The best way to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign (Teen) is to get a comprehensive consultation with an orthodontist so s/he can evaluate the eruption of your permanent teeth. If everything looks good, theoretically, you will definitely be considered a candidate for Invisalign based on the picture you provided. Although you may a candidate, I cannot say for certain whether Invisalign may be the optimal method (versus braces) of treatment. It is best to get an evaluation from a doctor who has experience treating patients with both Invisalign and braces to determine this.
In my opinion, retention is more critical with Invisalign than it is with traditional braces. I believe braces' results are more stable than those of Invisaligns. The key to a successful Invisalign result is retention. You should wear your retainer faithfully as directed by your orthodontist.
It depends on the following factors: Extent of overbite Age of patient Compliance of wearing auxillaries (i.e. rubber bands, headgear, orthopedic correctors, etc.) A rough estimate is several months to years. The best thing to do is to see an orthodontist for an evaluation of your overbite.
It depends on the size of the gap or space. For spaces a couple of millimeters or less, Invisalign or braces would work fine. For significant spaces or gaps, braces would work better because we need to parallel the roots to make sure the space stays closed. Braces does this better than Invisalign. However, if you only wanted to do Invisalign, you could. The key of the space closure is the rentention. For the most part, it's easy to close the space; however, it's not easy to keep it closed. Retention is critical.
It is never too late to get braces, as long as the bone support. root length, and periodontal environment can handle dental movement. Once teeth are moved to new positions, creating a stable bite and possible alignment for future crowns, bridges, and/or implants, the peridontal envrionment is actually improved, thereby increasing longenvity of your teeth. It is easier to take care of your teeth (brushing, flossing, dental cleaning, etc.) when your teeth are straight and in alignment, so there truly is a benefit to having your teeth aligned and bite improved, at any age. Our oldest patient is in her 80s, and routinely we see adults in their 60s.
