Is Invisalign Right for You?

invisalign candidate arlington dentist dr alana macalik

You’ve probably heard plenty about Invisalign, the innovative and discreet way to straighten teeth. But is it right for you? Only your Arlington Invisalign provider can tell for sure if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, but if you relate to any of the following points, it’s a good indication that this smile makeover is well worth pursuing.

You don’t want braces to interfere with your appearance.

Understandably, most adults are anti-braces because they are well past the age when orthodontics are the norm. Invisalign has changed that reality for grown-ups. The aligners are super slim and clear, making them look practically invisible on a wearer’s teeth.

You can still smile and speak with confidence without feeling self-conscious about your braces – no one will see Invisalign on your teeth, whether you’re at work, socializing, or just chilling at home.

You want to eat whatever you want.

You can’t eat with Invisalign aligners in your mouth, but you can eat whatever you want when you remove them. Invisalign must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, but much of the time that they’re not on your teeth is during meal time, and most Invisalign-wearers consider that a blessing. You can dig into all your favorite foods – there are no restrictions with this tooth-alignment method like there are with conventional metal braces.

The only rule: Clean your teeth and aligners before connecting them back together again after a meal or snack so food and bacteria don’t get trapped between enamel and snug-fitting Invisalign.

You once had braces and your teeth have started to get crooked again.

There are many people who had orthodontics as a teen but end up with misaligned teeth again as an adult. There are many causes for this relapse, from not wearing your retainer to TMJ problems. Ultimately, if you’ve had braces before, you can have braces again, and this time make the results last.

Whether you need a full course of Invisalign or an abbreviated version of treatment, you can correct the misalignment of your smile subtly and efficiently. (But you still have to wear retainers after Invisalign, too.)

You don’t want to be in pain.

Here’s the reality: You can’t have your teeth and their roots moved around in your mouth without experiencing some discomfort and pressure. That’s normal and expected for every orthodontic treatment. However, Invisalign stands out from the pack because all the other niggling problems are eliminated.

There are no brackets and wires on the teeth that pierce the lips, cheeks, or gums. There is no need to see the dentist for readjustments because wax just isn’t making the problem better. Invisalign is smooth and easy to wear – a low-maintenance way to perfect your smile.

You’re a rule-follower.

Invisalign requires dedication to the process. You must honor all the rules your Invisalign provider lays down, like wearing your aligners for two weeks before switching them out, seeing your dentist every six weeks or so for a checkup, brushing and flossing after every meal and before Invisalign goes back in your mouth, and not eating or drinking with Invisalign in place.

Learn more about Invisalign and whether this cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you. Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Alana Macalik and get on the road to a beautiful, straight smile.