You know you are ready to see your Lawrenceville orthodontist about aligning your smile, but do you know what kind of braces are right for you? Your lifestyle, preferences, and the level of responsibility you are willing to accept all factor into this decision. So, if you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, now is the time to find out.
1. You Want Your Braces to Be Discreet
If you consider metal mouth and brace face the domain of adolescents, then Invisalign is probably already on your radar. The clear trays used in this orthodontic treatment are super thin and fit snugly to your teeth so they’re barely noticeable.
It’s important to know that many people who have Invisalign must also wear attachments – small composite bumps temporarily bonded to their teeth to make their trays fit better. These make Invisalign slightly more visible, but not by much.
2. You Thrive on Routine
Are you good at the details, at following directions, at keeping a schedule and appreciating the results that come from your efforts? Invisalign could be right up your alley. The rules that surround the wearing of this orthodontic alternative are consistent across the board – see your dentist every six to eight weeks, wear your trays for two weeks at a time, keep trays in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day.
Anyone who loves numbers and prides themselves on being good with keeping a healthy routine will find the demands of Invisalign easy to absorb into their lifestyle.
3. You Want to Look and Feel Like Yourself
People who wear braces must accept this treatment as part of their identity, even if it is the barely noticeable Invisalign. But you don’t have to tell the world that you’re getting orthodontic treatment. The clear trays allow you to continue to look and feel like yourself. You can go about your daily activities without worrying about braces interfering. Speak up, eat, enjoy life as you always have.
4. You Do Not Want Food Restrictions
Yes, traditional braces wearers do have food restrictions, and they’re significant. No popcorn, nuts, chewy foods, crunchy foods, gum, or anything that could break, pull, or crack your hardware. With Invisalign, the only food restriction is that you can’t eat while your trays are in place.
Some patients say that their teeth feel tender once treatment is underway so it’s difficult for them to, say, dig into a hamburger or bite into a carrot, but these feelings are unique to every patient. If you want to eat something, go ahead and eat it – just make sure you take your trays out first and clean them and your teeth before they’re joined back together again.
5. You Want Healthier Teeth
Many adults choose Invisalign because they have had it with all the little dental problems that keep occurring for them, from cavities to enamel erosion, gum recession to TMJ problems. When you wear Invisalign and straighten your smile, it will be healthier by the end. Straight teeth, simply enough, are healthy teeth.
Find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roberts or Dr. de Marsche at Lawrenceville Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, NJ.