You've decided to get orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. That's a wonderful decision. Teeth misalignment can lead to cavities, gum diseases, enamel wear, TMJ disorders, and self-esteem issues.
But, a few months into your treatment, you realized that traditional braces aren't really for you. Maybe they feel too uncomfortable or you simply can't get used to wearing them. So, now you're wondering: can you switch to Invisalign, or is it too late?
Here's what you need to know.
Some people don't have a problem with wearing traditional braces as part of their orthodontic treatment. Others, on the other hand, simply can't get used to wearing them. And, it's not just because of the way they look. As adults, we are confident enough to be able to wear metallic braces without worrying too much about what other people might say. We understand the necessity of the treatment and we know that those around us do too.
But, traditional braces come with quite some restrictions. For example, there's a whole list of foods that you can't have while wearing braces, such as hard foods, sticky foods, chewy foods, and so on. Even when it comes to raw veggies and fruits, you have to cut them into small pieces to be able to eat them.
The brackets and wires can also irritate your gums, especially after they are tightened, and create a constant discomfort that is hard getting used to. Not to mention that cleaning your teeth while wearing braces can be quite a challenge.
The short answer is that it depends.
In most cases, you can switch from traditional braces to Invisalign if your orthodontic problem is not too severe. If your misalignment is too complex for Invisalign, then you may not be able to switch to clear aligners even after wearing braces for a while.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to talk to an orthodontist. They will examine the progress of your treatment and the severity of your issue and determine if Invisalign is a viable solution for your case.
Even if your Poway dentist established that you are eligible for clear aligners, you may not be able to make the switch immediately. In some cases, you may need to wait a little longer for the braces to move your teeth into an optimal position.
Once you can move forward with the treatment, the dentist will scan your mouth to take digital impressions of your bite. Then, they will send the impressions to a lab to create your clear aligners. You will have to visit your dentist every two weeks to get new trays.
Are you interested in switching from braces to Invisalign and are looking for a dentist in Poway who can help you with that? Then you should get in touch with Smiles By Dr. Leila.
Contact us online or call us at (858) 668-3390 for a quick chat.