With the advent of invisible Invisalign braces, ‘teeth straightening’ has become easier than never before. It is a new-age orthodontic procedure that uses transparent aligners to rectify misalignment of tooth. No doubt, more than five million of people, worldwide, have resorted to this revolutionary dental treatment method!
However, it is also crucial to assess other factors besides aesthetics before choosing Invisalign braces treatment. This blog explains some scenarios when this straightening method comes to help and when not. Read on below to learn.
What Orthodontic Issues can be treated by Invisalign?
As mentioned, Invisalign does not address all dental problems, such as, overcrowding and extreme tooth gaps. During such times, the conventional braces treatment is a more suitable approach. Here is a list of some common dental issues that Invisalign is capable of treating, besides ‘crooked’ or misaligned teeth.
- Overbite
This is a condition when the upper teeth close extremely far away in front of the bottom teeth set. Overbites are responsible for giving difficulties while chewing and biting.
For mild cases of overbites, Invisalign braces can bring the upper teeth to a proper position. This helps the upper and bottom teeth plates to align properly when you close the mouth.
- Underbite
This is opposite of overbite, characterised by a condition when the bottom set of teeth are improperly positioned. Underbites can significantly cause your teeth to wear out more rapidly, leading to speech difficulties over time. With Invisalign treatment, it is possible to move the lower teeth into their usual position so that they naturally sit behind the frontal teeth set. However, for extremities, a combined approach is followed, involving both braces and clear aligners.
- Crossbite
It is a special dental condition in which some upper teeth fit inside lower set rather than outwards. This makes your teeth to chip and wear out fast; and can even cause the gums to recede. In most cases, Invisalign helps move the incorrectly positioned teeth into their proper place.
- Tooth gaps
If you are having a gap between two or more teeth, it indicates spacing issues. This can be problematic in a number of ways. First, food debris will get into those spaces, leading to rotting of teeth roots and gums in the long run. Also, this can attract bacteria to form colonies, giving rise to infections, toothache and gum diseases. Invisalign aims to close the tooth gaps, creating a healthier and more aesthetic smile.
- Open Bite
This is a dental issue characterised by the upper and lower teeth not meeting with each other. Invisalign can conveniently fix an open bite by repositioning them into their usual position so they close properly.
- Crowded Teeth
This happens when there is not sufficient space in the jaw to accommodate all of your teeth. Crowding can result in overlapping and twisting of your pearly whites. Such a reduced space between teeth leads food particles to stick, resulting in plaque and tartar build-up over time. This, in turn, contributes to subsequent dental decay and gum problems. If crowding of teeth is mild and less complex, Invisalign can conveniently fix them.
Cases when Invisalign does not work
Invisalign lacks the same strength and ability to shift teeth as braces do. Consequently, intricate orthodontic treatments or cases necessitating substantial tooth movement require braces instead of Invisalign to attain the desired result.
Here are several scenarios where Invisalign might be less effective compared to braces:
- Shape of tooth
Certain patients have teeth that aren’t suitable for fitting into the aligner. Teeth that are short, round, pegged, or have pronounced tips might prevent the aligner from securing a proper hold. Consequently, the aligner fails to properly shift your teeth into the intended location. - Position of teeth
When a mouth is cramped, a tooth may turn to accommodate. If the rotation exceeds 20 degrees for molars, Invisalign cannot reposition them as intended. The extent of rotation can be greater if the teeth being rotated are canines, premolars, and incisors.
Teeth may also lean forward or backward to accommodate a congested mouth. If the angle exceeds 45 degrees, Invisalign will have difficulty guiding the tooth into the correct position. - Old and new dental work
Previous dental work involving dental bridges, veneers, crowns, etc. can prevent individuals from obtaining Invisalign. This is because such attachments prevent Invisalign from adhering to the dental surface. Similarly, if someone chooses to get dental procedures after Invisalign retainers have been made, fitting issues may arise. It is best to consult with an orthodontist before deciding on to obtain invisible Invisalign braces. - Significant spaces between teeth
Invisalign can effectively close a maximum of 6mm of space per arch (upper or lower teeth), regardless of whether there is a single gap between two teeth or multiple gaps a patient desires to be closed. - Intrusion and extrusion
Orthodontics can elevate or lower teeth’s position in the jawbone to ensure the teeth’s height is uniform. Braces possess the ability to align teeth effectively, whereas Invisalign can only accomplish slight adjustments in front teeth and nearly no adjustments in back teeth. - Midline actions
Certain patients have front teeth that are misaligned with their midline (the imaginary line running through the center of the face). Invisalign is capable of correcting a midline discrepancy of up to 2mm to the left or right for each arch, but anything beyond that prompts a braces treatment. - Using of visible dental attachments
Most orthodontic patients choose Invisalign due to its discreet nature and invisibility. However, some cases may require additional attachments along with Invisalign aligners. These look like enamel-coloured buttons and may be slightly visible to other people. Thus, it is essential to consult a orthodontist beforehand.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatments are constantly evolving and so it is essential to keep up with such adjustments. Complicated dental cases are now being effectively treated with invisible Invisalign braces, thus reducing time, effort and resources. Book a consultation today at any of your nearby dental clinics and embark on to a straighter smile that lasts till a lifetime!
