By Maylands Dental Centre 
Invisalign is a popular type of orthodontic treatment that many people choose to achieve straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. But while it can be an excellent option for many people, there are some cases where it is not recommended.
In this blog post, we will discuss who is not considered a good candidate for Invisalign treatment and why. We’ll also explore alternative options that are available for you.
Read on to learn more!
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Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Invisalign?
Some patients are not suitable for Invisalign. These patients typically have severe malocclusions, missing teeth, or extensive orthodontic issues. Invisalign is not as effective in treating these patients as traditional braces are.
Those who are not considered a good candidate for Invisalign are:
- Patients who have severe bite issues such as overbite or underbite.
- Patients who have a lot of crooked teeth.
- Patients with overly crowded teeth.
- Patients with a lot of tooth decay, cavities, or active gum disease.
- Patients who wear braces currently.
- Patients who have a low commitment to oral care.
- Patients with a very strong gag reflex.
- Patients with a history of TMJ problems.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Does Age Matter For Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is often recommended for adult patients and teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. In recent years, however, Invisalign has also been used to treat young children with simple dental issues. So, does age matter when it comes to Invisalign treatment?
In general, Invisalign is most effective for patients who are at least 12 years old. This is because Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth, and a child’s mouth is still growing and changing at this age.
In addition, Invisalign treatment typically takes 12-18 months to complete, so younger patients may not be able to comply with the treatment plan. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If a child has simple dental issues and can wear the aligners as directed, Invisalign may be an option.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use Invisalign for a child depends on several factors. Important factors to consider include:
- The child’s age
- The severity of the child’s dental problem
- The child’s ability to comply with the treatment plan and practice good oral hygiene
If you have questions about Invisalign treatment for your child, schedule a consultation with a dentist today.
What Are The Alternatives To Invisalign Treatment?
For those not considered a good candidate for Invisalign, other treatment options are available. Several alternative treatment options for Invisalign can be just as effective in achieving the desired results. These include:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are still a go-to option to address crooked teeth and achieve straight teeth and a straighter smile. In fact, they may be a better choice in some cases.
For instance, if you have severely misaligned teeth, Invisalign may not be able to provide the level of correction you need.
Invisalign is also not recommended for people who have dental conditions such as periodontal disease. In these cases, traditional metal braces may be the best option.
Traditional braces are also generally more affordable than Invisalign.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are an excellent option for patients looking for an alternative to Invisalign.
Ceramic braces are made from a strong, translucent material that is virtually invisible when worn. In addition, they are much smaller and less bulky than traditional metal braces. As a result, just like invisible braces, ceramic braces are a discreet and esthetically-pleasing option for patients of all ages.
In terms of function, ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, using brackets and wires to gradually move crooked teeth into their proper position.
However, because they are made from a different material, ceramic braces tend to be more comfortable and easier to clean than metal braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are another popular choice for those looking to improve their smile. These are similar to traditional braces in that they use brackets and wires to gradually move your teeth into the correct position.
However, lingual braces are placed on the inside surface of your teeth, so they’re invisible from the outside. This can be a major benefit for adults who don’t want to advertise that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
In addition, lingual braces can be more comfortable than traditional braces since they don’t rub against your lips and cheeks.
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin, often used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, chipped, or poorly shaped. Veneers can close gaps between teeth.
While veneers are durable and long-lasting, they’re not right for everyone. They are not suitable if you have gum disease, large fillings, or little tooth enamel. In addition, veneers can be costly, and they’re not reversible.
Dental bonding involves using a tooth-coloured resin to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Bonding can be used to close teeth gaps, improve the shape of your teeth, and make them look more uniform.
The procedure is relatively quick and easy, and it can usually be done in one office visit. In addition, bonding is typically less costly than Invisalign.
While Invisalign is still the best option for many people, it’s important to explore all of your options before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a great way to improve your smile without the hassle of braces. However, this orthodontic treatment is not right for everyone.
The dentists at Mayland Dental Centre are experienced in providing Invisalign treatment and can help you determine if it is the best option for you.
We understand that everyone’s needs are different, so we offer a range of dental services to meet your needs. We want to ensure that you have a smile you can be proud of – and Invisalign is one way to make that happen.
Please book an appointment online or call us at (08) 9370 5464 to get started on your new smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of Invisalign treatment will vary depending on the individual case. In general, the full cost of Invisalign treatment is between $6,000-$9,000. We can provide you with a quote once we have assessed your needs.
Because Invisalign is an elective procedure, most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of treatment. However, some insurers offer partial coverage for Invisalign, and some employers offer dental benefits that can be used to cover the cost of Invisalign.
If you’re considering Invisalign, be sure to check with your dental insurance provider to see if your plan offers any coverage for Invisalign. You may also want to speak with your employer about your dental benefits.
By doing your research, you can find out if dental insurance will help cover the cost of Invisalign.
For good oral health, you should clean your Invisalign aligners daily to remove any buildup of food debris, plaque, and bacteria. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap to clean your aligners. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the aligners to warp.
After brushing your aligners, rinse them thoroughly with cool water before putting them back in your mouth. It would help if you also cleaned your teeth before putting your aligners back in, as bacteria and plaque can build up on your teeth while the aligners are out.
You will have to wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day before moving on to the next set in your treatment plan. As you progress through the sets of aligners, your teeth will shift into their desired positions gradually.
You should only remove your aligners to drink, eat, brush, and floss your teeth. If you need to remove them for any other reason, rinse your mouth and aligners with cool water before putting them back in.
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