You’ve no doubt heard about Invisalign, the so-called “invisible braces.” They work much like traditional metal braces in that they slowly move your teeth into the best position determined by your dentist. Unlike older styles of braces, however, Invisalign is clear and the trays are swapped out every few days to a week as they move the teeth. Sounds exciting, right? But are you a good candidate for the technology? Here’s what you need to know.

Your Dental Issues

Certain dental issues respond better to Invisalign than others. That includes gaps between teeth, an underbite or overbite, crowded teeth or a crossbite. A dental expert, like those at Pure Dentistry, can help you determine if your issue is one that is appropriate for Invisalign. The severity of the problem also plays a role, with the worst cases being better candidates for more traditional types of braces.

Your Age

It might be surprising to find out that how old you are is a determining factor in whether Invisalign is your best option. The technology tends to work best for older teens and adults, though it’s becoming increasingly common in the younger crowd as well. The reason for this is partly because the braces are invisible, which appeals to teens and adults as they can repair their dental issues without a mouth full of metal. Many dentists want to wait until the teen years to use braces because most of the baby teeth have fallen out at that time.

Your Motivation

Yes, you want to fix your smile, but how motivated are you? The reason this factors in is because Invisalign are removable, which means you are free to take them out whenever you want to. This isn’t recommended since they work faster and better when you wear them according to your dentist’s recommendations. If you find yourself keeping them out more than you keep them in, your issues won’t be fixed and you could even experience teeth that move back to their original locations. If you aren’t fully committed, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign.

Oral Hygiene Issues

With traditional metal braces, it can be difficult to keep teeth clean and healthy when much of the surface is covered up. If you struggle with this, Invisalign may be a good option. This is the reason why many parents opt for Invisalign for their children as well. Since the trays can be removed, it’s much easier to floss and brush the teeth so they stay in good shape throughout orthodontic treatment. People with halitosis might also opt for Invisalign so they have more control over the issue.

Invisalign braces may seem like a dream come true for many people, but it doesn’t pay to use them if they won’t do the best job possible. Orthodontic treatment is an investment and if you’re going to invest in it, you want the best looking results so be sure you work with your dentist to make the right choice for your smile.