, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Advantages of Invisalign

Private Treatment

Adults and teens often feel uncomfortable with braces because they attract unwanted attention. Invisalign enables patients to keep their treatment to themselves until they can show off their new smiles.

No Metal Brackets or Wires

Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces, with no wires or brackets to cut into tender oral tissues.

No Food Restrictions

The clear aligners come out when patients eat and drink. The food restrictions that annoy braces wearers are not an issue. As long as patients keep their teeth and aligners clean, they can eat anything they like.

Better Oral Health

Braces can damage patients' oral health by making brushing and flossing difficult. Invisalign comes out for cleaning, enabling patients to maintain a healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Which patients may not be good candidates for Invisalign?

Though Invisalign is an excellent choice for most older teens and adults, patients with these conditions may need another method to straighten their teeth:

• Permanent teeth have not yet fully emerged
• Missing teeth
• Severe dental bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
• Poor oral hygiene, untreated tooth decay, or active gum disease
• Unable or unwilling to wear the trays 20-22 hours daily

Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

A retainer is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions. Retainers enable the teeth and roots to settle and preserve your new smile.

Call College Street Smiles

Invisalign can improve your self-confidence and protect your oral health. In just 12 to 18 months, you could achieve a well-aligned smile. If you want to know whether you are a candidate for Invisalign, call our Dickson, TN, office today at 615-446-7878 to schedule a consultation.