Why Invisalign® Might Be Right for You

It was just 20 years ago that Invisalign® first hit the market and made cover orthodontics the gold standard. But with the decades-long buzz, many people still don’t know if Invisalign is an option for them.

That’s where we come in.

At Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach and Avalon, California, we pride ourselves on taking the guesswork out of your oral health. Here’s everything you should know about who can benefit from Invisalign.

You only need minor adjustments

Invisalign is not only one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, but it’s also one of the most effective. But it’s not for everyone.

If you have severe bite or alignment problems, we may recommend traditional treatments. Invisalign works best for minor smile issues. A brief consultation with Dr. Ryan Fait determines whether Invisalign is an option for you.

You’re looking for a discreet solution

Living with smile problems can be frustrating. But so can traditional orthodontic treatments. Many of our patients who ask about Invisalign are most interested in fixing their smiles without telling the whole world. If that’s you, Invisalign might be a good fit.

Bonus: Invisalign aligners typically only take 13 months, which is around 50% less time than metal braces.

You have self-discipline

Traditional braces certainly have their drawbacks, but they offer virtually hands-free treatment. Except for a few adjustments by an orthodontist, the metal wires do most of the work on their own.

Invisalign comes with freedom, but that also means you’re largely responsible for the results. With Invisalign aligners, you have to follow certain care instructions and wear them for the required amount (about 20-22 hours every day) for them to work.

Talk to us about all that’s involved in the Invisalign process, and we can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

You have all your adult teeth

We recommend Invisalign aligners for everyone from teens to adults, but we require that our younger patients have their full set of adult teeth before starting treatment. That’s because a still-developing smile needs to fully form before we can accurately assess which treatments are best.

You keep up with your oral hygiene

You’ve heard it your entire life: brush and floss your teeth twice daily. When you invest in Invisalign, that adage rings even more true. We want to make sure that you have a solid oral hygiene foundation before you dive into the Invisalign journey.

If you neglect your toothbrush, you’re at an increased risk of significant oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease, both of which need to be dealt with before we can straighten your teeth.

You don’t smoke

Because your aligners are in your mouth most of the day, avoid smoking and using tobacco products. Doing so significantly impacts how well Invisalign works for you. Not to mention, smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health.

A closer look at your consultation

If it seems as though Invisalign is right for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fait. During your consultation, we carefully examine your teeth and discuss your treatment goals. If necessary, we take X-rays to get a better idea of your exact situation.

Dr. Fait may also recommend other cosmetic dentistry services, including:

Six Month Smiles® clear braces
Bridges
Crowns
Veneers
Implants

Want to learn more about Invisalign? We’d love to talk with you. Call or click to request an appointment at either our Long Beach or Avalon, California, offices today.