5 Orthodontic Issues That Invisalign Can Treat

Invisalign is a popular and modern alternative to traditional metal braces. Whereas the wires and brackets of fixed braces can drastically change the appearance of your smile, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are practically invisible to subtly straighten teeth. Many adults today opt for Invisalign, as it allows them to maintain a professional appearance while addressing their orthodontic issues. However, not all orthodontic problems can be treated using this system. Here are five cases in which Invisalign is often a good treatment option.

1. Mildly Crooked Teeth

If some of your teeth are only slightly twisted out of alignment with the rest of your smile, Invisalign might be able to gently move them back into line. Your Invisalign dentist will create a series of custom-made aligners that gradually shift the problem teeth so they sit straight. To successfully straighten crooked teeth, you will need to wear the aligners all the time, except for when you eat and drink.

2. Protruding Teeth

If you sucked your thumb or a pacifier for a long time as a child, you might have front teeth that protrude more than normal. This is a very common orthodontic problem, and it is one that is well suited to Invisalign treatment. The aligners will gradually push your front teeth back into alignment, improving your confidence in your smile.

3. Open Bites

If you have a gap between your top and bottom incisors when you clench your teeth together, you have what dentists refer to as an open bite. Often, this problem is caused by the top or bottom front teeth protruding slightly. Invisalign can shift your teeth back into position. Depending on the exact nature of your open bite, you might need to wear plastic aligners on both your top and bottom teeth, or only on one set of teeth.

4. Gaps in Teeth

Having a gap between your front two top teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, but fortunately this problem is usually very easy to fix. By wearing an Invisalign aligner on your top teeth, you can gradually shift the front teeth closer together, narrowing the gap between them or even eliminating it entirely.

5. Mild Overbites and Underbites

An overbite is where the top row of teeth protrudes quite a long way over the bottom row when the mouth is closed, whereas an underbite is where the bottom row of teeth sits in front of the top row. In some cases, Invisalign can resolve these orthodontic problems, but severe cases require treatment with traditional braces. To find out whether Invisalign is an option for you, schedule an appointment with an Invisalign dentist.