There are several things to consider when deciding if someone is a good candidate for Invisalign, and wanting straighter teeth is only one of them. When people come into our office to ask about clear aligner treatment we do a full evaluation to make sure this treatment would be best for their unique situation and lifestyle.
Age is a big factor in who can get Invisalign but it can work on both teens and adults. We tell our younger patients to wait until most of their permanent teeth have come in which is usually between the ages of 12-14. But we also consider how mature the person is and how well they can follow treatment directions. Adults are usually good candidates because they know what it takes to get the job done and want to reach their orthodontic goals.
The kind and severity of orthodontic issues has a big impact on if Invisalign is a good choice. This treatment works great for mild to severe cases of crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. We can also help with teeth that are turned and small problems with the alignment of the jaw. But in very bad cases where a lot of bite corrections or complicated tooth movements are needed traditional braces or other orthodontic tools may be needed for the best results.
One of the most important things for Invisalign to work is for patients to follow the instructions. To get the required tooth movement you need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. At Marrecau Orthodontics we talk to potential patients in depth about this because not wearing the aligners long enough can make treatment take much longer or the results less effective. Patients who travel a lot, have irregular schedules or who might take off their aligners frequently may not be the best candidates. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly. Many patients choose Invisalign for its flexibility and nearly invisible design.
Before starting any orthodontic treatment you need to have good oral health. Patients must have healthy gums and teeth that aren’t decaying or suffering from periodontal disease. Before starting Invisalign treatment we take care of any dental work that needs to be done to make sure the teeth can move as easily as possible.
Lifestyle factors also play a role in deciding who is a good candidate. People who play wind instruments for a living may find that Invisalign doesn’t get in the way of their playing as much as regular braces do. People who play contact sports also like being able to take off their aligners while they play but they need to make sure they wear them for the right amount of time.
Some habits can make it impossible for patients to get Invisalign. People who smoke, chew gum or tend to clench or grind their teeth a lot may not be good candidates. These habits can break aligners or make them not fit or work right.
We also talk to patients in Parkland about their financial commitment as a practical matter. Patients should know the full cost and payment options available before starting treatment even though many insurance policies cover Invisalign the same as regular braces.
Even if some people want to get Invisalign they are not good candidates for it. Young children whose teeth are still growing, those with severe orthodontic issues that require jaw surgery or people with certain dental restorations that would make it hard for aligners to fit may need other types of treatment.
The evaluation process includes a full exam, digital imaging and sometimes other testing to see how well the jaw works and how the bite fits together. We use this information to determine if Invisalign can meet the patient’s orthodontic needs and if they will do well with this type of treatment. Schedule a consultation.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.