Invisalign has come a long way since it was first introduced. In those early days, the clear plastic aligners were seen as a discreet way of straightening crooked teeth and not much else.
But thanks to years of fine-tuning and innovation, Invisalign is now a market-leading system that more than holds its own when compared with traditional orthodontics. Especially when it’s in the hands of a specialist orthodontist. A trained professional can develop an effective Invisalign treatment plan to tackle a variety of dental issues, from cosmetic to complicated.
So, what problems can Invisalign fix? And where does it still come up a bit short? Let’s explore below.
What orthodontic issues can Invisalign fix?
The clear benefit of Invisalign is, ironically, that it’s clear. This makes it a more subtle alternative to a mouth full of metal wires. However, that’s not the only plus point. It’s also comfortable, can be removed when eating and brushing, and can exert enough force to deal with all of the issues outlined below, depending on the severity.
1. Misaligned (Crooked) Teeth
Straightening crooked smiles is precisely how Invisalign earned its reputation. If you’d like a straighter, brighter smile, Invisalign is a winning option.
2. Underbites
An underbite happens when your bottom teeth sit in front of your upper teeth. This can result in speech difficulties and increased wear and tear. Luckily, Invisalign can ride to the rescue. Invisalign can treat an underbite by forcing your bottom teeth back to their natural position behind your front teeth.
3. Overbites
The opposite of an underbite, an overbite is when your top teeth are too far in front of your bottom teeth. This can make biting and chewing difficult. Invisalign can fix an overbite by aligning your teeth correctly.
4. Crossbites
A crossbite is like a combination of an over and underbite. It’s when some of your top teeth sit inside your bottom teeth, and some sit outside. This can result in teeth chipping, wear and tear, and gum recession. The good news is that, as with other bite issues, Invisalign is effective at treating crossbites.
5. Open Bites
An open bite is when your top and bottom teeth don’t meet. By moving them into position, Invisalign can fix an open bite so that you can close them together properly.
6. Teeth Spacing
If you have big gaps in your teeth (otherwise known as teeth spacing), food can get stuck, causing irritation, discomfort, and potentially gum disease. Invisalign can close those gaps for a healthier, happier smile.
7. Teeth Crowding
The opposite of spacing, teeth crowding happens when there isn’t enough room in your jaw for your teeth to fit naturally. This is typically an inherited issue and results in teeth overlapping teeth and discomfort when biting or chewing. Teeth crowding can also make it difficult to clean your teeth correctly and, in time, plaque and tartar can build up, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Fortunately, Invisalign can fix crowded teeth by pushing the teeth gradually into the correct alignment.
What can’t Invisalign fix?
It’s a bit of a myth that Invisalign can’t fix complex cases. Thanks to its range of attachments, it can be used to target complicated alignments, pulling teeth down vertically as well as horizontally.
That being said, there are some situations where Invisalign won’t be suitable. This can generally boil down to the shape and position of your teeth:
- Shape – We see some patients whose teeth aren’t the right shape to fit snugly inside the clear aligner. Short, sharp teeth or peg teeth may not move into position using Invisalign alone and could benefit from additional or alternative orthodontic treatments.
- Position – Depending on the severity of teeth spacing or crowding, Invisalign could struggle to effectively close a larger gap or rotate or pull a misaligned tooth into position. A specialist orthodontist will assess this during your initial consultation and advise you on the correct course of action.
Don’t rule it out; Invisalign keeps getting better
Compared with even a few years ago, Invisalign can today tackle incredibly complex cases with relative ease. Even if you think you need traditional metal braces to deal with your issue, don’t rule out these clear plastic aligners.
Speak with one of our specialists to learn how Invisalign works, timelines, and aftercare requirements. We can even arrange a video consultation to walk you through the treatment in detail, answering your questions and developing a bespoke plan of action.
