Are you a good candidate for invisalign?
Who's a good fit for invisalign — and who should reconsider, wait, or pick a different procedure.
Good candidates for invisalign share a few things in common: realistic goals, stable health, and a clear understanding of what the procedure can and can't do.
You may be a good candidate if…
- You're in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to quit).
- Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months.
- Your concern is specific and definable.
- You have time built in for the recovery your surgeon describes.
- You're emotionally stable and not deciding under acute stress.
You may want to wait or reconsider if…
- You have uncontrolled medical conditions or are pregnant/nursing.
- Your expectations don't match what real cases show.
- You're still actively losing or gaining weight.
- A loved one wants the procedure for you more than you do.
Your consultation will cover
- Your medical history, medications, and prior surgeries.
- A focused physical exam.
- Standardized photographs and often AI/morphing previews.
- Risks, alternatives, and realistic outcomes for your anatomy.
- Cost, financing, and surgical scheduling.
Alternatives worth considering
Traditional metal braces
More predictable for severe cases, especially complex rotations and bite changes. Visible; less convenient; often less expensive.
Lingual braces
Behind the teeth — invisible from the front. More expensive ($8,000–$13,000) and more uncomfortable than Invisalign.
Spark, Byte, Candid (alternative aligner brands)
Some are doctor-supervised in office (Spark); others are mail-order (Byte). Mail-order has higher rates of unmet expectations and unmonitored complications.
Veneers
If alignment is mostly OK and the goal is shape/color, veneers achieve a 'finished smile' faster — at the cost of irreversibly grinding tooth structure.