It’s very possible you’re reading this because one of your new year resolutions was to straighten your teeth for the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. And what a fine resolution that is! You may also be interested to find out about the latest developments in Invisalign clear aligners for 2021. At Park Lane Orthodontics in Reading we often get asked “am I suitable for Invisalign?” often because your regular dentist also offers this teeth straightening solution. Before deciding on using the Invisalign system patients should consider the following.
Should I use an Orthodontist or Dentist for Invisalign?
An orthodontist’s sole purpose, top priority and raison d’etre is to help patients achieve straight teeth and a perfectly aligned smile. That’s what we’ve trained for and that’s all we do, every working day. This not only means you’re in the best possible place when it comes to straightening teeth, it also means we’re able to offer alternative ways to achieve a beautiful smile if you’re not a suitable candidate for Invisalign. We also hear of cases where dentists tell patients they’re unsuitable for Invisalign simply because they don’t have the right Invisalign option to offer. We offer an array of different types of Invisalign treatments and other orthodontic treatment options so there’s always a solution for all our patients. The worst outcome for patients is if they end up wasting time and money on the wrong type of braces which don’t provide the desired end results.
The good news is clear aligners like Invisalign are not only discreet but provide successful outcomes for patients who, your Park Lane Orthodontist, recognises as a suitable candidate. Our consultation process added to the fact we’re a recognised Invisalign Platinum Provider, means you’ll receive expert guidance on what’s best for you and we’ll explain all options clearly and thoroughly so you get to make an informed decision on your orthodontic treatment.
Click here for more information on why you should choose an orthodontic practice to have braces.
Am I a suitable candidate for Invisalign?
The good news is that Invisalign aligners can treat most orthodontic problems. These include minor to moderate cases of:
- Protruding teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps
- Overbite
- Overcrowding
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Invisalign primarily corrects the position and placement of teeth, not the structure and positioning of the jaw. Due to this, severe cases of misalignment typically require traditional clear braces.
To be 100% sure what’s right for you we recommend meeting with your Invisalign orthodontist in person at Park Lane Orthodontics in Reading or arrange for a free remote orthodontic consultation
Not just the cost of Invisalign to consider
As a treatment, Invisalign appeals to many dentists as they see it as taking an impression, sending it to a lab and then receiving the trays/aligners to do the job for them. Sounds simple but in reality, getting a successful outcome and teeth as straight as possible, is more complex.
To start with, we won’t take an impression of your teeth at Park Lane Orthodontics in Reading, we’ll actually use a state-of-the-art 3D scanner to digitally scan your teeth which is far more detailed and accurate than an impression and a lot quicker to send to the Invisalign lab. This means your Invisalign aligners will work as efficiently as possible in moving your teeth to their desired position.
Again, at the planning/consultation stage we won’t just assess the current state of your smile but will also discuss other issues that may mean Invisalign treatment is not the best option and provide alternatives. Invisalign enables patients to remove their aligners while eating or speaking. While this is one of the greatest advantages, it can also be a pitfall.
More freedom comes with more responsibility. Patient compliance, therefore, is crucial for a successful outcome. That means patients must wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day. Not wearing the aligners enough can lengthen treatment time.
Patients who are too young to take responsibility for their aligners may be recommended traditional braces to avoid having to replace their aligners too often.
It’s important to ensure that Invisalign is the best option for you before treatment begins and also to know there are no wrong choices between clear aligners and traditional braces for those who qualify.
Don’t be forced into Invisalign if you’re not comfortable.
If the words “traditional braces” make you think of giant silver brackets and wires, think again! Traditional braces are much more subtle than they used to be and just as effective. Ask us about braces with clear ceramic brackets and customizable arch wire.
Clear braces are particularly popular for adult patients for the same reasons that clear aligners are. They’re both discreet and effective treatments.
If you’d like to discuss the pros and cons of Invisalign or any other orthodontic treatments then contact us today. 0118 9411628 info@parlaneorthodontics.co.uk