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A smile with properly aligned teeth isn’t just a confidence booster; it is a cornerstone of oral health. Poorly aligned teeth can lead to problems ranging from social anxiety, unpleasant smile, difficulty in cleaning teeth, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign is a modern orthodontic marvel which offers a promising discreet way to rectify dental issues.
But the major question concerning most people is how much can Invisalign fix? Invisalign offers solutions from minor cosmetic adjustments to complex alignment cases. After reading this blog, you will be able to uncover its true potential and learn what Invisalign can—and cannot—achieve for your smile.
What is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is the brand name of a type of thin clear aligner used in orthodontic treatment. The aligner is made from a flexible thermoplastic material named SmartTrack.
As the name suggests, this product is designed to make orthodontic treatment “less conspicuous,” as the American Association of Orthodontists puts it. Although Invisalign aligners may not be completely invisible, these clear coverings fit tightly over your teeth and are much less noticeable than the brackets and wires of traditional braces.
Invisalign moves teeth by applying a controlled force to different parts of your teeth during different parts of your treatment. Simply put, only specific teeth can move with each new set of aligners you wear. This is a much more controlled, and less painful way of aligning your teeth in comparison to metal braces.
Minor Issues Invisalign Can Fix
Gaps between teeth:
For individuals with minor gaps in their teeth, Invisalign can prove to be an effective solution without having to worry about the metal appearance of the traditional braces.
Invisalign apply gentle pressure on your teeth and the spaces close with time with mild to zero discomfort.
Crowded teeth:
Mild crowding occurs when teeth overlap each other due to insignificant space in the jaws. Invisalign pushes the teeth to their proper place gradually, which expands the jaws with time. This then permanently makes space for these crowded teeth, leading to a properly aligned smile.
Moderate Issues Invisalign Can Address
Overbites and Underbites:
Malalignment of teeth is more than just a cosmetic concern. Overbites and underbites can lead to more severe problems like jaw pain, difficulty in speaking and tooth damage. Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites (where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than they should) and mild to moderate underbites (where the lower teeth protrude more than upper teeth).
Crossbites
In a normal teeth alignment, when you close your mouth, your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth to some extent. In crossbites, this alignment is reversed i.e. the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This condition can also be rectified by Invisalign.
Open Bite:
Invisalign can help bring teeth together which are not in contact, like in an open bite.
These results sound impressive, but what about severe cases? Can Invisalign handle them? Or is it limited to moderate corrections?
Severe Cases: Can Invisalign Handle Them?
Recent advancements in aligners technology now allows Invisalign to tackle some more complex problems.
1: Severely crowded teeth:
Although extreme crowding still requires traditional metal braces, in a few cases, Invisalign can help improve crowded teeth combined with one or more tooth extractions.
2: Severe Overbites or Underbites:
Invisalign can resolve any severe bite issue but it needs to be combined with other Orthodontic appliances to reach this goal.
Invisalign is continuing to push its boundaries with each technological advancement. However, there are still many limitations to its use which is why traditional orthodontic braces have not gone obsolete till date.
What Invisalign Can't Fix
There are some dental issues related to misalignment which still requires the traditional orthodontic braces. This is why it is important to learn what Invisalign can't fix, before you embark on your orthodontic treatment journey:
Severely Rotated Teeth:
While correcting rotated teeth, the degree of rotation comes into play. If a tooth is rotated more than 20 degrees, Invisalign will have a hard time fixing them.
Extreme Vertical Displacement:
Those teeth which are extremely out of the line vertically (more extruded) will not respond effectively to Invisalign treatment alone.
Jaw Alignment Issues:
Most orthodontic cases are due to issues in either maxillary or mandibular. If this is the case, Invisalign will be ineffective as jaw related issues require a more serious approach to treat them, like some complex surgeries, or simple tooth extractions.
It is essential to recognize these limitations of Invisalign if you want to set realistic expectations for yourself.
How to Determine If Invisalign is Right for You
You can not necessarily determine for yourself if this new type of orthodontic treatment is the right one for you. The only way to truly understand how much Invisalign can be beneficial to you is by consulting a professional orthodontist. An orthodontist uses 3D imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan, showing you the expected outcomes before the treatment ends.
During your consultation with the orthodontist, they will:
● Evaluate the severity of your condition.
● Discuss whether or not Invisalign is enough for you.
● Suggest alternative treatment options, if necessary.
Why Choose Invisalign Over Other Options?
Now that you know what Invisalign can, and what Invisalign cannot fix, it is time to understand why this treatment approach is better than traditional braces.
Esthetics: Most convincing reason for one to go towards is Invisalign is esthetics. These are essentially invisible, so you don’t have to worry about metal wires and braces visible in your mouth.
Shorter Treatment Times: While the time required for traditional braces to complete an orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 8 months to 3 years, Invisalign offers faster results.
Comfort: Invisalign aligners lack the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or injury.
Removability: You can easily maintain oral hygiene with Invisalign as these can be removed during eating or sleeping.
These benefits, combined with its effectiveness, makes Invisalign a great choice for you if you are seeking Orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
If you are dealing with mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign can offer a convenient and effective path to a straighter smile. However, the suspense lies in discovering what it can do for you. Could Invisalign be the key to unlocking your perfect smile? Or do you still need conventional metal braces for your treatment? Only a consultation with a professional can answer that question definitively.
You can call us at 703-777-6100 to book an appointment with an experienced Orthodontist and start the journey of your perfect smile.
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