What issues can Invisalign treatment help solve?
Invisalign has changed the ‘face’ of orthodontics, in a good way. What used to be clunky, ugly, hard to maintain and manage with traditional braces, has been taken over by clear easy-to-use aligners. The comfort, flexibility, and discrete profile of Invisalign make it an ideal treatment option for patients of any age. But every person is different, along with their orthodontic needs. Is Invisalign right for you, and will clear aligners help treat the issues you may be experiencing? There are a few issues that can be treated by Invisalign in some patients, but not all, depending on the severity or if there are a combination of issues. Here’s a helpful guide:
GENERALLY STRAIGHTER TEETH – When you just want a more beautiful smile.
You may like your smile, but the goal is for you to LOVE it. Maybe there’s a special event coming up, such as your wedding, or you want extra confidence at work or school? Small fixes can make a big difference, and with Invisalign treatment, you can experience the difference faster than with braces.
OVERBITE – Upper front teeth close in front of the lower teeth.
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite. But your overbite is too large, your doctor might tell you you have a “deep bite,” and this can cause problems including wearing down your teeth or pain in your jaw. Invisalign can fix an overbite or deep bite by aligning your upper and lower teeth, so they fit more naturally together.
UNDERBITE – Lower teeth protrude past upper front teeth.
An underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. An underbite can make it hard to chew properly and speak clearly, and it might cause your teeth to wear down more quickly. In many cases, this is actually a problem with your lower jaw being too far forward. Invisalign can fix some underbites by guiding the lower teeth into a more comfortable position. Although, severe underbites might require Invisalign treatment combined with surgery.
CROSS BITE – Upper and lower jaws don’t line up.
When you close your mouth and some of your upper teeth are sitting inside your lower teeth, rather than on the outside like they normally would, this is a crossbite. A crossbite can make your teeth wear down or chip, and make your gums start to recede or make little notches above your gum line. This kind of damage can lead to painful gum problems or even bone loss. Invisalign clear aligners can fix some types of crossbite and correct the issue by guiding your teeth into a better position.
GAP TEETH – Extra spaces between teeth.
When you have extra space between two or more of your teeth, you have spacing issues or gap teeth. Gap teeth can create pockets between your teeth and gums where food can get stuck. It can make your gums tender and sore and even lead to gum disease. Invisalign clear aligners can fix gaps in teeth by closing the gaps and improving your overall oral health and appearance.
OPEN BITE – Top and bottom teeth don’t meet.
If your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, this an open bite. An open bite can make it hard to chew or difficult to bite into some foods, like apples. Invisalign clear aligners can fix an open bite by realigning the jaw and guiding your teeth into a better position.
CROWDED TEETH – Not enough room in the jaw for teeth to fit normally.
When you don’t have enough room in your jaw for your teeth to fit properly, your teeth can bunch up, overlap and twist. Crowded teeth can make it hard to brush and floss well, which makes it easier for plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria to build up, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign clear aligners can fix crowded teeth by addressing and aligning your smile.
BABY AND PERMANENT TEETH – For growing children with a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as “Phase 1” treatment. The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to develop young jaws and/or arches to make room for existing teeth and for incoming permanent teeth. Invisalign First aligners can fix a broad range of teeth straightening issues, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches:
- Can prevent pre-existing bite issues from getting worse.
- Can fix existing teeth-straightening conditions.
- Can improve the appearance of a growing child’s smile.
- Can help with oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
- Can make Phase 2 treatment shorter and easier.
Where can I get Invisalign Treatment?
For patients who wish to straighten their smiles discreetly, Shemen Dental Group LLP in Amarillo, TX, offers Invisalign® clear aligners as a faster and more comfortable alternative. As Invisalign Preferred Providers, Dr. Eddy Sauer, Jr. and Dr. Nathaniel Avirett are highly qualified to perform custom treatments, and can combine Invisalign with Propel Orthodontics for even faster results. We also provide Invisalign Teen, a special variation of this treatment designed especially for adolescents, and Invisalign Express, an expedited treatment option. Contact us today for an appointment or consultation!
