Invisalign® is one of several options you might be considering for straightening teeth. It is a way to correct the alignment by regularly changing the trays as the teeth move into the proper positions. While it may not be right for everybody, many people with less complex orthodontic cases have success using Invisalign. With Invisalign, your teeth-straightening trays can move teeth closer together or farther apart as needed.
Teeth can be out of alignment when too close together, overcrowded, or spaced too far apart. Invisalign works more effectively if the gap is no bigger than six millimeters. It can also help with mildly rotated teeth. Invisalign will also work well for mild overbite and underbite issues. More severe issues may need other orthodontic work. Other dental issues that respond well to Invisalign are:
Maturity can be a factor. Younger patients are more likely to misplace Invisalign trays. The Invisalign process works better when the patient wears the trays for the recommended number of hours per day. Patients who cannot stick with a good routine will struggle. Older teens and adults who follow the dentist’s instructions will see more success.
Patients who have severe overcrowding and need one or more teeth extracted may not be ideal candidates for Invisalign. In serious cases, teeth can be well in front or back of the rest. Traditional braces are better for moving these teeth into place. Some people who have had an extraction due to overcrowding may not be able to use Invisalign after.
Children and younger teens may not see success with Invisalign. Young people’s jaws are still growing. As the jawbone continues to grow, teeth may rotate on their own, or gaps may open up between teeth. The work that the teeth-straightening trays did may not last. Traditional braces can be more effective because the dentist can adjust them as the patient’s jaw grows.
Some dental work does not work well with Invisalign. Invisalign moves teeth individually. Bridgework bonds to multiple teeth and might not move properly. Invisalign can damage other dental work like veneers and crowns.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in San Diego, CA
Mild to moderate alignment issues respond well to Invisalign. Patients who do not have any severe oral conditions and follow a good oral hygiene regimen have the most success. Wearers with less complex cases are less likely to have complications during the process. Less complex orthodontic cases also take less time to correct and are less likely to regress after. Patients need to consult with the dentist to determine if they are good candidates for Invisalign.
The only way for you to know for sure if Invisalign will be effective is to see a dentist. The dentist will perform an exam and identify all orthodontic issues. You can work with your dentists to map out a plan of care that addresses both appearance and oral health. For many, Invisalign is a useful tool in this plan.
Request an appointment or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at 619-805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…
You probably have heard of Invisalign® but might not know how it differs from traditional braces when it comes to teeth straightening. Braces have been the go-to teeth-straightening device for many years. More recently, Invisalign has gained popularity in patients with crowding or spacing issues. Because it looks so different from traditional braces, you may…
For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…
For a long time, if a person wanted straighter teeth, the only option was traditional braces. However, the introduction of Invisalign® in 1999 changed that. This treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient's teeth and gradually guide the teeth into the desired position. Many patients prefer aligners…
It takes dedication to wear clear aligners often enough, but patients need to know what to do afterward. However, without the right after-treatment care, the teeth might begin to shift. That undoes the work of the clear aligners. That means the patient will need to have a retainer after the aligners come off.A retainer can…
