Is It Time For Invisalign?
Invisalign® clear aligners are an excellent choice for anybody who wants to see straighter teeth without the cumbersome nature of metal braces, brackets, or wires. Invisalign treatment should not, however, be seen as a cure-all for any tooth condition that can arise. When discussing Invisalign treatment with your dentist it is important to know the limitations of Invisalign treatment and be aware of the conditions that can be treated by using clear aligners. Here is what you need to know about when Invisalign treatment can work for you, and when it can't!
What Conditions Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Treat?
Invisalign clear aligners are a highly versatile form of orthodontic treatment that can cover a range of conditions to correct your smile and can be used in teens and adults. Invisalign treatment can even be used before all the baby teeth are lost in what is known as phase 1 treatment. Working with a patient’s natural growth and development, when a patient has both baby and permanent teeth, Invisalign treatment can be used proactively to treat emerging conditions before they become a major problem.
Crowded Teeth
Ideally, there is enough space in our jaw for each individual tooth to grow straight and healthy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and teeth will find themselves without the proper amount of room. As a result, you may find some teeth growing in unnatural positions or angles. Dental crowding can stem from a number of different reasons including insufficient jaw size, premature loss of baby teeth, genetics, & more. Crowding and overlapping teeth can lead to a higher risk of TMJ/TMD, trouble chewing and biting, periodontal disease & cavities as a result of being harder to reach while brushing.
Overbite
One of the most common dental issues is overbite, a condition in which the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth leaving a large gap in between. Generally, a 1-2mm gap between the upper and lower teeth is ideal. If the bite extends any further, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend orthodontic treatment. Depending on the severity of your overbite, it has the potential to cause injury to the teeth and the surrounding structures.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more bottom teeth extend past the top teeth and come in two distinct types: anterior crossbite and posterior crossbite. Both types of crossbites can cause similar issues to other malocclusion conditions. Worn and chipped teeth, speech difficulty, increased risk of cavities and periodontal disease are all risks of leaving a crossbite untreated.
Gap Teeth
As the name suggests, gap teeth occur when there is open space, or a gap, between one or more teeth. Gap teeth may be unsightly for some people and can negatively impact self-esteem. Gap teeth create unique issues from other conditions in that they can create pockets between your teeth and gums where food can get stuck. When food gets trapped along the gumline it can lead to discomfort and even bleeding. If not removed during your oral care routine, it will lead to an increased risk of periodontal disease. It is important to treat gap teeth early with treatments such as Invisalign as it is possible for the gap to continue to grow with age as teeth continue to move further apart.
Open Bite
If your upper and lower teeth do not touch when you close your mouth you are likely experiencing a condition called open bite. Open bites cause several issues when trying to chew certain foods. X-rays, 3D imaging, and physical examinations can all be used to determine the presence and severity of an open bite. Sleep apnea, dry mouth, speech conditions, tooth decay, & more can all result from leaving an open bite untreated.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Treat These Conditions?
Invisalign trays are custom made to align the teeth incrementally. By wearing the series of aligners, pressure is put on your teeth to pull them towards the desired position with small movements over time. Over the course of a couple of weeks, your teeth will be pulled to match the orientation and fit within the aligner. Once they are matched, a new set of Invisalign aligners in the series are provided which continues the process until teeth are properly aligned. Because the aligners are expected to be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day, the process of straightening occurs the entire day and the small increments that occur are subtle until they reach their final positions transforming your smile. It is important to recognize that dental alignment treatments through products such as Invisalign clear aligners are not exclusively for cosmetic reasons!
What Can't Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign clear retainers are not meant to be used for serious or severe alignment issues where a surgical procedure may be required to correct. It is important to set proper expectations for the types of changes that Invisalign treatment can make when speaking with your orthodontist or dentist. During your scheduled appointments, your dentist can answer any questions you may have and determine if you may be a candidate for Invisalign treatment to help treat any of the above conditions.
Contact Dental365 Today
If you are suffering from a misaligned bite, then Invisalign aligners may be the perfect solution for you! Free yourself from the stress of an uneven smile and the issues that lack of treatment can cause with Invisalign! We proudly serve patients in the New York Metropolitan area, NJ and Connecticut. To schedule a visit at a location near you, call 844.365.DENTAL.
