Will Invisalign Work for Me?

Will Invisalign Work for Me? The Short Answer

Invisalign may work for you if you have crowded teeth, gaps, or certain bite problems and are willing to wear your aligners consistently. Clear aligners can treat many orthodontic conditions, but they aren’t the ideal solution for everyone. Treatment suitability depends on your bite, jaw relationships, oral health, and the complexity of the tooth movements required.

As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Emilia Taneva evaluates each patient’s individual needs to determine whether Invisalign, another clear aligner system, or traditional braces would provide the most appropriate treatment approach.

Anyone who wants to avoid metal braces wonders, “Will Invisalign work for me?” After all, Invisalign is a brand of invisible aligners that corrects many orthodontic problems. People love this option for teeth straightening, because it’s less visible than metal braces. It’s especially popular for adults who need braces, since it’s more aesthetic and more comfortable than metal brackets. 

Now, Invisalign is very effective at correcting some orthodontic problems. But it could be less effective with more complex problems. So, how can you know if you’re a good Invisalign candidate? Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through it all. But first, let’s review exactly what Invisalign involves. 

When you choose Invisalign for teeth straightening, you’ll get series of invisible aligners. Over time, these aligners change the position of your teeth. And, as that happens, you’ll need new trays. Think of switching trays like tightening brackets on traditional braces. 

Before starting Invisalign, your orthodontist makes a custom mold of your teeth either by taking a digital scan or by using a special dental impression material. Next, you’ll get the first Invisalign tray that will start moving your teeth. Every tray will make subtle shifts to your smile. Then, over the course of Invisalign treatment, the changing series of trays will get your teeth to their optimal position. 

In the majority of cases, attachments will need to be placed on some of your teeth. Those are small tooth-colored “bumps” that come in different sizes and shapes. The attachments are bonded to the teeth using dental composites, a similar material used for dental restorations. They are required for certain types of tooth movements such as extrusion, root angulations, tip and torque, etc. 

In addition, interproximal reduction, also known as IPR, tooth polishing, stripping, or slenderization, is utilized to remove black triangles, resolve crowding and create more space for all the teeth to fit into the dental arches. 

Bite corrections or midline discrepancy also require the wear of orthodontic rubber bands. The elastics connect top and bottom aligners and direct the teeth and bite in desired positions. 

Invisalign has come a long way over the years, they are constantly improving the materials and their systems but it still might not work for absolutely everyone. So here’s how to tell if Invisalign can give you the smile of your dreams. Or if you should look for a different option. 

1. You have crowding, gaps, or certain bite problems. Invisalign can address many common orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, spacing, overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. Whether clear aligners are appropriate depends on the severity of the problem and the tooth movements required.

2. You want a discreet orthodontic treatment option. Clear aligners are less noticeable than traditional metal braces and can be removed for meals and oral hygiene. This flexibility may appeal to adults, teens, and other eligible patients.

3. You’re committed to good oral hygiene. Removable aligners allow you to brush and floss without brackets and wires. However, maintaining healthy teeth and gums, cleaning your aligners properly, and following your orthodontist’s instructions are essential. That’s why we’re so excited about some of the cleaner tablets out there. Check out Retainer Brite as well. Because if you don’t keep these trays clean, you increase your risk for cavities and gum infections.

4. You’re willing to wear your aligners consistently. Invisalign treatment typically requires 20–22 hours of daily wear, depending on your orthodontist’s instructions. Removing aligners too frequently can delay treatment or compromise the planned results.

5. Your orthodontist determines that aligners are appropriate for your case. Invisalign can be used for certain complex orthodontic problems, sometimes with attachments, elastics, or additional appliances. Other cases may be treated more predictably with braces. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation is the best way to determine which option fits your needs.

Earlier, we said that Invisalign works well for simple orthodontic problems. Specifically, it can correct: 

• Teeth crowding
• Gapped or spaced teeth
• Openbites
• Overbites
• Crossbites*

But that’s only true if your case is straightforward and the patient is compliant. With more complicated orthodontic issues, you’ll need to steer clear of Invisalign. However, keep in mind that in the hands of an experienced orthodontist, even the most complicated cases, including orthognathic surgery, could be resolved with Invisalign alone or combination of an orthodontic appliance, braces, and Invisalign. 

Similar to orthodontic treatment with braces, at the end of Invisalign, it’s very important to wear your retainer. Otherwise, you may see all your teeth straightening results disappear. If you know you’re unlikely to wear that retainer, you may want to choose a different orthodontic treatment or no treatment at all. 

Finally, you have to consider your budget. When it comes to the Invisalign price, affordability may be a concern. Check with your insurance whether any portion of the treatment might be covered. While Invisalign isn’t significantly more expensive than other teeth straightening methods, metal braces tend to be the most affordable choice. So, if budget is a top concern, make sure to discuss the Invisalign price before committing to that type of orthodontic treatment. 

Here’s the good news: Invisalign wants to help you get your best smile. That’s why they offer a free, online, Smile Assessment Test. By entering a little information about yourself and your smile, this quick and easy test will help you decide if you’re a good Invisalign candidate.