In this article
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nermeen Khazan, BDS — an AHPRA-registered dental practitioner, for clinical accuracy.
Before spending time on impressions and paperwork, it's reasonable to want a general sense of whether at-home clear aligners are even likely to be a fit for your case. Here are the broad patterns that tend to make remote treatment appropriate, and the ones that tend to point toward in-person care instead.
Signs You're Likely a Good Candidate
You're more likely to be a good candidate for at-home clear aligners if you have mild to moderate crowding or spacing, a bite issue that falls in the mild to moderate range rather than severe, generally good oral health with no active gum disease or untreated decay, and you're comfortable managing your treatment through digital check-ins rather than frequent in-person visits. Adults seeking to correct mild post-orthodontic relapse are also often good candidates.
Signs Remote Treatment May Not Be Right for You
Cases involving significant skeletal discrepancies, severe crowding, complex bite issues requiring extractions, active untreated gum disease, or a strong preference for in-person, hands-on care at every stage of treatment are generally better served by a clinic. This isn't a judgement on the severity of your case, it's about matching the treatment method to what it can actually achieve safely and effectively.
A "Not Suitable" Isn't a Dead End
If your case is assessed as not suitable for remote treatment, that's useful information, not a rejection. It usually means your case needs a level of hands-on care that in-person orthodontic or dental treatment can provide, and a legitimate provider will tell you this rather than push you toward a treatment that isn't right for your situation.
The Only Way to Know for Sure
General patterns are a useful starting point, but they're not a substitute for an actual clinical assessment. Two people can have what looks like a similar case on the surface and receive different recommendations based on details that aren't obvious without a proper look at your teeth and bite by a dental professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a rough idea of suitability without submitting impressions?
A quick suitability quiz or questionnaire can give a general indication, but a definitive answer requires an actual impression or scan reviewed by a dental professional.
Does age affect whether I'm a good candidate?
Age itself isn't generally the deciding factor. What matters more is the complexity of your case and your overall oral health.
What if I had orthodontic treatment before?
Previous orthodontic treatment doesn't disqualify you, and at-home aligners are often well suited to correcting mild relapse after earlier treatment.Is there a cost to finding out if I'm a candidate?
With Jawology, requesting an impression kit and clinical assessment carries no obligation to proceed with paid treatment if your case isn't suitable or you decide not to continue.
Find Out If You're a Good Candidate
Take our free 2-minute assessment to see if Jawology's clear aligners suit your case. Treatment from $1,945.
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