Invisalign - It’s Not for Everyone
There are plenty of reasons to get your teeth straightened, but there are almost as many reasons you might not want traditional braces. This conundrum is one of the reasons the Invisalign® system has proven so popular.
But, when patients come to Dr. Stephen Hiroshige to inquire about Invisalign, he carefully evaluates whether it’s the most appropriate treatment before recommending it. Although Invisalign aligners usually yield results faster than traditional braces, they still require time and expense. It’s important to make sure it’s the best way to get the results you want.
If you invest in Invisalign, you likely expect a certain result. By making sure you’re a good candidate, Dr. Hiroshige begins the process with your desired results in mind. Though we’re convinced that Invisalign is a good choice in the majority of cases, in this post, we discuss when Invisalign is probably not the right decision.
1. You are unlikely to wear them
For Invisalign to work properly, you need to wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours a day. You only remove them to eat and to clean your teeth. If you don’t wear them for the recommended amount of time, you’re unlikely to get the results you want.
That said, Invisalign aligners are both comfortable and not especially noticeable. People may not even be aware that you’re wearing them.
2. You have cavities or gum disease or other problems
If you have issues like periodontitis or tooth decay, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign—or at least not yet. Before you begin using Invisalign, other oral health issues must be addressed.
Happily, Dr. Hiroshige can help with fillings, regular cleanings, root canals, and other dental health services. Taking care of the basics of dental health is crucial for your overall health and can help you enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile.
3. Complex cases may need a different treatment
Invisalign can correct many more issues than most people realize; however, some complex cases can be more thoroughly addressed with other approaches to teeth straightening. It’s relatively rare, but sometimes traditional braces or surgery is the best way to get a healthy, straight smile.
Get guidance
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, the best thing you can do is talk to an expert about your specific situation. Your mouth is unique, and having a trained medical professional like Dr. Hiroshige to discuss your issues and your goals is really the only way to find out what will work best for your individual situation.
Schedule your appointment today to learn more about how Invisalign could help you.