Invisalign: 6 Orthodontic Issues It Can Fix

Here at Smile Stories, we know how important straight teeth and a balanced bite are to how you feel and the health of your mouth. Many people hate the thought of having braces, but Invisalign treatment offers almost invisible teeth straightening. 

In this post, we’ll show you which orthodontic issues Invisalign can fix and some it can’t. Let’s get started!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign was the first clear plastic aligner company to be given FDA approval and since undergoing a systematic review in the UK, it is the most used clear aligner teeth straightening system used by dentists. It’s incredibly popular and has many benefits over braces and other similar teeth straightening treatments.

But Can Invisalign Fix My Teeth?

We get asked this a lot! As dentists, we understand how critical your bite is. This is just one of the many reasons we think Invisalign treatment is the gold standard for clear aligners. 

A systematic review of Invisalign® that considered clinical trials has indicated that evidence for the success of Invisalign treatment is high and “ongoing research and development has allowed treatment of more complex malocclusions.”

Due to the incredible popularity of Invisalign, many companies like SmileDirectClub and ClearCorrect now offer a new type of “at-home treatment”. This option can be tempting as it can sometimes work out cheaper and doesn’t require ongoing in-person dentist appointments. The downside is that you don’t get the professional care of a certified dentist, which can dramatically improve the results of your teeth straightening treatment.

Invisalign is different and preferred by cosmetic dentists as it continues to offer more than just a “cosmetic” correction. It can actually fix a  range of orthodontic issues. 

Invisalign for Fixing Common Orthodontic Issues

We know that having straighter teeth is about so much more than a perfect smile. A misaligned bite such as an overbite or underbite can cause a range of problems, including neck pain, headaches, and migraines. And your teeth are more likely to become worn down, crack, break, and chip!

Everyone has a unique bite, with teeth positioned differently in each individual, which is why at-home teeth-straightening treatments often fail. Saying that, although your bite is unique, there are common issues that can be corrected with Invisalign. 

What Can Invisalign Fix?

Now Invisalign can fix six common orthodontic issues that used to require fixed braces:

1. An overbite is one of the more common issues, referring to the upper front teeth sitting over the bottom front teeth.
2. An underbite is less common and refers to your lower teeth sitting in front of your upper teeth; this can also affect just an individual tooth.
3. Crossbite is when the upper and lower jaws are not in line, resulting in some upper and lower teeth being incorrectly positioned.
4. Gap teeth or Spacing issues refer to gaps between teeth.
5. Open bite is when the top and bottom teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth, upper front teeth often also protrude forward, sometimes called “buck” teeth.
6. Crowding is when there are too many teeth in the jaw, so they start to overlap or become crooked.

Are you interested in getting Invisalign treatment to fix an orthodontic issue? Get in touch with our friendly team today to see how we can help you.

Invisalign Treatment vs At-Home Teeth Straightening 

Remember years ago, when orthodontic treatment was previously done to fundamentally correct an issue with the bite (you may not if you are under 30!). However, clear aligners for teeth straightening and fixing orthodontic issues are still relatively new.  

Checking your teeth in person is far more accurate than via webcam and allows for adjustments if your teeth are not moving correctly. Although many provide online monitoring, this is not the same as actually seeing a dentist to check the movement of your teeth. Invisalign is also the leading company that has created attachments to apply extra pressure on individual teeth and is the most preferred aligner teeth straightening system used by dentists.

For a complete smile makeover, it is worth finding a cosmetic dentist that will be able to correct any other cosmetic issues that may make you feel self-conscious when you smile or talk. 

Our cosmetic dentists are experts at fixing a range of issues, such as chipped or discoloured teeth. This is usually done with a combination of composite bonding and teeth whitening after you have completed your Invisalign treatment. However, if you have already had composite bonding or teeth whitening, this will not prevent you from having Invisalign treatment. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

Now, let’s take a closer look at how Invisalign works and how it can be used to correct most complex bite issues. 

Invisalign treatment is carefully planned using 3D digital scans taken with the advanced iTero scanner. Your dentist will then create your custom Invisalign plan with you. Finally, you will be able to see a digital image of how your teeth will look when you complete your treatment. 

Invisalign is the largest provider of 3D printing aligners and uses patented plastic to make its aligners stronger and more durable than other brands of clear aligners. Invisalign’s new system innovations for orthodontic and restorative dental treatment planning mean Invisalign treatment can now correct almost any orthodontic issues. 

Depending on the complexity of the correction you require, you will have a series of aligners that you will need to change every one to two weeks. 

How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Take?

Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from three months for minor issues to an average of 18 months for very complex corrections. Your dentist monitors your progress at regular intervals, typically six to ten weeks apart. If required, your dentist can order attachments to help move individual teeth that are not moving in line with the rest of your teeth.  

When your Invisalign treatment is complete, you are provided with retainers to keep your teeth in position for life. You will need to wear them for 22 hours daily for 3 months, every night for six months and then as instructed by your dentist to maintain your new perfect straight teeth. From minor to complex orthodontic issues, Invisalign can provide a comfortable and effective solution to braces for treating orthodontic issues and giving you straighter teeth.

We promise no strict dentists, weird white coats, or strange-smelling waiting rooms when you come to Smile Stories! In fact, we hope it will be more like visiting friends when you arrive for your Invisalign appointment. 

Find out how you can straighten your teeth risk-free — book a free Smile Makeover Video Consultation with us. Straight teeth and a perfect smile are not just about how you look; it’s about enjoying a lifetime of smile confidence!

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AUTHOR

Dr Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) qualified from dental school with honours. Practising from Bournemouth and Poole, he has a keen interest in orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry and is a certified Invisalign provider. Smile Stories provide teeth whitening Bournemouth.