One of the most common concerns individuals have about dental braces is the appearance of the metalwork on their teeth. The possibility of wearing unsightly metal braces for extended periods, particularly for adults, can be very demoralizing. Invisalign is a nearly invisible aligning system that straightens teeth quickly and does not contain metal. The Invisalign system comprises a set of customized aligning trays. Dr. Jeffrey Busch will replace the trays every few weeks to accommodate the new tooth configuration.
Moreover, to reduce visual impact, Invisalign aligning trays can be briefly removed for special occasions, allowing the patient to control the duration of treatment. Many people are delighted with both the Invisalign treatment and the stunning outcomes. Here are some of the common problems that Invisalign is used to treat:
Table of Contents
Overbites
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than is usual. Although a slight overbite is suitable for smooth functioning, a mild to severe overbite can cause irregular tooth wear, TMJ (jaw joint) issues, or difficulty speaking. Based on the intensity of your overbite, Invisalign trays could be used to shift both the upper and lower teeth into a relationship with only a slight amount of overlap visible. When doctors use Invisalign, you usually require small tooth-colored “buttons” attached to specific teeth for the aligners to grip onto and better hold on.
Open bite
An open bite happens when the back teeth are entirely closed, but the front teeth do not touch, leaving an open gap. The majority of open bites occur at the front of the mouth due to habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, sippy cups, or tongue thrusting. The issue affects the teeth and the facial bones in the upper and lower jaws. Correcting an open bite can be difficult. Attachments (“buttons”) are frequently required for your aligners to grip onto, but they will blend in with your teeth. The teeth are progressively guided closed so that they can finally bite together cohesively. Since open bites are generally the result of a long-term routine, the diagnosis would also need to resolve the root cause of the problem to avoid a relapse.
Overcrowding
This happens when there is insufficient space in the mouth for the teeth to align ordinarily. When you have some crooked teeth in one area of your mouth but gaps or spacing in another, Invisalign can move the teeth to balance things out. The extra capacity required to fix crowded teeth is sometimes formed by mildly widening the arches (jaws) to give the teeth more room. Furthermore, overcrowding can lead to tooth decay and an increased risk of gum disease.
Underbite
When the lower teeth in your mouth bite in front of the upper teeth, you have an underbite. Underbites are frequently treated by tilting the lower teeth backward and the upper teeth forwards. Typically, elastics or rubber bands attached to the Invisalign trays are required. Other dental treatment options, like extractions or jaw surgery, may be necessary based on the intensity of the underbite and how far forward the mandible (lower jaw) grows. In these instances, a combo of Invisalign and braces may be used.
Large gaps between teeth
When you have a gap between your two upper front teeth or other visible gaps in your smile, Invisalign can reliably close these gaps so that your teeth look nicely aligned. Although gaps can be unsightly, they can also collect food when you eat, increasing your chances of developing tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Using Invisalign to generate correct aligned teeth and a proper bite can enhance your overall oral hygiene!
If you are interested in removable aligners or need to find out if you are a candidate for clear braces, call Jeffrey Busch, DDS, or make your appointment online.
