
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign? What’s treatment like?
Invisalign helps patients achieve straight and balanced smiles with the use of clear acrylic trays and composite attachments. Despite the brand name, Invisalign trays are not invisible, though they are certainly less noticeable than traditional wire and bracket braces. Since its inception in 1995, Invisalign has delivered over 19 million cases. Results are quite predictable, making it a top choice for dentists and orthodontists globally.
While everyone’s case is different, Invisalign is usually a great option for straightforward movements—for example, if you have crowded lower teeth, small gaps between your teeth, or teeth that are flared forward or backward. More involved malocclusions (unbalanced bites) will require longer treatment times and auxiliaries, like elastics (rubber bands) and larger attachments (composite “buttons” that are bonded to the teeth).
At Demibone, our licensed orthodontist overlooks and plans every case, ensuring that your treatment is safe, your results are predictable, and your chief concerns are addressed. If Invisalign isn’t an option for you, we’ll recommend and place traditional braces instead.
In order for Invisalign to work, patients must wear the acrylic trays a minimum of 22 hours a day. This means you are only removing the trays to eat. Excellent hygiene during your treatment will ensure that you won’t get decay or gum disease beneath the trays. You should use an electric brush (Philips Sonciare is a wonderful option) and expandable floss (like Cocofloss or Burst). You still have to see your dentist for 6-month check ups and cleanings; Sometimes we will recommend more frequent dental cleanings if we notice a higher plaque score beneath your aligners.
Patients who are compliant with daily aligner wear do end up with gorgeous results at the end, but the truth is that Invisalign can be a real drag if you are planning a fun, social summer, doing a lot of traveling, or if you have other big life events planned—like trying for a baby, undergoing surgery, or moving to a new country. Compliance is key. Compliance and excellent hygiene are the two exclusive factors that determine your treatment success.