When you look in the mirror, what do you see? You may notice your beautiful eyes or you might focus on your new, flattering hairstyle instead. If your smile is less than perfect, you may find yourself deliberately ignoring your teeth or focusing on your misaligned teeth exclusively.
No matter what you may think of your smile, we can assure you that every grin is beautiful. While that’s true, you may want to improve your smile by straightening your teeth. In years past, people had just one choice to straighten their teeth—metal braces. Although braces are still used quite often, you now have another option for achieving your best smile. And that option is Invisalign. However, some individuals may be Not a Good Candidate for Invisalign depending on their specific dental concerns, raising the question: can anyone get Invisalign?
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is used to correct a variety of orthodontic issues, such as spacing, underbites, and overbites. The treatment uses a series of Invisalign clear aligners to gently push a person’s teeth into proper position. Each successive set of aligners will reposition your teeth that much more, helping many patients wondering will Invisalign work for me better understand the process.
Many people prefer Invisalign over traditional metal braces because the treatment is comparatively discreet. Whereas metal braces are visible even from a distance, Invisalign aligners are virtually impossible for onlookers to detect unless you’re speaking face-to-face. This is why people with Invisalign often feel more confident throughout treatment. However, you may wonder, “Do I need Invisalign?” The answer depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Some individuals may not be good candidates for Invisalign if their alignment issues are too complex, so a consultation with a qualified doctor is essential to determine the best treatment option for you.
A lot of patients opt for Invisalign because it’s less intrusive as well. People who wear braces are often told to avoid certain foods like pizza crust, popcorn, and hard bread. Patients undergoing Invisalign treatment don’t have to worry about similar restrictions because they’ll remove their aligners when they eat or drink anything other than water.
Can Anyone Undergo Invisalign Treatment?
While there’s no question why Invisalign is a sought-after treatment for people who want to improve their smile, Invisalign isn’t suitable for everyone. Many patients wonder, “Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?” Generally, individuals with healthy gums, no active cavities, and mild to moderate alignment issues are ideal candidates. However, patients with untreated gum disease, active cavities, or oral conditions requiring surgical correction may not be a good candidate for Invisalign. In such cases, these underlying issues must be addressed before aligner therapy can be considered.
Patients who have dental implants, bridges, or TMJ disorder may not be the best candidates for Invisalign, which raises the common question: can anyone get Invisalign? If your teeth are on the smaller side or they’re misshapen or eroded, Invisalign may not be practical. However, if these issues aren’t severe, an Invisalign-certified orthodontist may still be able to make the treatment work for you. These are some cases of who is not eligible for Invisalign or when Invisalign is not an option.
Does Age Matter for Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign was originally invented as an alternative to braces for adults. Over the years, as Invisalign treatment options expanded to include teens and even younger children, it became accessible to patients at nearly every stage of life. Today, age alone is no longer a barrier to treatment; however, certain orthodontic or oral health conditions—not age—may determine whether someone is not a good candidate for Invisalign.
Is Commitment an Issue for Invisalign?
As is the case with metal braces, Invisalign works to correct smiles over time. While your treatment lasts, you’ll need to follow the instructions your Invisalign orthodontist gives you in order to achieve the results you’re hoping for.
Although every Invisalign treatment is custom-made for individual patients, there are some basic requirements all treatments share. Patients must wear their Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20 hours per day, with 22 hours being even more preferable. Every few weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners, and it’s vital to wear them in the proper sequence for the prescribed period. Many patients ask, “Who is a suitable candidate for clear aligner treatment?” Generally, individuals who can commit to wearing their aligners consistently and follow their treatment plan closely are ideal candidates. Patients unable to meet these requirements may not be a good candidate for Invisalign. It’s also important to remember that Invisalign cost can vary depending on the complexity and length of treatment.
Although every Invisalign treatment is custom-made for individual patients, there are some basic parameters that the treatments have in common. Many people wonder, ‘does Invisalign work for everyone?’ While it’s highly effective, success depends on strict compliance and patients must wear their Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20 hours per day, with 22 hours being even more preferable. Every few weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners, and it’s vital that you wear them in the proper sequence for the prescribed period of time.
