Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Millions of Americans undergo orthodontic treatment each year to correct tooth misalignments and bite issues. Traditional metal braces have been the go-to option for decades, but with the rise of clear aligners, people are increasingly opting for Invisalign® treatment instead. 

At U&I Smile in Beaverton, Oregon, experienced dentist Lilian Liu, DMD, offers Invisalign to teens and adults. 

This article explains which bite issues Invisalign can correct, highlights factors that help determine whether you’re a candidate, and outlines what an orthodontic evaluation looks like. 

Understanding Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that mildly pressures your teeth to improve their alignment. However, instead of metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands, as with traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear aligners. 

Invisalign aligners, similar to a sports mouthguard, fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth. You wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Over time, that straightens your teeth and helps address various alignment issues, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Crowding
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Gapped teeth 

Most people complete Invisalign treatment in 18-24 months. With proper care and consistent use of retainers afterward, the results are long-lasting and can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. 

Good candidates for Invisalign

The best way to tell if you’re a candidate for Invisalign is to undergo a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Liu. 

Invisalign can treat most mild and moderate alignment issues, such as crooked teeth or gaps between the teeth. But more complex issues, such as severe overbites or underbites, often require braces, because they allow for more precise tooth movement.

With Invisalign, you must commit to wearing your aligners. You can remove your aligners to eat or brush your teeth, but if you take them out for long periods, your teeth can gradually shift back to their original position, affecting your results. 

Similarly, you must be able to attend occasional appointments and follow your program. Most people change into new aligners every 1-2 weeks, depending on their treatment plan. Each new set of aligners places slightly different pressure on your teeth, helping guide the process.

What to expect during an orthodontic evaluation

An orthodontic evaluation typically takes 60-90 minutes.

First, Dr. Liu reviews your dental records, asks about your goals, and performs a comprehensive oral exam with X-rays. To qualify for Invisalign, your teeth and gums should be healthy. 

If Dr. Liu identifies any underlying issues during the exam, such as cavities or gum disease, she treats them first before moving forward.

If everything looks good, Dr. Liu takes photos for a future before-and-after comparison and makes digital impressions of your teeth. She then sends your impressions to a laboratory that manufactures a set of custom Invisalign aligners.

About a week later, when the lab finishes your aligners, you return to the office to try them on. Dr. Liu ensures they fit well and makes adjustments as needed. 

Benefits that make Invisalign appealing

Invisalign offers several benefits compared to braces. These include:

• Nearly invisible. There are no brackets, wires, or rubber bands.
• Removable. You can brush and floss your teeth without special tools or flossers.
• More comfortable. Invisalign aligners reduce irritation to your lips and gums.
• Fewer checkups. Unlike metal braces, regular adjustments aren’t required.

Invisalign aligners are discreet. That’s particularly beneficial for people who frequently interact with others in professional settings.

Request an Invisalign evaluation today

Have you always dreamed of having straighter teeth or a more symmetrical smile? If so, Invisalign treatment is worth considering. To see if you’re a candidate, contact our office by phone or online today to schedule an appointment.