Does Invisalign Work For Every Smile?
If you are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, keep reading to find out if clear aligners will work for your smile
Clear aligners have become very popular since they first came onto the orthodontic scene in the 1990s. Now more than ever, people are opting to use Invisalign to straighten their teeth and improve their smile. The aesthetic advantages over braces are obvious, but is Invisalign the best option for everyone? In this article, we’ll be exploring the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Invisalign as well as answering the question: does Invisalign work for every smile? We’ll be covering:
How invisalign works
Who is eligible for Invisalign treatment
What Invisalign can treat
The limits of Invisalign
How Does Invisalign work?
Let's examine how Invisalign works before exploring if Invisalign can straighten your smile
Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth by changing aligners every few days.
It’s best to start every Invisalign journey understanding how Invisalign works. When you begin your Invisalign journey, your orthodontist will begin by taking computer generated impressions of your smile. Next, the orthodontist will create molds of your teeth based on the scans. From there, you will receive a series of clear aligners from your orthodontist that you will wear for at least 22 hours every day for the duration of your Invisalign treatment. Over time, the aligners will force your teeth from their original position into their new, straightened position. Where braces use metal wiring to push your teeth into place, clear aligners require your teeth to slowly adjust to each tray until you have achieved your desired results.
Does Invisalign Work for Both Adults and Teens?
Many assume Invisalign is only for adults with minor teeth corrections, but Invisalign works well for teens too
Invisalign is becoming more popular among teens.
If you are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, there is a good chance that you and your orthodontist can use Invisalign to achieve a better smile. Invisalign is a great choice for both adults and teens who are in need of orthodontic care, but don’t want the hassle of traditional braces. For teens especially, Invisalign can be helpful. Teen years are often concerned about their appearance when wearing metal braces, but that is no longer the case. Invisalign also boasts shorter wear times so less of their teen years are spent correcting the smile. Because of these factors, Invisalign is often an excellent choice for both adults and teens.
What Kind of Teeth Alignment Issues Can Invisalign Fix?
If you have any of the orthodontic issues listed below, you could be a good candidate for Invisalign
Talk to your orthodontist about your smile goals and work out an Invisalign plan together.
Now that invisalign has become so common among teens and adults alike, it's time to do some further investigation into exactly what problems clear aligners are capable of fixing. These problems are fairly common and are generally the same issues that braces can solve. Let’s get into it!
Teeth Gaps: Many are familiar with gaps between your teeth as they are one of the most common issues orthodontists are asked to correct. Having larger than normal gaps between your teeth can lead to excess plaque buildup and gum disease.
Crowded Teeth: The opposite of teeth gaps, crowded teeth occur when your teeth begin to overlap each other due to lack of space in your jaw. Much like teeth gaps, overcrowded teeth can lead to plaque buildup and gingivitis.
Overbite: An overbite occurs when the top row of teeth bites down too far over your lower set of teeth, leading to dental and cosmetic problems in the future. If an overbite is not corrected, it can lead to jaw pain and excessive wear on the bottom teeth.
Underbite: An underbite is the exact opposite of an overbite, meaning your upper set of teeth slip behind your lower set of teeth. Underbites also cause jaw pain and excessive tooth wear in the same way an overbite does.
Crossbite: Crossbites, much like overbites and underbites, are the result of a misaligned bite that causes continual problems with your teeth if it is not properly addressed with orthodontic care. A crossbite means that your top teeth are out of alignment with your bottom teeth, causing you to bite down unevenly.
Open Bite: An open bite refers to your upper and lower teeth failing to make contact with each other when you bite down. This issue can affect your ability to chew food properly and can be treated with Invisalign.
What Can’t Invisalign Fix?
Though Invisalign is an incredibly effective and versatile treatment, its is not a solution to every orthodontic problem
If Invisalign isn’t right for your smile today, it could be the right move in the future to correct other issues.
Everyone’s journey to a straightened smile is different, and because of this, Invisalign is not for everyone. If you are experiencing more advanced crowding issues that have led to rotating teeth, Invisalign may not be the right fit for you. When teeth have begun rotating, braces are more effective in solving the issue.
The shape of your teeth may also affect whether or not Invisalign is a good option for you. If your teeth are too small or too sharp to fit the clear aligners, Invisalign trays can’t do their job properly. If the aligner can’t properly grip your teeth, it won’t be able to straighten your teeth as desired.
Large teeth gaps are also problematic for Invisalign trays to properly correct. Braces exert more pressure on your teeth than Invisalign and are preferable to do the work to correct very large gaps. Finally, you will want to consult with your orthodontist if you have veneers or crowns. These may cause Invisalign to fit improperly and your trays will not be able to shift your teeth.
So, does Invisalign work for every smile? While it will work for a majority of common orthodontic issues, it will not work for more complex issues that require braces or other intervention. However, it doesn’t matter if you are an adult or a teen, Invisalign works for any age group searching for an improved smile. It is important to consult with your orthodontist before you decide whether or not Invisalign is the best option for you. If you are considering Invisalign and have lingering questions, you can always contact Legacy Orthodontics for more information about making the best choice for your smile.