Around four million people in the United States have braces, and about a quarter of them are adults. These are startling statistics but understandable. A beautiful smile is often the envy of many people. A smile communicates confidence, and a beautiful one can elevate your natural looks even more. So, trying to get yours straightened out is a natural direction in a world where selfies and social media influence a lot.

Despite the desirability of a straight smile, many adults would prefer not to have metal wires peek out when they smile. Before the mid-1990s, it was the only way. At about this time, two Stanford students designed Invisalign clear aligners that deliver the same results as braces. Imagine getting a straight smile and never worrying about wires peeking out when you smile.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that you get from an orthodontist to correct your smile. The trays are customized according to your specific needs and the state of your teeth. The aligners use gentle force to shift your teeth to the desired positions. Throughout treatment, the orthodontist will create a series of trays that change according to the shifting stage.

Despite being an ideal treatment option for many people, it is not for everyone. Here are some things that can make you a candidate for the treatment.

Your Issue Is Not Complicated

Many cases of crooked teeth will usually resolve after using Invisalign. It works for several bite issues like underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites. It also works for people with gaps between their teeth or crowded teeth. Despite being versatile, it may not work for you.

Depending on the specific severity of your condition, your dentist will confirm if it will work for you. If your condition is too severe, you may require oral surgery. Other times, you may only get results from using traditional braces.

You Are Responsible

Responsibility usually comes with the maturity that comes with age. You must have the maturity to wear Invisalign for quite a long time. You must have the trays on for hours per day. In some situations, you may have to wear them all the time except when eating or drinking colored drinks.

Because of the level of commitment and care the trays require, you need to match up to that to be a good candidate. You must want to get your teeth right to manage this.

Your Teeth Are Matured

You can only get Invisalign if your oral structures are fully developed. This is because many dentists cannot determine how a child’s teeth will grow while they are young. Invisalign works best with teeth that have been set into their position. When they shift, they need to stay in their new positions. It can be hard to direct the teeth if they are not fully matured.

You Have Good Oral Hygiene

As with any orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is essential for Invisalign candidates. Wearing Invisalign means your teeth will be covered throughout most of the day. You must clean them regularly to ensure that cavities do not develop while correcting your teeth. You will also need to clean your trays when you brush to ensure plaque does not collect on the trays.

To learn if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, call btyDENTAL at (907) 333-6666 to reach our offices in Anchorage, Alaska.