Are You Candidate For Clear Teeth Aligners? What You Need To Know

If you are an adult who is considering teeth straightening, you have a few different options. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are very popular with adults because they are virtually invisible, which is ideal if you do not want to have visible braces on your teeth. However, if you are strongly leaning toward clear aligners, you need to make sure you are a viable candidate. You need to consider the following:

Do You Have All Your Molars?

Before you can get clear teeth aligners, your second set of molars have to have completely erupted through your gumline. If you have any molars that come in after you have been fitted for your alignment system, you may have to start completely over, as the molars will move your newly straightened teeth out of alignment.

If you have molars come in after you have gotten your alignment system, your trays will also not fit securely to your teeth and, therefore, not work effectively. You need to wait until your dentist tells you all of your molars have come through before you move forward with your alignment system.

Are Your Teeth in Need of Significant Work?

If your teeth need a lot of intervention to straighten them, you may not be a candidate for a clear alignment system. Clear aligners do not work as well as metal braces when you have an abnormal bite or if you have a bridge or crowns to contend with. Metal braces will be a better option.

Can You Afford Clear Aligners?

Another consideration is whether or not you are willing to spend more money on a clear alignment system. This system is more expensive than traditional metal braces because of the specialized work that is required.

Your aligners are custom-designed for your teeth. They are made especially for you in a lab, which will be a major part of your expense. You will need many trays over the course of your alignment, adding to your costs.

Some orthodontists may waive the laboratory fees. They may also be willing to set up payment arrangements for you rather than paying for your clear alignment system upfront. Be sure to ask about payment options at your consultation appointment.

A clear alignment system is a very convenient and less obvious method of teeth straightened. Before you get your heart set on this type of system, however, you need to meet with an orthodontist for a full assessment, including X-rays, to make sure your teeth are a good fit for a clear alignment system.

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