With clear aligners growing in popularity, many patients ask:
“Am I suitable for Invisalign?” Are you suitable for Invisalign treatment? The answer is often yes, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best choice for your specific needs.
Before diving into treatment, it’s important to know that Invisalign is just one brand of clear aligner therapy. Other clinically proven systems—like Spark™, Angel Aligners™, and Smartee™—work in a similar way. They all use a series of custom plastic trays to gradually move teeth into position.
What truly determines the success of your treatment isn’t the brand—
It’s the experience and expertise of the clinician.
Clear aligners are a powerful orthodontic tool, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. While they’re highly effective in many cases, some bite or jaw alignment problems are better treated with fixed braces—either traditional or lingual braces (which are placed behind the teeth for a more discreet look).
That’s why it’s important to see a specialist orthodontist—someone who is trained in a range of treatment methods. A specialist can determine whether aligners (like Invisalign, Spark, Angel Aligners, or Smartee) are the most efficient and predictable option for your case—or if another approach would deliver better results.
Many mild to moderate cases can be successfully treated by a skilled dentist using clear aligners. However, it’s important to understand that the outcome depends heavily on the provider’s training and clinical judgment.
Aligners are only as effective as the hands they’re in.
While general dentists often offer aligner treatments, they may not have advanced orthodontic training. In some cases, they may not recognise when aligners aren’t the ideal solution—or how to manage more complex cases effectively.
Orthodontists, on the other hand, receive specialised training that goes far beyond straightening teeth. They’re taught to manage complex bite issues, facial balance, and long-term stability. As a result, the clinical standards they aim for are typically much higher than those in general dental practice.
To put it simply:
👉 A dentist may straighten your teeth. An orthodontist works to optimise your entire bite and facial structure.
I am currently the only orthodontist or dentist in Ireland certified by the European Board of Aligner Orthodontics (EBAO).
This certification is awarded through a rigorous peer-reviewed process. I submitted multiple complex aligner cases—including one-year post-treatment retention records—to demonstrate both the effectiveness and stability of treatment outcomes.
This distinction means my aligner treatment plans—whether using Invisalign, Spark, Angel Aligners, or Smartee—are held to the highest European clinical standards, and based on years of hands-on experience and detailed case management.
You very likely could be. But the real question is:
Is clear aligner therapy the best choice for your case?
Only a comprehensive assessment by a specialist orthodontist can answer that.
During your consultation, we’ll determine:
Aligners are an excellent tool—but choosing the right tool for the job is what leads to long-term success.
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I recommend and prescribe orthodontic treatments to my patients as if they were my own family and I value meaningful relationships based on communication, confidence and trust.
“I'm very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr. Erfan Salloum's attention to detail, and so happy he took the time...”
