While it’s not uncommon to wish for a straighter smile, many people may be reluctant to commit to conspicuous traditional braces that require a host of eating restrictions. Fortunately, Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment that gradually shifts teeth into better positions with removable and virtually invisible clear aligners. Here’s a brief overview of Invisalign as well as a guide to which alignment issues it can be used to correct.
How Does Invisalign Work?
After your consultation, your dentist will begin the Invisalign process by measuring your teeth with an advanced scanning device. The data this provides is then used to manufacture a series of clear aligners customized to fit your teeth. Each set of aligners is shaped to slightly shift your teeth into better positions over two weeks. When these two weeks are done, you simply switch to the next set of aligners in the sequence. Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible and require no dietary restrictions, making them much more pleasant and convenient than braces for many patients.
What Alignment Issues Can Invisalign Address?
Invisalign can address a range of bite problems including:
- Overbites: This issue happens when the top teeth are positioned too far away from the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed. This can leave the top teeth more vulnerable to injury since they stick out farther.
- Underbites: A patient with an underbite will have their lower teeth positioned in front of their top teeth when the mouth is closed. This issue can make chewing and speaking difficult and can lead to uneven wear of the teeth.
- Crossbites: This occurs when a few of the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth. Untreated crossbites can wear down the teeth and may result in gum disease or bone loss.
- Gaps: If the teeth are too far apart, the gums can be more vulnerable to injury and infection.
- Crowding: If the teeth are in overlapping positions, it can be much harder to properly brush and floss them.
Addressing these issues with Invisalign can make your teeth easier to clean and less likely to be injured, thereby preventing oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and a range of other oral and overall health issues. Consulting with your dentist can help determine if Invisalign is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and completed a fellowship in implant dentistry at New York University. He has been voted the “Best Dentist in Scarborough” by the Readers Choice Awards for four consecutive years, and his office in Nepean, ON, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact his practice online or dial (613) 800-1800.