Many patients turn to Invisalign to get a perfectly straight and healthy smile. Given that the treatment is more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces, that’s not surprising.
But you might have read that Invisalign can’t effectively treat all cases of tooth misalignment. Will it work for you? What issues can Invisalign actually treat?
This short blog post from Brett Blacher, DDS, has the answers:
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a set of clear aligners made from plastic for at least 22 hours every single day. The trays are custom-made for you based on scans of your teeth and lay out the “path” your teeth should take to correct your misalignment issues.
By wearing the trays, Invisalign applies constant pressure to your teeth, which slowly repositions them. You’ll need to wear multiple sets of trays throughout your treatment. The exact number depends on how much your teeth need to migrate.
Common Issues Invisalign Can Treat
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment that can treat a variety of misalignment issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
Crooked teeth mean your teeth don’t sit perfectly straight on the arch, which can cause cosmetic issues as well as difficulties with properly cleaning your smile.
- Gaps Between Teeth
Space issues can make your teeth sit too far apart from each other. Invisalign can push your teeth closer together and help improve your smile’s appearance.
- Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth mean your teeth push against each other, overlap, or otherwise don’t appear to have enough room on the jaw.
- Dental Bite Issues
If you have an improper bite caused by the position of your teeth, such as underbites or overbites, Invisalign can address this problem and lead to a healthier bite.
Invisalign Limitations
Invisalign can effectively treat most mild to moderate cases of tooth misalignment. Unfortunately, the amount of pressure the aligners put on the teeth might be insufficient for severe cases of misalignment. In these instances, traditional braces are often more suitable.
Moreover, if you have skeletal bite issues, Invisalign will also be ineffective. This means your improper bite is caused by the position of the jaw, not the position of the teeth.
Invisalign does not affect the jaw bone, and these cases will require braces, jaw surgery, or a combination of both to address.
How to Know If Invisalign Is Right for You
If you have generally healthy teeth and are dealing with mild to moderate alignment issues, you’re most likely a great candidate for Invisalign.
However, the best way to know for sure is to see Lombard dentist Dr. Brett Blacher for a consultation. The severity of your alignment issues should be properly assessed to see if clear aligner therapy is appropriate.
Ready to learn if Invisalign is right for you? Then request a visit to Brett Blacher, DDS online or call us at (630) 916-0701.
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