How to Know if You Are a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners
Introduction
Clear aligners are attracting more and more patients thanks to their discretion and comfort. But is this solution right for your situation? Before you start, it's important to understand the criteria that determine if you're a good candidate for this treatment.
In this article, we help you evaluate your eligibility and understand what might influence your orthodontist's recommendation.
The Different Aligner Systems Available
Several clear aligner brands exist on the market, each with its advantages:
- Invisalign: The most well-known system, with extensive clinical experience
- Spark: TruGEN plastic that's clearer and more stain-resistant
- SureSmile: Advanced integrated digital planning
- ClearCorrect, Angel Aligners and other systems
Your orthodontist will recommend the system most suited to your specific case.
Dental Problems That Aligners Can Treat
Aligners are effective at correcting a wide variety of orthodontic problems:
Crowding
Are your teeth overlapping or misaligned because there isn't enough space in your jaw? Aligners can progressively create the necessary space and align your teeth harmoniously.
Spacing (Diastemas)
Do you have visible gaps between your teeth? Clear aligners can close these spaces by guiding teeth to their ideal position.
Overbite
Do your upper teeth excessively cover your lower teeth? Aligners can correct this problem by repositioning teeth and improving the bite.
Underbite
Are your lower teeth in front of your upper teeth? In mild to moderate cases, aligners can help correct this malocclusion.
Crossbite
Do some of your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth? Aligners can reposition these teeth to restore a normal bite.
Open Bite
Don't your upper and lower teeth touch when you close your mouth? Aligners can help close this gap.
You're Probably a Good Candidate If...
1. Your Problem Is Mild to Moderate
Aligners excel at treating mild to moderate malocclusions. If your crowding, spacing, or bite problems fall into this category, you're an excellent candidate.
2. You're Disciplined and Motivated
This may be the most important criterion! Aligners require you to wear your trays 20 to 22 hours per day. If you know you can meet this requirement, treatment will work well for you.
3. You Have Good Oral Hygiene
With aligners, you need to brush your teeth after every meal before putting your trays back in. If you're already diligent about your dental hygiene, this won't be a problem.
4. Your Adult Teeth Are Fully In
Aligners work best in patients whose permanent teeth have fully erupted. For younger teenagers, adapted versions like Invisalign Teen or Spark Teen are available.
5. You Don't Have Untreated Dental Problems
Before starting aligner treatment, any cavities or gum disease must be treated. A healthy mouth is the foundation for successful orthodontic treatment.
Aligners Might Not Be Ideal If...
Very Complex Cases
Some situations require the precision of traditional braces:
- Severe tooth rotations (more than 20 degrees)
- Very tilted teeth requiring significant uprighting
- Major skeletal jaw problems
- Teeth that need to be moved vertically significantly
Predictable Lack of Discipline
Be honest with yourself. If you know you'll regularly forget to wear your aligners or will frequently remove them, traditional braces (which are fixed) might be a better choice.
Extensive Dental Work
If you have many crowns, bridges, or implants, aligner attachments may be harder to place, and treatment may be less predictable.
Severe Bruxism
If you grind your teeth heavily, you may wear out or damage your aligners faster. This doesn't necessarily exclude you, but it's a factor to consider.
The Case of Teenagers
Several aligner systems are specially designed for young patients:
- Invisalign Teen
- Spark (adapted for teenagers)
- SureSmile (teen version)
Good teen candidates are:
- Responsible and mature: able to manage their aligners without constant supervision
- Motivated: they really want to improve their smile and are willing to make the effort
- Aware of the commitment: they understand they must wear the aligners almost all the time
The wear indicators built into teen aligners allow parents and the orthodontist to check if the teenager is following instructions.
The Case of Adults
Adults are often excellent candidates for aligners! Here's why:
- High motivation: adults usually choose treatment themselves and are very motivated
- Better discipline: they generally follow wear instructions better
- Discretion appreciated: the invisible aspect is particularly important in a professional context
There's no age limit for aligners. Patients in their 50s, 60s and beyond achieve excellent results!
How to Know for Sure?
The best way to determine if you're a good candidate for aligners is to consult a specialized orthodontist. During your consultation, we:
- Examine your teeth: we evaluate tooth position, your bite, and gum health
- Take X-rays and photos: for a complete analysis
- Perform a 3D scan: with our intraoral scanner, we create a precise digital model of your teeth
- Simulate your treatment: using planning software, you can see the potential result before starting
- Discuss options: we explain which aligner system (Invisalign, Spark, SureSmile, etc.) is best suited to your case, or if another approach would be preferable
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
To get the most from your consultation, prepare these questions:
- Is my case suited for aligners or do you recommend braces?
- Which aligner system do you recommend and why?
- How long should my treatment take?
- Will I need attachments (small buttons on teeth)?
- What results can I realistically expect?
- What happens if I'm not satisfied with the result?
Conclusion
Clear aligners - Invisalign, Spark, SureSmile and others - are an excellent option for many patients, but not for everyone. The best candidates are those with a mild to moderate orthodontic problem AND who are ready to commit to wearing their aligners faithfully.
The only way to know for sure if aligners are right for you is to consult a qualified orthodontist. At Dr. Benguira's Orthodontic Center, we offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and recommend the best approach - aligners or braces - to achieve the smile of your dreams.
Book your appointment today and find out if aligners are right for you!
