The Ideal Candidate for Invisalign

While Invisalign® is an effective alternative to braces, it may not be the ideal treatment for everyone. The candidacy process happens in one appointment, involving X-rays, a physical examination, and a review of the patient's dental records. Here is a closer look at the factors we consider when choosing an ideal candidate.

Diligent with oral hygiene

While we strongly advise removing the Invisalign aligners when eating, it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene. This enhances a patient's oral health and prevents bacteria buildup in the aligners. Buildup can cause the aligners to warp and become discolored. The material is a clear, medical-grade thermoplastic, which can cause the teeth to appear dirty if the patient does not clean them properly. Additionally, the aligners can emit an odor that will be tough to eliminate.

Healthy gums

If there is evidence of lesions, sores, or infection, then patients must address this before undergoing the Invisalign process. That is because these abnormalities are always a sign of a deeper issue, such as gum disease, oral cancer, and the like. These conditions can cause the gum tissue to wear or recede, greatly affecting the health and stability of the teeth. Left unaddressed, it can eventually affect the jawbone, causing it to break down and become brittle or non-existent.

Mature jaw structure

Invisalign offers systems for children, teens, and adults. However, the ideal candidate will have a more mature jaw structure so that we can ensure no natural changes or developments can alter those caused by the aligners.

Malcolussion is mild to moderate levels in severity

Invisalign can correct up to 10 types of malocclusions or bad bite conditions. However, for the extreme cases of each, which may require treatment longer than 18 months or surgical intervention, the patient may be a candidate for alternative treatment plans.

Nonsmoker

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has determined that smoking and any tobacco products threaten a person's overall health. Tobacco contains over 7,000 chemicals linked to many illnesses. These same chemicals can cause teeth staining, gum disease, and warping to the aligner material. Therefore, a nonsmoker is the more ideal candidate than one who smokes.

Heightened level of responsibility

Aside from the physical aspects, it is important to remember commitment to the Invisalign process is key to success. The system can be seen as more relaxed than its alternatives, with no diet restrictions and removable features. However, patients are primarily responsible for their treatment. They need to adhere to proper care guidelines. In addition to cleaning their teeth after every meal, patients should rinse their aligners with lukewarm water every time they remove them. To clean the aligners properly, patients should use lukewarm water, unscented, antibacterial soap, and a cloth to gently rub and rinse them for 30 to 60 seconds daily. This eliminates lingering bacteria and any buildup accumulated from the day.

Additionally, patients must wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day. Though it may be tempting to remove them during the initial adjustment period, due to discomfort, sensitivity, and speech alterations, refrain from doing so. Moreover, if a patient is absent-minded, such as always forgetting where they placed their keys, phone, remote, etc, they may want to consider a straightening option fixed to their teeth. This is largely due to the teeth needing constant pressure and custom-made aligners. If a set of aligners is lost, scheduling an appointment and receiving new, custom aligners will take time. This can cause treatment progress to regress or halt.