Most adults aren’t interested in wearing braces and being a “metal mouth.” Invisalign is an incredibly desirable option for aligning teeth discreetly, but what many people discover is that this treatment can correct additional dental problems or act as preventive care for potential oral health complications. Invisalign works a lot of magic, but here are some of the most common problems this orthodontic alternative can correct.
1. Overbite
An overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, usually because of jaw size and teeth position. This undesirable jaw position can cause jaw pain and complications with the jaw joints, particularly the TMJ. Invisalign aligners can be designed to shift back any protruding teeth and move them into their correct positions for a stable bite.
2. Crossbite
An uneven bite where some bottom teeth sit in front of some top teeth is known as a crossbite. Fallout can be significant and lead to serious oral health problems like worn tooth enamel, gum disease, and bone erosion. People with a crossbite may compensate by shifting their jaw to one side, which can affect facial structure and tooth positions permanently. Tooth-related crossbites can usually be corrected with Invisalign.
3. Open Bite
An open bite is the diagnosis when the top and bottom teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and poor jaw growth are all possible causes, and the result is difficult biting and chewing, as well as uneven wear on the teeth. Invisalign is especially great for an open bite, targeting and pairing specific tooth movements at certain times to slowly shift the bite.
4. Gaps and Spaces
Some people have aligned teeth, but they may be separated from each other by noticeable gaps and spaces. This can be caused by abnormal jaw growth. Missing teeth can contribute to the problem too, especially if an adult tooth never erupted.
Invisalign aligners slowly but consistently push teeth together into proper alignment, eliminating spaces. If you have gaps in your smile because of an extracted or lost tooth, though, your dentist will want to discuss replacing this part of your smile with a dental implant or bridge to maintain complete alignment after Invisalign.
5. Crowding
If there isn’t enough room in your jaw to fit all your teeth, this condition is diagnosed as crowding. It can cause teeth to twist, stick out, and overlap and is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease because crowded teeth are much harder to clean. Invisalign trays can create spaces to make room for teeth to move where they belong.
Invisalign and Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options
For patients who aren’t interested in Invisalign and the year or so it takes to carry out treatment, there are other cosmetic dentistry options that can transform your smile. Porcelain veneers conceal unsightly teeth, but only orthodontic alternatives like Invisalign can correct jaw and bite and tooth positions permanently for full functionality and eliminate pain.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chi Fu and his dental team at Chester Hill Dentistry in Rye, NY, to find out if it can help you and your smile.