Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Can (& Can't) Fix

Invisalign is a very beloved type of orthodontic treatment. Not only can it be really effective in straightening a person’s smile and achieving a healthy bite, but it’s also quite discreet. The clear aligners make the treatment virtually invisible, meaning you can avoid the awkward phases of traditional metal braces.

However, if you’ve been looking into Invisalign, then you probably read somewhere that it’s not always the best option to straighten teeth. Check out this short breakdown of everything that Invisalign can and can’t fix!

What Invisalign Can Fix

The clear aligners can be an excellent choice to treat the following issues:

• Crooked teeth
• Bite issues (overbites, underbites, crossbites)
• Reducing gaps between teeth
• Open bites
• Crowded teeth
• Some cases of rotated teeth

If you are dealing with any of these issues, then most likely, you can opt for Invisalign to get healthier and straighter teeth!

What Can’t Invisalign Fix?

As a general rule, Invisalign cannot fix severe cases of alignment issues or bite problems that are caused by the jaw and not the position of the teeth.

Invisalign involves wearing a set of clear aligners which apply extra pressure on the teeth. Over time, this pressure changes the position of the tooth and pulls them into a more optimal placement. But the amount of pressure that Invisalign can apply to the teeth is a lot smaller than traditional metal braces.

Moreover, if you are dealing with bite issues caused by the position of the jaw, then Invisalign won’t do too much to correct it. The aligners can help move the teeth but have no effect on the jawbone. Instead, patients with skeletal bite problems may require surgery or metal braces.

Other things that Invisalign cannot change include:

• Tooth shape - The aligners change the position of the teeth but have no effect on the shape. Sometimes, even if you straighten your teeth, the shape can still create an unpleasant smile. You can change the shape of your teeth through several cosmetic procedures like dental bonding or veneers;
• Severely rotated teeth - If a tooth is rotated over 20 degrees, then Invisalign will not be able to straighten them or even move them;
• Large gaps - Invisalign can close the gaps between your teeth to a certain extent, but spaces larger than 6mm may prove too much for clear aligners.

There may also be cases where Invisalign can treat your condition, but you may not be a good candidate for them. For instance, if you have a dental bridge replacing missing teeth, then it’s impossible to use Invisalign.

How to Know for Sure If Invisalign Is for You

Invisalign can be an excellent orthodontic treatment, but if you want to know for sure if it can help you get a straight smile, stop by Carmel Mountain Dental Care for a consultation.

Book an Invisalign appointment at our practice today!