Invisalign originates from the word invisible alignment treatment in orthodontics. This name is due to the use of transparent aligners used for certain orthodontic procedures. These appear discreet due to their transparent structure. If you are asking whether invisalign can fix crooked teeth, then, know that, the answer is yes. Moreover, it can fix many other dental issues like small teeth gaps and normal bite problems. Let’s understand more.
Experts emphasize that invisalign can fix most of the orthodontic teeth issues. Moreover, it is helpful in faster treatment and allows patients to achieve desired outcomes and normal conditions in the minimal time.
How does invisalign work?
Your orthodontist takes detailed 3D scans of your mouth to cast the aligners. The patient has to visit the dentist’s clinic after 6- 8 weeks to get the new cast of aligners. These aligners are worn 22 hours of the day during the treatment. You take them off only while brushing your teeth. Due to being removable, food does not remain stuck in the aligners and you can clean them while brushing your teeth. Invisalign braces are far superior to the metal braces due to various reasons. That is why many orthodontics recommend them for the treatment of several problems of patients.
However, there are certain orthodontic procedures where invisalign cannot be used and require specialized treatments. Now, let us look into what can invisalign fix.
Orthodontic problems that can be fixed with invisalign
Crooked teeth
Does invisalign work for crooked teeth? The answer is invisalign can help in fixing teeth that are crooked to a certain extent. Moreover, it is useful for the treatment of crowded teeth. It’s no secret that crooked and crowded teeth can ruin the aesthetic appearance of your face and especially your smile. Individuals with such teeth may suffer from compromised confidence levels. You may also feel embarrassed among your friends and peers. A compromised confidence can further lead to anxiety, depression and negative self-image. And the good thing is you can get rid of these aesthetic issues with the help of invisalign. The treatment can take variable time per the age and condition of the patient. While in small children, it takes 6 months; but may go up to 12 months. Furthermore, in adults, invisalign treatment of crooked and crowded teeth can take more than a year.
Misaligned teeth
It’s a hard fact that misaligned teeth ruin the beauty of a happy smile. In addition to the aesthetic issue, such teeth also lead to difficulties in chewing and eating. Misaligned teeth generally arise in childhood due to genetics or thumbsucking habits. Children can get misaligned teeth if their jaw size is much smaller in proportion to their teeth sizes. Invisalign is specifically designed to treat such types of conditions in teeth. Transparent braces are cast for a child to put the right amount of pressure on the erupted teeth in the jaw. This helps to align the teeth and fix them on their correct place in the jaw. Generally, it takes 6-12 months to treat misaligned teeth.
Overbite/Underbite
Overbite: In this condition, the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth in your jaw. The overlap is much more than the normal little amount of overlap of upper front teeth on the lower front teeth. It can lead to dental issues while also causing jaw pain. Invisalign can be used to fix overbite in a few months.
Underbite: This is another problem where lower front teeth cover your upper front teeth. This can again lead to several issues such as difficulty in chewing and speaking alongside a pain in the jaw. Thankfully, invisalign can help in fixing underbite condition permanently with treatment for a few months.
Crossbite/ Open Bite
Crossbite: If your upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when you close your mouth, you have the condition called crossbite. This can lead to wearing of teeth and lead to painful gum conditions.
Open bite: If your upper and lower teeth do not meet on closing the moth, open bite is the condition you have. It leads to several kinds of bite problems.
Invisalign can be used to fix these problems to a certain extent. It gives a permanent treatment by pushing teeth to their right position in the jaw.
Conditions Invisalign Cannot Fix
What can’t Invisalign fix? Invisalign has certain limitations in structure and application due to which it cannot be used in all orthodontic conditions. For example, invisalign can’t fix severely crooked teeth that require straightening. Dentists will use a specialized procedure in such a case. Similarly, invisalign cannot fill very large gaps between teeth. Also, they are helpful for intrusions or extrusions. Invisalign cannot lower or raise the teeth in the jaw to fix their position.
Things to Consider
Invisalign cannot be used for patients with very small teeth as the aligners can’t form a grip in such a condition. If you have dental bridges due to earlier dental treatments, it can interfere with invisalign. If you have dental cavities or gum infections, you need to fix them before getting an invisalign treatment for your condition.
Conclusion
Invisalign is an efficient orthodontic treatment for conditions like normal underbite, overbite, crossbite or open. It can also correct normal or small teeth gaps and non-severe conditions of misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth. It is necessary to get a diagnosis and treatment from an expert and experienced orthodontist if you are a candidate for invisalign. We have a specialized team of dentists in the Art of Dentistry Clinic. Call us today to schedule an appointment or get more information.
