Is Invisalign Right for You?
Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure if Invisalign is the way to go? You’ve probably seen the ads—clear aligners, no metal, just pop them in and go. But is it the right choice for you? Here’s what to consider before starting Invisalign treatment.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign can treat many common alignment issues, including:
Crowded teeth: When teeth overlap, making them hard to clean.
Gaps: Extra space between teeth that can trap food and bacteria.
Overbites & Underbites: When the top or bottom teeth stick out too far.
Crossbites: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
Relapse cases: If your teeth shifted after previous braces, Invisalign can help move them back into place.
While Invisalign works for many people, severe misalignment or bite issues may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatment.
How Invisalign Works
Your Invisalign journey starts with a digital scan or impressions of your teeth. Using these images, your dentist creates a custom treatment plan that maps out your tooth movements.
You’ll receive a series of clear aligners, each designed to shift your teeth little by little. You’ll switch to a new set every one to two weeks and continue progressing until your teeth reach their final position. The best part? You can remove them to eat, brush, and floss! After completing treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to prevent shifting.
The Good: What Invisalign Does Well
It’s Nearly Invisible: No brackets, no wires. Just clear trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Most people won’t even notice.
You Can Eat What You Want: Love popcorn? Sticky candy? Invisalign won’t stop you. Just take your aligners out while eating.
Easier to Keep Clean: Brushing and flossing? Way simpler than with braces. Just remove your trays, clean your teeth, and pop them back in.
Great for Busy Adults & Teens: No painful tightening appointments or emergency visits for broken brackets. Just switch to your next set of aligners as directed and check in with your dentist every 6-8 weeks to make sure everything is on track.
The Not-So-Great: Things to Consider
While being removable is a benefit, it can also be a challenge. Invisalign only works if you wear the trays 20-22 hours a day, so you have to be disciplined. If you forget to put them back in after meals, it could slow down your treatment.
Losing a tray isn’t a disaster, but it’s not ideal. If you misplace one, your dentist may advise you to move to the next set early or wear the previous one longer—which could slightly delay your results.
At the end of your treatment, you may need refinement trays to fine-tune your results, which can extend your timeline slightly depending on how your teeth respond.
Invisalign is effective for many cases, but severe crowding, bite issues, or complex tooth movements might still require braces or additional treatments.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies, but most patients wear their aligners for 12 to 18 months. Some people see noticeable changes within a few months.
Invisalign at Jonesboro Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR
If you’re ready to straighten your teeth without the hassle of braces, Invisalign could be the perfect fit. At Jonesboro Dental Care, Dr. Jonathan Cook and Dr. Mark Kingston offer personalized Invisalign treatment to help you achieve your best smile.
Curious if Invisalign is right for you? Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a straighter smile!
Categorised in: Invisalign
