Imagine attaining a straight, beautiful smile without the world watching. No metal brackets and wires, trips to the dentist every couple of weeks, or disruptive lifestyle changes — just soft, clear, removable aligners. 

Invisalign can help you get the smile you have always dreamed about. While most people can take advantage of this treatment, it is not for everyone. Could you be a candidate for Invisalign? 

Uncomplicated Orthodontic Needs

Invisalign can treat a lot of conditions, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bits, crowded teeth, and gaps. However, they only do so for those with mild to moderate needs.

Your dentist will do a comprehensive oral examination to determine if Invisalign is the proper treatment option to meet your needs. If your teeth require more complex treatment, alternative solutions will be offered to give you the results you are looking for. 

Good Oral Hygiene

You need a healthy mouth to be a good candidate for Invisalign – and you get this through good oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist. 

Because the clear aligners will spend so much time on your teeth, you want to make sure that both your teeth and your aligners are clean and properly cared for so that they don’t lead to infections or other dental issues.

If you currently have any tooth decay or gum disease, you may still be a good candidate for Invisalign as long as you address and clear up these issues first. 

Committed to Treatment

With Invisalign, you have to be committed to the treatment. After all, for them to work, they have to be in your mouth. Yet, one of the perks of choosing these clear aligners is that they can be removed at any time. 

A good candidate for Invisalign will be committed to treatment. They will understand that the aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day — and will make it happen. 

A Non-Smoker

You can’t smoke while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Removing them in order to do so will likely render your treatment ineffective since they would spend so much time outside of your mouth. Not to mention, of course, that smoking is bad for both your oral health and your overall health. 

What’s more, tobacco can make your aligner trays look grungy and dirty. If clear aligners are what you are looking for, then smoking is not the way to get them. A good candidate for Invisalign will not be a smoker. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign 

How long does Invisalign treatment take? 

Your treatment timeline will depend on your own oral health needs. However, most patients find that their treatment can be completed within six to 18 months. 

Does dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign treatment? 

It depends. Some insurance companies may cover a percentage of the treatment. It is best to reach out to your carrier and determine your coverage. 

Learn More About Invisalign

Invisalign is a great way to transform your smile and boost your oral health discreetly. If you want to see whether or not you are a candidate for the treatment — or you want to learn more about it, the team at Harmony Dental Center can help. 

Contact us today at 703-779-7779. Or, request an appointment online.