Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Can’t Fix

If you’re considering Invisalign to help fix an imperfect smile, you’re not alone. Here at Sunrise Dental in Peoria, we talk to people who are thinking about getting Invisalign every day. However, Invisalign is not always the right answer. Let’s take a further look at what Invisalign can’t fix, as well as what it can. 

How Does Invisalign Work? 

Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to gently reposition your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are completely clear, so they are very discreet. Most people won’t even notice if you’re wearing them.

The aligners are cast from detailed 3D scans of your mouth. Every six to eight weeks, patients return to our office to have new aligner sets cast. It normally takes between nine to fifteen months for the entire Invisalign process. 

Patients wear the Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat and brush their teeth. Because the aligners are removable, they are easy to keep clean and food does not get stuck in them.  

What Can Invisalign Fix 

Invisalign can fix a variety of dental issues, including: 

• Crooked teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Normal overbites and underbites
• Open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not meet
• Crowded teeth, allowing for better spacing between teeth

What Invisalign Can’t Fix

Just like any medical product, Invisalign has a few limitations. Some of the conditions Invisalign can’t fix include: 

• Severe Overbite/Underbite: In an overbite, your top teeth stick out over your bottom teeth. An underbite is the opposite—your bottom teeth extend past your top teeth. In severe overbite or underbite cases, Invisalign might not work. These cases require metal braces to fix the issue. 
• Rotated Teeth: Teeth can rotate in their sockets if they are overcrowded. Invisalign can fix rotated teeth in many cases. However, if a tooth rotates more than 20 degrees, Invisalign will not work.
• Large Gaps: Invisalign effectively closes small gaps between teeth, but it cannot always correct large gaps.
• Intrusions and Extrusions: Sometimes a patient needs to have a tooth moved up higher or lower in their mouth. This procedure, called an intrusion or extrusion, cannot be corrected with Invisalign. You would need to get traditional braces instead.

Patients whose teeth are very short may not be able to use Invisalign because the aligners will not grip well. Earlier dental work, such as dental bridges, can also complicate Invisalign treatment. Additionally, Invisalign candidates with cavities or gum disease will need to address those issues before starting the treatment process. 

Is Invisalign the Right Choice for You? 

The specially trained staff at Sunrise Dental in Peoria can answer all your questions about what kind of teeth can Invisalign fix and can’t fix. When you visit us for a complimentary consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and let you know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Call 623-487-4870 today to schedule your appointment or visit mettlergriego.com for more information.

Image by Steve DiMatteo from Pixabay