Over the years, Invisalign has become a very popular treatment option for straightening teeth. The treatment involves using clear (almost invisible) aligners to gradually shift teeth into a more natural and desired position. These aligners are custom created for you using 3D technology that maps out your path to a new smile. Wearing Invisalign aligners comes with a lot of benefits, such as being much more comfortable than traditional braces, being easily removable, and no food restrictions.
Although Invisalign has proven to be effective in correcting many orthodontic issues, it doesn’t treat all of them. For this reason, it is crucial that before beginning your Invisalign journey, you schedule a consultation with a certified Invisalign Surrey provider like Sherwood Park Dental Practice to determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment.
So what are the common orthodontic issues Invisalign can treat? Keep reading to find out.
Spacing or gaps between the teeth
This is when you have gaps between two or more teeth. Teeth gaps are usually a result of either genetics, missing teeth, habits like thumb sucking, or teeth too narrow for the jaw. Contrary to popular opinion, gaps between the teeth are not just a cosmetic issue; they can lead to more serious dental problems such as halitosis (bad breath due to the bacteria build-up from food getting stuck between the gaps), bleeding gums, receding gums, and loose teeth.
How Invisalign helps- thankfully, Invisalign aligners can be used to close the gaps between your teeth. An experienced Invisalign provider can create a series of aligner trays with each set programmed to achieve a certain level of movement. This means that as you make your way through each aligner set, your teeth gradually shift until the spaces are closed and your teeth aligned.
Overbite
This occurs when the top part of the teeth sticks out too far in front of the bottom part. It is important to note that most people have an overbite to some degree, and it is typically not something to worry about. But when the space between the teeth is too large, treatment is recommended. This is because an overbite can lead to uneven wear and jaw pain, and it makes the top front teeth vulnerable to injury. Some of the causes of an overbite include; oral habits like tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, and genetics.
How Invisalign helps- Invisalign has a high success rate in correcting overbites. Your orthodontist can program the aligners to help shift the protruding teeth back. Sometimes, Invisalign attachments and rubber bands may also be used to shift the jaw and teeth into the right positions to create a stable and healthy bite.
Crowded teeth
Crowding is the opposite of spacing between the teeth. This occurs when the jaw doesn’t have enough room to fit all of the teeth. Usually, crowding causes the teeth to either stick out, overlap or become twisted. Crowded teeth can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. This is because they are harder to clean, so bacteria and plaque can build-up easily.
How Invisalign helps- Invisalign works well to create space so that each individual tooth can shift into its proper places. For more complicated tooth movements or teeth that are blocked out of line, tooth-coloured attachments can be paired with the aligners.
Underbite
This is when the bottom part of the teeth stays in front of the top part when the mouth is closed. An underbite usually occurs as a result of the lower jaw being larger and too far forward than the upper jaw. This can make chewing and speaking difficult. It can also result in uneven wear of the teeth.
How Invisalign helps- Invisalign has some success with underbite issues. However, for the best outcome, it is recommended that underbite issues be addressed during the early years (7-8 years) as it is easier to manipulate and guide the growth of the jaws at this stage. For minor underbite cases, a combination of the aligners with other techniques like extraction and cosmetic bonding of the teeth can be used to help with a patient’s bite and smile.
Conclusion:
Invisalign is a highly effective treatment option that works for many common teeth alignment issues such as crowding, gap teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites. Schedule a consultation with a certified Invisalign provider today and start your journey toward a healthier and more beautiful smile.
