Invisalign has been a gamechanger for teeth straightening treatment across the developed world.

But, while fixed braces slowly but steadily do their job of straightening teeth, wearers of clear removable Invisalign retainers must actively commit to wearing them for the required number of hours each day (20-22 hours a day).

Dentists refer to this necessary commitment as “patient compliance”.

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR INVISALIGN?

The very fact that, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign retainers are removable may lead to a temptation to take them out more than is sensible…

… or to forget to pop them back in after meals.

Failure to commit to this regime day after day means:

i) Treatment may be less effective ii) Teeth may not move as quickly or effectively as planned iii) The potential for more lengthy treatment times… iv) … or the need for further adjustments.

Who is not a good candidate for Invisalign?

Similarly, patients who are prone to losing things around the house should take great care.

Misplacing aligners or accidentally throwing them is far from ideal.

WOULD INVISALIGN WORK FOR ME?

With all that being said, with the right commitment Invisalign is a wonderful way for a patient to straighten their teeth.

At the start of treatment, your dentist will give you a number of different sets of aligners to change once a fortnight.

Each set enables your teeth to slowly but surely move into a straight position.

Would be patients need to understand that if they commit to diligently wearing Invisalign for the required length of time each day…

… and clean their teeth, gums and retainers as advised by their dentist…

… it can be a super convenient way of enjoying a beautiful new smile.

Invisalign v fixed braces

But for those who do not feel they can trust themselves to make this sort of commitment… fixed braces could be the answer.

For people who are disorganised, fixed braces offer a virtually failsafe approach to straightening teeth.