Invisalign: Who Is a Good Candidate?
A straight smile isn’t just about aesthetics—it can improve your bite, speech, and overall oral health. Invisalign offers a nearly invisible, convenient way to correct crooked or misaligned teeth, making it a popular alternative to traditional braces. But Invisalign isn’t right for everyone.
At Perkins Dentistry, we help patients determine if they’re good candidates for Invisalign by evaluating alignment issues, oral health, and lifestyle. In this post, we’ll explore who benefits most from Invisalign and what to expect from treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gently shift your teeth into place over time. These aligners are custom-made to fit your smile and are typically worn for 20–22 hours per day, switching to a new set every 1–2 weeks.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is comfortable, discreet, and removable, allowing you to eat and clean your teeth without obstruction.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
You may be an ideal candidate for Invisalign if:
You have mild to moderate alignment issues, including:
Crowding
Gaps between teeth
Minor overbites, underbites, or crossbites
You’re committed to wearing your aligners as instructed (20–22 hours daily)
You maintain good oral health—free from active gum disease or untreated decay
You want a discreet treatment—clear aligners are virtually invisible
You want a flexible solution that lets you remove aligners for eating and brushing
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?
Invisalign may not be suitable for:
Severe bite problems or jaw misalignment
Teeth that require significant rotation or vertical movement
Young children whose teeth or jaws are still developing
Patients unwilling or unable to wear aligners consistently
That said, many patients who don’t qualify for Invisalign alone may still benefit from combination treatments. We’ll help explore all your options during your consultation.
What to Expect from the Invisalign Process
Initial Consultation: We evaluate your teeth, bite, and goals.
Digital Impressions: We use 3D imaging to design your aligners.
Custom Treatment Plan: You’ll receive a timeline and preview of your results.
Wearing Aligners: Each set of aligners is worn for about 1–2 weeks.
Monitoring Progress: We’ll schedule checkups to ensure everything is on track.
Retainers: After treatment, retainers keep your new smile in place.
Insurance and Cost
Perkins Dentistry is out-of-network, but we file all insurance claims on your behalf. Invisalign coverage depends on your specific dental insurance plan. Our team can help you verify your benefits and discuss financing options to make treatment more accessible.
Conclusion
Invisalign is an excellent solution for many patients seeking a subtle, convenient way to straighten their teeth—but it’s not for everyone. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with our team at Perkins Dentistry.
Ready to explore Invisalign? Contact us today to get started on your path to a confident, aligned smile.
