7 Signs You Might Be a Good Invisalign Candidate

Invisalign and clear aligners have transformed orthodontics with its nearly invisible, removable clear aligners—but it’s not automatically right for everyone. So how do you know if you're a good candidate?

The short answer: almost everyone is an Invisalign candidate, but you need to be aware of your dental bite, have realistic expectations, and commitment to the treatment plan.  It’s also common to wonder what age you can get Invisalign—many people start in their early teens once all their adult teeth are in, but adults of any age can benefit too.

Your dentist or orthodontist will also consider the health of your teeth and gums, and whether you’re prepared to wear aligners 20–22 hours a day.

Ultimately, Invisalign is designed for people who want a discreet, flexible way to straighten their teeth, but who also understand the discipline it requires.

Below, let’s look at 7 of the most common signs that you might have strong Invisalign eligibility.

If your teeth overlap or twist because there isn’t enough space in your jaw, Invisalign is often an excellent choice. Mild to moderate crowding is one of the most common reasons people seek clear aligners.

While severe crowding may require braces or even tooth extractions, your dentist can tell you if Invisalign can comfortably and predictably correct your case.

PUL Tip: Clear aligners gently shift crowded teeth into better alignment without the look of metal brackets.

Spaces or gaps (diastema) between teeth are another issue that Invisalign treats well.

Aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth closer together. Whether you have one noticeable gap or multiple smaller spaces, Invisalign can often close them for a more even, confident smile.

PUL Tip: Closing gaps may also improve gum health by reducing food traps and making hygiene easier.

Many people don’t realize Invisalign can treat various bite problems—not just crooked teeth.

• Overbite (upper teeth overlap lower teeth too much)

• Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of uppers)

• Crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth)

• Open bite (teeth don’t meet when you bite down)
  
  

Mild to moderate bite issues are often treatable with Invisalign, thanks to attachments, elastic wear, and precision cuts that let aligners guide your bite into an optimal Class I bite over time.

PUL tip: Always consult an orthodontist about bite issues—some severe cases may need braces or even jaw surgery.

One of Invisalign’s biggest selling points is its subtlety.

If you’re an adult professional, a busy college student, or someone who simply doesn’t want noticeable metal braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible when worn.

Plus, they’re removable. You can take them out for meals, photos, and important events.

PUL Tip: You must put them back in promptly to keep treatment on track,or you risk your treatment going longer than expected.

Had braces before, but your teeth have drifted back over time? You’re not alone.

Relapse is incredibly common if you didn’t wear (or lost) your retainer- especially if you had braces as a child or teenager. Invisalign is popular for “orthodontic touch-ups” to get your smile back in shape without going through full metal braces again.

Because clear aligners are removable, you’re responsible for keeping your teeth (and aligners) clean.

Patients with strong oral hygiene routines—regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups—tend to do great with Invisalign.

If you’re willing to clean your aligners daily and keep your teeth healthy, you’re on track for success.

PUL Tip: Keep up your dental hygiene appointments! Poor oral hygiene during Invisalign can lead to staining, cavities, and gum issues.

This might be the most important sign of all: compliance.

Aligners only work if you actually wear them.

Invisalign treatment plans are designed for 20–22 hours of daily wear. That means taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.

If you know you can stick to this schedule, you’re a fantastic Invisalign candidate.

PUL Tip: Commitment = results. Skipping wear time leads to delayed or failed treatment.

While Invisalign is powerful and versatile, it’s not for every patient. Here are a few times it may not be the best option:

If you have extreme crowding, a very large overbite or underbite, or significant skeletal discrepancies, traditional braces or even orthognathic (jaw) surgery might be necessary.

PUL Tip:An orthodontic consultation will tell you for sure.

If you know you’ll forget or won’t be able to wear your aligners consistently, treatment won’t work as planned. Braces may be better since they’re fixed in place and you don’t have to worry about remembering to put your aligners back in.

PUL Tip: Be honest with yourself about your habits! This is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for your orthodontic treatment.

Certain tooth movements (like severe rotations for crowded teeth) can be hard to achieve with aligners alone. Your orthodontist or dentist will evaluate your case and recommend the best path.

PUL Tip: Even if Invisalign isn’t right for now, you may still be able to use it after preliminary braces or other treatments. These are also known as braces-aligner hybrid treatment cases. Ask your provider if this is an option for you.

At PUL , we know starting clear aligners is both exciting and a little intimidating. That’s why we’re here to help every step of the way.

Our mission is to make your clear aligner journey smoother, cleaner, and more comfortable.

Here’s how we help:

• Innovative seating and removal tools to keep your treatment on track and make aligner wear easier and more hygienic

• Cleaning tablets to keep your aligners fresh and odor-free

• Stylish, protective aligner cases for safe storage at work, school, or travel

• Accessories and clear alignertips designed specifically for clear aligner wearers

We’ve been in your shoes. We know the commitment it takes. And we’re here to be your trusted partner—from day one of treatment to your confident, aligned smile at the end.

Explore our full range of clear aligner care essentials and get ready to love your Invisalign journey!

Sources:

1. NIH.An evaluation of the Invisalign® Aligner Technique and consideration of the force system: a systematic review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821231/
2. American Association of Orthodontics.7 Common Types of Bite Problems and Their Orthodontic Solutions. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/7-common-bite-problems/
3. NIH.Comparative Analysis of Braces and Aligners: Long-Term Orthodontic Outcomes.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11426652/

Editorial Policy 

At PUL Dental, our goal is to provide clear, reliable, and helpful information to patients and dental professionals navigating the world of clear aligner treatment. All content on our blog is written by our cofounder, a Registered Dental Assistant with over a decade of experience in the dental field and a specialized background in adult orthodontics.

Drawing from years of hands-on clinical experience and patient interaction, we aim to create content that reflects real-world insights, clinical knowledge, and practical solutions.

Every article is:

• Written with firsthand experience from working directly with patients undergoing clear aligner therapy.

• Focused on accuracy and relevance to current orthodontic practices and patient needs.

• Transparent about our perspective, including when we share insights about products we've developed, such as the Original PULTOOL.

As our content team grows, we plan to expand our editorial process to include additional contributors, expert reviewers, and peer collaboration to further enhance the depth and quality of the information we provide.

We are committed to earning and keeping your trust by continuing to publish content that is accurate, patient-centered, and informed by real clinical experience.