5 Orthodontic Issues You Can Discreetly Fix With Invisalign
May 04, 2023
Dazzling, flawless smiles are so enviable in part because they rarely happen naturally. Most of us mere mortals typically have crowding issues or some sort of bite problem that needs to be resolved. Fortunately, we no longer have to go through orthodontic treatment with headgear and metal braces.
Almost 25 years ago, Invisalign®, a system using clear aligner trays, took the orthodontic market by storm. One of the most recognized brands in clear aligners, Invisalign gave an option to people who needed to address an orthodontic issue, but didn’t want gaudy, uncomfortable metal braces.
Here, our own Scott McPherson, DDS, at Ballpark Heights Family Dentistry shares his insights on the five orthodontic issues that Invisalign can fix.
A great way to start this conversation is to explore how the typical Invisalign treatment plan plays out.
The journey to getting the smile of your dreams begins with an initial appointment that serves as an opportunity to share your treatment goals with your orthodontist, and also establishes whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Dr. McPherson then performs a thorough oral exam and conducts a medical history. Things like having a severe jaw misalignment or temporomandibular joint problems may rule you out for Invisalign.
If deemed to be a good candidate, Dr. McPherson performs advanced digital imaging to map out the size, shape, and alignment of your teeth. He uploads this data to proprietary software, which develops a custom treatment plan that establishes the precise movements of your teeth.
Once the mapping is finalized, Dr. McPherson sends the plan and digital impressions to a specialized dental laboratory that makes your set of aligners. When these aligners return from the lab, he explains the treatment plan, including the timing to switch to the next series of trays.
You’ll return to the office periodically, so Dr. McPherson can track the progress of teeth movement.
Besides the big plus of obtaining a gorgeous smile, you’ll get there quicker than you typically would with traditional braces. Simply wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only to eat and drink, and of course to brush and floss. You’ll be on your way to a gorgeous smile in no time at all.
While Invisalign offers patients discretion with its nearly invisible appearance, its versatility in addressing a wide range of common orthodontic issues is equally impressive.
Orthodontics is all about achieving optimal alignment for the healthy operation of chewing and eating, so fixing things like bad bites or issues related to how teeth are positioned are at the heart of the vast majority of orthodontic treatment.
Common bite issues include underbites and overbites. With an underbite, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Conversely, an overbite does just the opposite — the front teeth and the upper jaw overlap the lower front teeth
Another common bite issue is a crossbite. In this variation, one or more of the upper teeth fits inside lower teeth. If left untreated, crossbites can lead to jaw pain or issues like TMJ disorders in addition to damaging or wearing down the enamel on your teeth.
Another bite issue variation called an open bite is the result of an issue with teeth alignment, jaw position, or a combination of both. As its name implies, an open bite keeps the top and bottom teeth from meeting, leaving them stuck in an open position.
In addition to bite issues, Invisalign can tackle problems with spaces and gaps. Again, the versatility for addressing maladies is expansive. In this case, gaps between teeth as well as space issues due to oddly sized teeth, jaw size or a combination of issues are at the root of the problem here.
Crowding, or more specifically overcrowding, is probably one of the most common reasons for orthodontic treatment. Crowding refers to either the number of teeth or their size being greater than the space available in the underlying supporting bone causing.
Invisalign addresses crowding by gently shifting teeth into optimal alignment over time, creating ample space and mitigating overcrowding.
If you’re ready to capture your best smile and want to learn if Invisalign is right for you, contact Ballpark Heights Family Dentistry in the Grandview College area of Des Moines, Iowa, for an Invisalign consultation. Request an appointment online or call us today.