If you can’t commit to wearing aligners for 20–22 hours per day or you lack the discipline to keep track of your aligners until you’re ready to move onto the next set, you may want to reconsider undergoing Invisalign treatment. A typical treatment plan lasts between 12 and 18 months. During that time, you’ll have to visit your orthodontist every few weeks. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is also essential throughout the process to ensure successful results. If your schedule is too demanding for that, you should talk to your orthodontist about alternative treatments or creating a visitation schedule that will fit into your schedule.
Where to Go If You’ve Been Turned Away
Clearly, some people aren’t great candidates for Invisalign treatment. While that’s the case, even people who aren’t the best candidates may still be eligible for this life- and smile-changing treatment.
If you’ve been told that you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign, you don’t have to accept that as an absolute truth. Questions like “who can use Invisalign” often have more flexible answers than you might expect. And while cost comparisons matter—such as is Invisalign cheaper than braces—expert evaluation is just as important. Where some orthodontists see limitations, professionals like Dr. Colin Webb see opportunities to transform smiles and lives at the same time.
Having completed dental school and undergone an additional 2.5 years of training with pioneering, internationally acclaimed orthodontists, Dr. Webb treats hundreds of patients with Invisalign every six months. Since opening his practice in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Webb has become a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, which is the highest distinction awarded by Invisalign. This enviable distinction means our resident Invisalign specialist is among the best in the United States.
As one of the top Invisalign orthodontists in the country, Dr. Webb has successfully used Invisalign to treat patients who were previously declared to be unfit for Invisalign. While there are cases that can’t be treated with Invisalign, Dr. Webb uses Invisalign clear aligners to treat patients who’ve been turned away from orthodontists and dentists who lack his extensive experience and laudable training.
If you’ve been turned away elsewhere, your destination should be clear. Head over to Clearsmile Orthodontics for an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Webb.
One of a Kind, Just Like You
Like you, Clearsmile Orthodontics is truly one of a kind. Our practice is The Queen City’s first-ever dedicated Invisalign orthodontic office, designed specifically for those who need expert care and want to understand who needs Invisalign—and who may be not a good candidate for Invisalign. While there isn’t a shortage of orthodontists in the Charlotte area, our practice stands apart as the only one that offers Invisalign treatment exclusively, allowing us to carefully evaluate every smile and recommend the most appropriate solution.
The moment you walk into our office, you’ll sense that our practice is different in all the right ways. Learn about some of the ways we distinguish our Invisalign office from other practices now. When you’re ready to be told “yes” to Invisalign, schedule an appointment with our in-house Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, Dr. Colin Webb.
FAQs About Invisalign at Clearsmile Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What makes Invisalign different from traditional braces?
Invisalign is a more discreet and comfortable alternative to metal braces that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing.
2. Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
The majority of individuals with moderate to mild spacing, crowding, overbites, or underbites are suitable candidates. However, if you have gum disease, untreated cavities, dental implants, or other oral issues, you may need to address those first. A consultation with Dr. Webb can figure out if you qualify.
3. How long does the typical Invisalign treatment last?
Treatment typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how closely you follow the prescribed aligner schedule.
4. Do I need to wear the aligners all day?
Yes. For the best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink anything other than water, or brush and floss your teeth.
5. What if I’ve been told I’m not a candidate for Invisalign elsewhere?
Don’t lose hope. Dr. Colin Webb is a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider and has successfully treated patients who were previously turned away by other providers. Clearsmile Orthodontics’ consultation could open up new possibilities for your smile.
6. Why should I choose Clearsmile Orthodontics for my Invisalign treatment?
We’re Charlotte’s only Invisalign exclusive practice, led by one of the top Invisalign orthodontists in the country. Our focus, experience, and personalized care make us the go to choice for patients seeking exceptional Invisalign results.