Are You a Candidate for Invisalign in Tulsa?

August 10, 2021

At our Tulsa cosmetic dental office, we often have patients who want to improve their smiles and oral health but don’t want to suffer from the embarrassment of traditional braces. The thought of having brackets and wires running through their teeth is seemingly less acceptable than that of having a bad bite or crooked smile. So what are the options for mature teens and adults who want to correct their smile without having to get braces? Perhaps you have heard of Invisalign, the clear braces that are removable and work the same way as braces to correct malocclusions (bad bites).

Invisalign is a popular treatment for patients seeking orthodontic alternatives in Tulsa and is available right here at èlan Tulsa Cosmetic Dentistry. Not every dentist is certified to provide Invisalign to their patients and even fewer have the training. With this in mind, our patients can rest assured that they will be getting the best in dental treatment in Tulsa and surrounding areas.

Problems Invisalign Can Address

Invisalign is known for being able to correct mild to moderate cases of malocclusion. If you experience any of the following problems, Invisalign might be right for you.

Crowded teeth
Crooked teeth
Gapped teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite

Besides having aesthetic benefits, Invisalign also offers many health benefits. Plus, its convenience makes it even easier to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.

Factors That May Determine Whether You’re a Good Candidate for Invisalign

Although you might suffer from some of the problems that Invisalign can address, this doesn’t mean that you’re immediately a good candidate for Invisalign. Instead, our Tulsa Invisalign dentist will explore other factors to ultimately determine whether you’re a good candidate.

You’re Responsible

One of the most important factors to consider for determining whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is if you’re responsible. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign isn’t glued to your teeth. You are free to remove it as you wish. However, you can only remove it for two hours per day for eating and brushing your teeth. If you remove your clear aligners for longer than two hours, it’s possible to delay your results and extend the treatment time. Not only do you have to stay responsible about wearing your aligners for the correct amount of time, but you also need to keep them and your teeth clean. Every time you eat a meal, we encourage you to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Otherwise, plaque and bacteria can build up and lead to cavities and gum disease.

You Have Adult Teeth

Most dentists don’t start orthodontic treatment unless you have all of your adult teeth. If you still have baby teeth left, this will likely prevent you from getting Invisalign treatment. However, Dr. Hodges will make the final call. Please contact our office to book a consultation to learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.

You Have Good Oral Hygiene

Another factor that will determine whether Invisalign is right for you is whether or not you have good oral hygiene. In order to get Invisalign, you must be free of cavities and gum disease. In addition, you must keep your teeth healthy throughout the treatment process by brushing your teeth multiple times per day and keeping your aligners clean.

Your Case is Straight Forward

Invisalign wasn’t designed to accommodate severe orthodontic cases. Instead, it’s designed to treat mild to moderate cases. If you’re not sure whether or not your case falls in this range, Dr. Hodges will let you know during your consultation.

You Don’t Smoke

When you get Invisalign treatment, you must remove your aligners every time you plan to eat, drink, or smoke. Otherwise, it can damage the aligners and cause staining and bacteria build-up. If you’re a smoker, you will end up removing the aligners and having to brush your teeth as many times as you smoke in a day. This is unrealistic and with that said, we don’t encourage smokers to pursue Invisalign treatment. In addition, smoking is terrible for your oral health and overall health, which could also prevent you from being a good candidate for the treatment.

You’re a Teen or Adult

At our Tulsa dental office, we prefer to only treat teens or adults with Invisalign treatment. Although some children are good candidates, it’s difficult to trust children to wear their aligners appropriately and take care of their oral hygiene. On the flip side, Invisalign is the perfect orthodontic treatment for adults of all ages—yes, even those in their senior years!

Is Invisalign Right For You?

Invisalign is available to patients with almost any orthodontic issue, however, before it is determined that you are eligible, you will first have to be evaluated. During the evaluation process, Dr. Hodges will determine the state of your oral health and will decide if Invisalign will help you meet your oral health and smile goals. If our Tulsa Invisalign dentist decides that Invisalign is right for you, you can begin a treatment plan that she will customize for your smile goals.

For more information on Invisalign please contact our Tulsa office today.