Invisalign aligners are highly sought after in the orthodontics game, given the fact that, as the name suggests, they’re almost invisible. This makes them a less obvious method to fix orthodontic problems and straighten your teeth. However, there are cases in which Invisalign isn’t right for you. If you’ve been told Invisalign isn’t right for you, it’s always worth getting a second opinion first, though. It’s fairly common for less experienced orthodontists to tell you that Invisalign isn’t right for you, when, in fact, you’re a perfect candidate. 

Here’s what you need to know about why you may have been told Invisalign isn’t right for you, including the conditions that Invisalign can and cannot treat. Let’s dive in!

Why People Are Rejected For Invisalign

As previously mentioned, sometimes, you’ll be told Invisalign isn’t right for you, when in fact, it is. It’s common for less experienced orthodontists to reject people for Invisalign treatment because they don’t entirely know how to use it. 

A good way to check if your doctor knows how to use Invisalign is to use the Invisalign Doctor Locator in order to find an Invisalign provider near you: click here to do so. If your doctor isn’t listed, they don’t use Invisalign in their office and cannot give you an accurate opinion on whether or not Invisalign is right for you.

However, if you’ve sought out a second opinion and have been rejected for Invisalign again, this is because you likely are not a good candidate for it. This is because while Invisalign can treat many different types of orthodontic issues, it cannot treat everything. There are also other factors that can impact whether or not you are a good candidate, such as your age and compliance. 

In the event that you’re rejected for Invisalign by an experienced provider, you will need another type of treatment in order to achieve your desired results.

Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Treats

There are many orthodontic issues Invisalign treats. Depending on the severity, Invisalign can correct:

• Crooked Teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gaps In Teeth
• Open Bite
• Crowded Teeth

The Limitations Of Invisalign

Wonderful as Invisalign is, it has its limitations. If you’ve been told Invisalign isn’t right for you, it could be because your orthodontic issues need to be addressed with a different method of orthodontics, such as traditional braces. 

Some of the limitations of Invisalign include:

• Intrusions and Extrusions. If you have a tooth that needs to be raised or lowered in your mouth so that it’s level with the rest of your teeth, you’ll probably need braces, as they have the force needed for this complex movement. 
• Severe Bite Issues. While Invisalign can help with your bite, if you have a severe case, you will likely need traditional braces in order to fix it. 
• Large Gaps. Invisalign can fix small gaps between your teeth, but if you have large gaps, Invisalign may not be able to correct them.
• Rotated Teeth. If your teeth are overcrowded and have rotated more than 20 degrees, chances are that Invisalign won’t be able to work. 
• Short Teeth. If you have very short teeth, Invisalign aligners won’t be able to grip them properly. The shape of your teeth can impact whether or not Invisalign will work for you.
• You Need Extractions. If you’ll need to have a tooth extracted before or after treatment, Invisalign likely won’t work for you. 
• Midline Movements. While Invisalign can correct your front teeth to match the middle of your face in some mild cases, in more severe ones, you will need traditional braces.
• New Dental Work. If you’ve had work done after getting aligners made, such as a new crown, then Invisalign might not fit or work as well.
• Previous Dental Work. Some previous dental work may cause your orthodontist to tell you Invisalign isn’t right for you, such as dental bridges and porcelain veneers or crowns, as the aligners can’t bond to the surface of your teeth.

In addition to orthodontic issues, there are other reasons why you may be told Invisalign isn’t right for you. If your teeth are still growing and you still have baby teeth present, if you have gum disease, if you have implants or have had teeth extracted or missing, these are all reasons why you can get rejected for Invisalign. 

Are You Wondering If Invisalign Is Right For You?

Bailey Orthodontics can determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Our experienced orthodontists will be honest with you about whether or not Invisalign is right for you or if you need another type of orthodontics in order to achieve your desired results. We’ve seen Invisalign be very successful for good candidates, and also offer Invisalign Teen for those who are younger. Contact us today to set up an appointment.