Improving your smile by straightening your teeth provides more than just a cosmetic boost. Misaligned teeth can often lead to worsening dental problems. Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign in Arlington Heights, IL, can help adjust your smile and improve your oral health. But it may not be the treatment of choice for everyone. Because every mouth is different, you may not benefit from Invisalign. After examining your bite and discussing your goals, your cosmetic dentist in Arlington Heights can help determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you.
When Invisalign in Arlington Heights, IL, Isn’t Recommended
Many patients prefer the benefits that Invisalign offers. Clear aligners provide a discreet orthodontic treatment option. And since the trays are removable, you are typically able to enjoy fewer dietary restrictions compared to traditional braces. However, many of the benefits of Invisalign are also the reasons it could be ineffective for some patients. If you have a complex dental case or lack the responsibility to wear your aligners, then Invisalign may not be the right option for you.
Complex Cases of Malocclusion
Invisalign works best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic cases. If you have extensive crowding or large gaps between teeth, your dentist may recommend a more traditional approach to treatment. When you get Invisalign, you receive a set of aligners that you change out every few weeks. This process is a lot like getting your braces tightened to adjust the pressure.
However, this process does not allow for flexibility or on-the-go adjustments. Complex orthodontic cases can have unexpected results during treatment. Because it is difficult for a dentist to predict what these changes might be, they often recommend traditional braces to allow for treatment updates as needed.
Younger Patients
Invisalign is typically only recommended for older teens and adults. It’s often not a good choice for pre-teens or children for two reasons. The main reason is that the trays can negatively affect early dental development. A child who still has baby teeth can benefit from early orthodontic intervention, but that treatment will rarely involve clear aligners or even full braces.
Younger patients also tend to be less responsible. They are more likely to forget or refuse to put in their aligners for the full 22 hours required to maximize results. For this reason, more traditional approaches can help ensure treatment is effective.
Difficulty Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Because clear aligners are removable, patients can enjoy their regular diets more easily. But that also means patients need to be extra diligent about brushing and flossing after eating and cleaning their aligners.
Patients who have limited mobility may struggle to maintain at-home oral hygiene routines and keep their teeth and gums clean during treatment. This can lead to plaque buildup and decay. As such, alternative treatment options may be better at helping protect a patient’s oral health.
If you want to improve your smile, Invisalign may help. Call us today at (847) 230-9703 to schedule a consultation and see if Invisalign is right for you.