Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign®?

At the cosmetic dentistry practice of Jean E. Barthman, D.D.S., we are pleased to offer the revolutionary Invisalign® clear orthodontics system as an alternative to conventional metal braces. Compared to the traditional wires-and-brackets method of straightening teeth, Invisalign® offers many benefits that make it ideal for suitable candidates, including those with such orthodontic issues as misalignment and malocclusion. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign® aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, which means that patients are not restricted in the foods they can eat or in their oral hygiene practices. The aligners are also more comfortable and far less awkward and cumbersome than metal braces.

And, of course, there’s the chief selling point: Invisalign® aligners are clear - they are virtually undetectable to others when patients are wearing them.

Why, then, would anyone choose to straighten their teeth using any method other than Invisalign®? Unfortunately, not all patients are good candidates for Invisalign® treatment. This is why Dr. Barthman carefully evaluates Invisalign® candidates at her Redwood City, CA practice to ensure that they will derive the full measure of benefits from the treatment before approving them. If she believes that a patient will achieve better results through another orthodontic treatment, she advises him or her accordingly.

Are you a good candidate for Invisalign®? To find out for certain, please schedule your initial orthodontic consultation with Dr. Barthman today.

How Does Dr. Barthman Determine Your Candidacy for Invisalign®?

In general, Invisalign® is a suitable treatment method for most cases of minor to moderate misalignment, crookedness, and overcrowding of the teeth, as well as small gaps between teeth and minor to moderate malocclusion. Invisalign® can be effective in more severe cases, as well, depending on the issue. Dr. Barthman considered Invisalign® for severe orthodontic issues on a case-by-case basis.

If a patient’s orthodontic issue is caused by misalignment of the jaw, Invisalign® will most likely not be considered as a primary treatment, though it may be recommended at some point as an adjunctive treatment. Invisalign® can also be used to supplement a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, as part of a comprehensive smile makeover plan.

If your orthodontic issue is treatable with Invisalign®, Dr. Barthman will then consider other criteria that are used to determine candidacy. For example, you must:

• Have basically good oral health; if you have any gum disease or tooth decay, these will need to be treated prior to commencing Invisalign® treatment.
• Be willing and able to wear your aligners from 20 to 22 hours each day to achieve optimal results and stay on schedule.
• Follow all instructions provided to you by Dr. Barthman.
• Care for your aligners precisely as instructed.
• Understand that the results you achieve with Invisalign® will require a lifetime commitment to good oral hygiene and possibly wearing a retainer at night.

Learn More about Invisalign® Candidacy

To find out whether you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners, please contact the cosmetic dentistry practice of Jean Barthman, D.D.S. today.