Invisalign Clear Aligners for Crooked Teeth

Do you have crooked teeth? Depending on the severity of your misalignment, crooked teeth can interfere with everyday activities- plus it may impact your confidence over time. Know that it is never too late to address crooked teeth, and clear aligners like Invisalign show great promise at improving smiles widely.

Clear aligners have been revolutionary. Many people that may have needed traditional metal braces are now able to wear clear, discreet aligners and resolve their smile in about half the time. It is estimated that nearly 5 million people have straightened their teeth with clear aligners. Could this be a viable solution for you? Talk to your dental provider about your options for orthodontic treatment.

So, can Invisalign clear aligners fix crooked teeth?

Invisalign can resolve crooked teeth and mild to moderate misalignment issues. Since every mouth is different, you will need to have an assessment by an orthodontic professional to determine if you are a candidate for clear aligners- or if your condition requires alternative straightening methods, like traditional metal braces for severe misalignment.

Keep reading to learn more about what Invisalign can- and cannot- do!

In certain situations, clear aligners work their magic and straighten teeth in 6-12 months. Naturally, every mouth is different, but here are a few of the common issues that Invisalign can fix:

• Aligners are effective at straightening crooked teeth; see your dentist to learn more!
• If you have an overbite, it may be resolved with Invisalign treatment. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth close in front of the bottom teeth, which can cause issues with eating and speaking. Clear aligners can move the teeth so that the line-up properly when you close your mouth.

Invisalign is equally effective at treating an underbite, that is, when the bottom teeth are out in front of the upper teeth. Aligners help to move the lower teeth back, helping with speech difficulties.

• For severe underbites, the dentist may combine metal braces and Invisalign aligners for best results.
• A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth rather than outside of the teeth. This causes premature wear on the teeth as well as receding gums, which can be quite painful. In cases of a crossbite, Invisalign moves the teeth to create a proper bite.
• Do you have gaps between your teeth? Gaps are spacing issues that can cause problems like stuck food and gum disease. Invisalign can gently shift the teeth to close the gaps resulting in a more aesthetically appealing smile.
• If you have a small jaw or crowded mouth, your teeth may overlap. When your teeth are crowded together, it increases the risk of gum disease and even tooth loss.

The best way to determine if your smile is 'fixable' with Invisalign is to see your dentist. They can present you with distinct teeth straightening options for your consideration.

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are not effective at treating more severe misalignment issues. In these instances, traditional metal braces may be more prudent when significant movement of teeth is needed.

Some of the situations that Invisalign is not fixing include:

• If your teeth are round, short, pegged, or have very pointed tips, you may not be a good candidate for an aligner. These shapes of teeth make it difficult for the aligner to stay secure to the teeth, which impacts its efficacy in straightening the teeth
• Sometimes when teeth are crowded, some can shift and rotate on their own. For canine, incisor, and premolar teeth, that might be okay. However, if you have molars that have moved into difficult positions, aligners may not be a viable option for you. Talk to your dental provider to learn more.
• Again, if your teeth are very crowded, they may tilt. If they tilt beyond 45-degrees, Invisalign may not be for you.
• Invisalign is only able to minimize and close gaps of up to six millimeters per arch, upper, lower, or both. Wider gaps may not be suited to Invisalign.
• Metal braces are far more effective at severe alignment issues, like problems with dental Intrusion and Extrusion. Aligners do not have the capacity to move teeth the same way that metal braces do- and are less effective at moving back teeth during treatment than braces.
• If you have previously had a dental bridge, you are not a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. Porcelain veneers and crowns may also make you ineligible but talk to your dentist to find out more. It has to do with the ability to bond aligners to the teeth.
• New dental work after your aligners have been crafted is a no-no. There is no guarantee that the aligners will fit properly afterward. Even if they fit, the changes made to your mouth could compromise the efficacy of the aligner in straightening your teeth.
• You are fairly committed once the alignment trays have been crafted. There can be no dental work after this point because the aligners won't fit properly anymore.
• If you need teeth extracted either before or during the time that you would be wearing your aligners, this is not a good option for you at this time.

Are you not a good candidate for Invisalign? Don't worry- you have other options. The key is to see a dental provider right away and begin a plan to improve your smile. What are you waiting for?

When comparing the costs of Invisalign to other straightening methods, remember to consider the time of treatment. That is, Invisalign and other clear aligners can take half the time of metal braces- which does impact the overall costs related to your orthodontic care and treatment. From missing work for an appointment to the travel time back and forth, Invisalign may be the more cost-effective solution for busy folks. All things considered, why wouldn't you want to straighten your teeth and enhance your smile? With inventive solutions like Invisalign clear aligners, it is relatively quick, easy, and comfortable to improve the appearance of your teeth. Are your teeth crooked? Contact us today at Ammons Dental by Design to learn more!