What Invisalign Braces Can and Cannot Help in Orthodontics

Invisalign Teen braces are a popular orthodontic treatment offering a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. While their benefits are well-established, understanding what Invisalign can and cannot help is crucial for patients considering this treatment.

What Invisalign Can Help With

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that you must wear for at least 22 hours a day. These aligners are replaced every two weeks with a newer, tighter set. Over time, these aligners gently shift your teeth into their desired positions. Here are some common orthodontic issues that Invisalign can address:

Crooked Teeth

If you have crooked teeth, Invisalign can help straighten them. Mild to moderate cases are typically suitable for Invisalign, aligning your teeth for a better smile and improved dental health.

Overbite

An overbite is defined by your upper front teeth overlapping with your lower front teeth. This can cause chewing and biting difficulties. Invisalign can align your teeth so that the upper and lower teeth fit properly, enhancing your bite and overall oral function.

Underbite

An underbite is the opposite of an overbite, where your lower teeth are ahead of your upper teeth. This can cause tooth wear and affect speech. Invisalign can help push your lower teeth back so they rest behind your front teeth, correcting your bite and reducing the risk of tooth wear.

Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps between your teeth, known as spacing issues, can lead to pain and gum disease due to food getting caught between them. Invisalign can help close these gaps, improving both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your smile.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when your upper and lower teeth do not meet. Invisalign can move your upper and lower teeth into proper alignment, correcting this issue and enhancing your bite and speech.

Crowded Teeth

Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in your jaw, leading to overlapping or twisted teeth. Invisalign can help correct this by gradually freeing up space, making it easier to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of decay and periodontal disease.

However, it's important to note that the success of Invisalign depends on several factors, including the severity of your dental issues. More severe cases may require traditional braces to achieve the desired results.

What Invisalign Cannot Help With

While Invisalign is highly effective for many orthodontic issues, it has limitations. For more complex cases, Invisalign may not provide the necessary force or treatment plan to achieve the desired results. Some conditions that Invisalign may not fully address include:

Severe Overbites

In some cases of severe overbites, Invisalign may not be sufficient alone. Braces may be needed to provide the necessary force and correction. A combination of Invisalign and braces can sometimes be used to address these more significant issues.

Tissue Expansion

In rare cases, there may be a need for tissue expansion. Invisalign aligners cannot stretch or expand tissues like traditional braces can, so orthodontic surgery or other methods might be necessary.

Severe Jaw Misalignment

Severe jaw misalignment may require more invasive treatments such as skeletal surgery. In these cases, Invisalign alone may not suffice. Instead, a combination of Invisalign and orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be recommended.

Dental Misalignment Beyond the Scope of Clear Aligners

Some dental misalignments are beyond the scope of what clear aligners can achieve. For example, if there is significant tooth damage or missing teeth, Invisalign may not be an option without additional dental work first.

Conclusion

While Invisalign offers a range of benefits for many orthodontic issues, it is crucial to consult with an orthodontist to determine if it is the right choice for your specific needs. Invisalign can correct many mild to moderate orthodontic issues effectively, but more complex cases may require a combination of treatments or other orthodontic interventions.