So, you’ve recently decided to enhance your appearance with smile-correcting aligners. But, how do you know if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, such as Invisalign®? At California Dental Innovations, Dr. Mina Levi and her dedicated team have years of experience providing life-changing treatments to patients living in San Francisco, CA.
If you’re ready to confirm your candidacy, then schedule your consultation at our San Francisco dental office by calling (415) 513-5066 or by requesting it online here. We’ll gladly help you determine if clear aligners are right for you.
In the meantime, Dr. Mina Levi and her knowledgeable team are here to discuss qualities that might make you a good candidate for Invisalign®. Keep reading to see if clear aligners might be right for you.
Who makes an ideal Invisalign® candidate?
There are several qualities that might make someone an ideal Invisalign® candidate, such as:
- Age
- Case complexity
- Oral health and hygiene
- Dedication and discipline
Age
As we get older, our teeth become more difficult to move into proper alignment. Therefore, dental professionals encourage patients to pursue smile-correcting treatments as soon as possible.
In fact, many dentists recommend seeking orthodontic solutions for children as young as seven years old. Early intervention allows young patients to improve their smiles as they grow, which limits the need for secondary intervention later in the child’s life.
Nonetheless, Invisalign® treatments are still a great option for teens and adults. However, older patients should anticipate a longer treatment timeline compared to their younger counterparts.
Case Complexity
Patients with mild to moderate alignment issues are ideal candidates for clear aligners. Using the Invisalign® system, Dr. Mina Levi can fix most cases of:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Open, cross, under, and overbites
Patients with severe alignment issues may benefit more from traditional braces over clear aligners. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Mina Levi will help us determine which treatment is right for you.
Oral Health and Hygiene
Patients should be free from cavities and gum disease before seeking Invisalign® treatments. Otherwise, the clear aligners may make cavities and gum disease worse.
As a result, we recommend treating all oral health issues before wearing clear aligners. However, patients must continue to support their oral health during their Invisalign® treatments. So, Dr. Mina Levi recommends:
- Brushing after every meal or snack
- Flossing at least once a day
- Rinsing food and debris from aligners frequently
- Visiting our San Francisco dental office for routine checkups and dental cleanings
Dedication and Discipline
Patients must wear Invisalign® trays for 20 to 22 hours per day to see their desired results. Failure to wear the trays for the prescribed amount of time may result in unexpected complications, which can increase the treatment length.
Therefore, patients must commit to wearing their aligners every day, even while sleeping. Additionally, patients must dedicate themselves to properly caring for their aligners, such as;
- Removing trays before eating
- Brushing or rinsing aligners in between meals or snacks
- Switching out aligners every two weeks according to the treatment plan
Schedule Your Invisalign® Consultation Today
Do you think that you might be a good candidate for Invisalign® trays? Then, schedule a consultation at California Dental Innovations to verify your candidacy today. Patients can call our San Francisco dental office at (415) 513-5066 or they may reach us online here.
