Orthodontic issues? Is Invisalign limited in superpowers? You may have heard of Invisalign braces, but you may not know the benefits and drawbacks of having them installed. The truth is, while clear molds are a popular option amongst many, there are some aspects of wearing clear molds you may need to talk with an orthodontist about before making the decision of whether or not it’s the right option for you.
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😃 What is Invisalign?
Invisalign braces are clear molds specifically designed to straighten teeth are often referred to as this specific brand name, although they aren’t the only brand to offer clear molds. They are, however, the only brand that uses patented Smart Track technology that boasts of over 75% predictability and a generally better, more comfortable fit when compared to competitors.
These aligners work by clipping on plastic retainers over your teeth with small alterations made to them to help them move into the desired position. As such, your molds will need to be replaced once every one to two weeks to be effective. Over time, your teeth will slowly move into the desired position, yielding a straighter, better-looking smile than before.
Note that results can take anywhere from 6-12 months, but that largely depends on the dental needs of the individual wearing them. Invisalign treatment can be capable of giving you the smile you want, but only to a certain degree. In the next segment, we will explore what these molds can do, and later, we will discuss a few drawbacks you may need to consider.
What Orthodontic Issues Can be Fixed With Invisalign?
Straightening molds can be utilized to improve a smile a variety of ways including:
Closing Unwanted Spaces
For some people, gaps between teeth, otherwise known as diastema, can be an unsightly dilemma. Gapped teeth can be genetic, but it can also be the result of other issues. For people that have large jaws, it could be that their teeth are too small in comparison, and therefore, gaps are produced.
Some habits like thumb sucking can also cause gapped teeth. Nevertheless, Invisalign treatment can be used to correct spacing issues to yield a more aesthetically pleasing result for the patient.
Fixing Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth can be an annoyance for many patients. Not only is it not generally cosmetically pleasing, but it also can make it difficult to keep teeth clean. Crooked teeth can be the result of many things.
Like most orthodontic issues on this list, it can be caused by genetics, a misaligned jaw, a jaw that is too small, crowded teeth, and more. Because teeth that are crooked can be difficult to keep clean, they can also become breeding grounds for bacteria, tooth decay, and other oral inconveniences.
Malocclusion
This broad term refers to teeth that are misaligned due to the positioning of the jaw. This can include overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Invisalign molds can help correct these issues to realign your jawbone so that your teeth are able to sit correctly.
Minor Crowding
Crowding occurs most often when the jawbone is too small for the number of teeth in a patient’s mouth. As more teeth grow in, the more crowding ensues. This results in crooked teeth, impacted molars, and other dental issues. Crowding can make cleaning and maintaining proper oral hygiene even more difficult, as it can be tricky to get to hard to reach places to remove bacteria properly. This can result in gum disease and a host of other dental issues.
What Orthodontic Issues Can’t be Fixed With Invisalign?
While the o rthodontic issues me ntioned above can be fixed by Invisalign aligners, it is important to note that the severity of each of those issues still plays a major role in whether or not the molds will actually be effective. For example, severely crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth will likely need traditional metal braces to pull them into place rather than Invisalign. Nevertheless, you should still consult with your dentist to figure out if aligners might be a good option for you.
The Positioning of Your Teeth
Depending on how your orthodontic issues and teeth are arranged, you may or may not have teeth that need to be rotated or tilted. When this happens, you will need to talk with your dentist about whether or not aligners will be effective at straightening your teeth. This is because aligners don’t always do the best job of rotating teeth that are more than 20 degrees, and they generally have trouble pulling up teeth that are at more than a 45-degree tilt.
The Shape of Your Teeth
Believe it or not, the shape of your teeth can also disqualify you for Invisalign. If you have pointy, very short, or round teeth, be sure to check with your dentist before embarking upon your Invisalign journey.
Needing to Remove Your Teeth
If you must have teeth removed then it isn’t a good idea to have Invisalign aligners installed. Have your teeth removed first, and then check with your dentist to explore your straightening options.
Recent Dental Procedures
Certain dental procedures such as a dental bridge or new veneers will likely disqualify you as a candidate for Invisalign treatment. You may need to wait or ask your dentist’s advice before trying to have them installed.
Severe Cases
As previously mentioned, some dental needs are far too extreme for clear molds to handle on their own. You and your dentist can talk about other methods of fixing your smile instead, including the use of traditional metal braces.
A FREE Consultation
All in all, there are several advantages to Invisalign and other clear aligners that make them a great choice for many people with orthodontic issues. They can fix several orthodontic issues without the embarrassment of having metal wires on your teeth.
Nevertheless, clear aligners do have their share of drawbacks. In order to know whether or not you are a good candidate to receive clear aligners to fix your issues be sure to contact expert orthodontist Dr. Panucci and her amazing team for a complimentary clear aligner consultation.
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Either way, let us know by leaving a comment below right now and continue the conversation. Also, link in Twitter over @DrPattiPanucci
220 N. Aviation Blvd. Servant A
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
9 Orthodontic Issues | Can Invisalign Fix them? (Fast Facts)
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
