Millions of people have been treated with Invisalign®. These clear, customized aligners work similarly to braces – that is, they gradually move the teeth over time, with minor adjustments, until the desired alignment is reached. But they are unlike braces in that there is no metal, wires or brackets.
While the benefits of Invisalign® are numerous, any experienced orthodontist knows that the aligners will not work in every case. That’s why Dr. Robert Rudman offers Invisalign® as one of several orthodontic options. Sometimes, braces are the only thing that will produce the teeth movement and bone re-modeling that is needed. Rely on Dr. Rudman to determine your candidacy.
Below, we look at some of the basic alignment issues Invisalign® can fix, but you’ll still need to visit us for an evaluation to see if it will work for you. This orthodontic treatment is good for:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite/under-bite/cross-bite/open bite
For each of these problems Invisalign® can be effective. We have seen it work for a variety of cases at our practice, and it might work for you.
What Can’t it Treat?
Speaking very generally, more significant and severe problems are not as easy to treat with Invisalign®. The aligners cannot exert the same force as brackets and wires. There are components called attachments, which look like tiny tooth-colored bumps on the front of your teeth. These may be used as part of Invisalign® treatment to provide additional pressure on the teeth and bones. The attachments are designed to blend into your smile and shouldn’t be too noticeable.
Is Invisalign® Worth it?
For those people who are good candidates, yes! Invisalign® is just about always worth it. That’s because Dr. Rudman first makes sure that the treatment you choose aligns with your expectations of the experience. Invisalign® is great if you’re excited about:
- Completely removable aligners
- Clear aligners
- Aligners customized to your teeth
- Freedom to eat the same foods you’ve always enjoyed
- Ease and convenience of brushing and flossing your teeth the same way you always have
- Confidence of going to work, school and social events without having to display metal wires and brackets
A potential downside – if you could even call it that – is that Invisalign® puts you in control in a way braces do not. You can easily remove the aligners whenever you want, but you must resist temptation to remove them unnecessarily. The only way they work is if you wear them, and that should be for at least 22 hours every day. Remove them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. Most patients are so excited to straighten their teeth that they have no problem following the directions for wear, but it’s something you’ll need to agree to as part of the treatment.
Find Out for Sure in Denver
Dr. Robert Rudman is an experienced orthodontist who has been straightening teeth and aligning bites for decades. Our Cherry Creek practice is proud to serve adults, young adults and children. The only way to know if Invisalign® can straighten your teeth is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rudman by calling us at 303-331-0222.
