A healthy, straight smile can enhance confidence and oral health. Most individuals seeking orthodontic care desire a substitute for conventional braces. That is where Invisalign enters the picture. But can Invisalign correct all dental problems? What are the advantage and disadvantage of Invisalign? Let’s find out what Invisalign can and cannot do.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance that utilizes a sequence of transparent aligners to slowly shift teeth into position. The aligners are tailored and must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day for optimal results. This makes cleaning and eating an easier affair compared to regular braces.
What Corrections Can Be Made with Invisalign?
Treatment of Invisalign in South Edmonton can work wonders for mild to moderate orthodontic cases. Below are some dental conditions that it can treat:
1. Mild to Moderate Crowding: If your teeth are somewhat overlapping due to a shortage of space, then it can slowly move them into their rightful place with the help of Invisalign. Extreme crowding can, however, be treated using extractions or regular braces for optimal improvement.
2. Minor Spaces Between Teeth: Invisalign has the ability to close minor gaps between teeth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your smile and the prevention of food entrapment between teeth that leads to decay.
3. Light Overbite and Underbite: The incisors of the upper jaw excessively overlap those of the lower jaw in cases of overbites, whereas underbites are those in which the teeth are projected in the lower jaw more than in the upper jaw. They can all be treated with mild overbite or underbite using Invisalign treatment, but more severe conditions are likely to involve surgery or orthodontics.
4. Open Bites and Crossbites: There is no open bite, as such, in which the lower and upper teeth touch each other when the mouth is closed; at a certain point, the upper teeth will be resting between the lower teeth. Mild and moderate cases of these problems can usually be managed with Invisalign.
What cannot be corrected by Invisalign?
Invisalign is, in itself, a high-tech treatment, but it has its limits.
- Crowding or Rotation Severe: Severe crowding of teeth or rotation by more than 20 degrees may not be movable. Heavy changes may require regular braces for correction.
- Large Spaces: Invisalign can narrow small spaces, but large spaces might need other treatments such as braces or dental bonding.
- Complicated Bite Problems: Severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites can require conventional orthodontic treatments, sometimes in conjunction with jaw surgery for optimal results.
- Short or Peg-Shaped Teeth: Miniature or malformed teeth will not get sufficient in the aligners, which in turn will minimize the efficacy of Invisalign.
Invisalign Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Almost Invisible: The acceptable aligners are transparent, thus less visible compared to metal braces.
- Removable: You can remove them to eat, brush, and floss.
- Comfortable: No metal and wires imply fewer mouth sores and discomfort.
- Easier Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing are easier compared to braces.
Cons:
- Not for Severe Cases: Invisalign is not recommended for serious misalignment or complicated bite issues. Even if they wouldn’t need to be worn for only 22 hours to realize such improvement, they may still need some time to wear these aligners.
- Frequent Changes: You have to change the aligners every one to two weeks and this means you have to visit the doctor very often.
- Cost: It is almost within the cost of Invisalign that braces are installed.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
The only way you can know that this is what you want is by consultation with a qualified dental professional. You are indeed a unique smile, and only a dental professional can tell what your needs are.
Why Choose Invisalign at Jagare Ridge Dental?
Looking for a great dentist in South Edmonton? Come visit us at Jagare Ridge Dental for a consultation on your case. Your dental alignment will be checked, and the best orthodontic treatment for your smile will be recommended to you. Schedule an appointment today on your way to a straighter and healthier smile!