Are you interested in straightening your teeth using Invisalign, but aren’t sure if it can solve your crooked or misaligned teeth? Here, we’ll explain what Invisalign is, how it works, and what orthodontic issues it can and can’t fix.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a straightening dental treatment that consists of a series of clear, plastic aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. These fit snugly over your teeth and are virtually invisible. Because they are also removable, you can take them out when you brush your teeth, eat, and even for special occasions like a job interview or a wedding. Invisalign is a great teeth straightening option for those who want a straighter smile but don’t want to wear metal braces. Invisalign is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth while they continue on with their every day without feeling self conscious.
How Does Invisalign Work?
For Invisalign treatment to work, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. During this time, the custom made aligners will work to apply pressure on the area that needs fixing and move the teeth slowly into place. Depending on the plan you discuss with your dentist, you’ll change out aligners every 1 to 2 weeks so that the teeth straightening can progress. While Invisalign is not painful, you may feel a little pressure when you first put the new aligners in and they start to move your teeth.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Fix?
There are a number of orthodontic issues that Invisalign can fix. Some of the most common include crooked teeth, overbites (where the upper teeth jut out in front of the bottom teeth), and underbites (where the bottom teeth jut out in front of the upper teeth). Invisalign can also close gaps in your teeth and straighten out crowded teeth that overlap and twist over each other. It can also fix a crossbite, which is when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside when the mouth is closed, and an open bite, which is when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet.
What Orthodontic Issues Can’t Invisalign Fix?
While there are many issues Invisalign can fix, there also some that it can’t. For example, if a crooked tooth needs to be rotated severely to be straightened, Invisalign may not be capable of doing that. Likewise, small gaps between teeth are fine for Invisalign, but if there are large gaps then Invisalign may not be up to that challenge. Invisalign is also not capable of raising or lowering the position of the tooth in the jawline or correcting a midline discrepancy that’s more than 2mm.
If you think you are a good candidate for Invisalign, give us a call to schedule a consultation!
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