Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth straightening system that uses a series of specifically designed clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The uses for Invisalign are vast and may be the perfect way to give you the confident smile you have been seeking. But exactly what can Invisalign be used for?
What Can Invisalign Be Used For?
Invisalign Can Close Gaps in Your Teeth
In some cases the jawbone can grown abnormally. If this does occur then the individual is at risk of developing gaps between their teeth. In other situations existing gaps that may be due to a missing tooth leave space for other teeth to move in to. This creates more gaps around the other teeth. The issues of gaps in between the teeth do not stop at their appearance. The spacing issue can also lead to ongoing issues such as gum problems which arise due to a lack of protection from the teeth. Periodontal pockets can also be formed which will inevitably result in a much higher risk of periodontal disease.
Invisalign Can Correct Some Overbites
A very common misalignment of the teeth is the overbite. This is the case where the top set of teeth protrude over the bottom set when biting together. Although this is often referred to as an overbite with the general population it is known to dental professionals as an 'overjet'. The most common cause of this condition is due to bad genetics but this is not the only way an overjet can be caused. Bad oral habits can also result in the development of an overjet as well as an overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated then you may suffer from ongoing problems including gum problems and wear on the lower teeth. In some cases you may suffer from pains in the jaw and the joints of the jaw making it difficult and uncomfortable to talk and consume food and drink. There are many reasons as to why it is beneficial for you to get your overbite corrected. Invisalign works brilliantly at treating overjets and has corrected thousands to date.
Invisalign Corrects Underbites
Underbites are very much the opposite of overbites. An underbite occurs where the lower arch of teeth are positioned further forward than the top arch of teeth (as seen in the image). The usual cause of an underbite is where there has been too little growth of the upper jaw or too much growth of the lower jaw. As a result the jaws are slightly out of sync with each other and cause the underbite. Another potential cause of an underbite is where there are teeth missing in the upper arch this can lead to teeth wear and eventually an underbite.As with overjets, underbites can leave the sufferer with an aching jaw and joint muscles.
Invisalign Can Correct An Open Bite Problem
An open bite is where some of your teeth are not able to touch their opposing teeth when the sufferer attempts to bite them together. They often occur due to genetics or as a result of excessive thumb sucking. Those with an open bite may find it difficult or painful to chew food and often have a speech impairment. If left untreated then further issues may arise such as temporo-mandibular joint disorder. Check out our other article about TMJ disorder and how it can be treated.
Invisalign Can Correct Overly Crowded Teeth
If there is too little room within your jaw for your teeth to sit normally then you may suffer from over-crowding. When left to continue crowding, your teeth can become much worse leaving you with severely misaligned teeth. The complications of this include; excessive plaque build up, tooth decay and a much higher risk of gum disease.
Crossbites Can Be Corrected Using Invisalign
A crossbite describes the situation where both the upper and lower jaws are misaligned with each other. The result of the misalignment is that crossbites can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause the wearing of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.
I still don't know if Invisalign is suitable for me!
Don't worry if you fall into this category - most people do. The great thing is that you can find out if you are suitable at no cost to yourself. Here at Bamboo Dental, we understand that you may not be sure what is right for your situation. That is why we offer free consultations to the public. You are able to come in and speak one to one with our triple award winning dentist. He will take a look at your current situation and be able to give you a clear idea of whether Invisalign is the right step forward for you. In some cases the answer will be that this is not suitable at all for you. However this need not be the end of your hopes. We offer a variety of teeth straightening treatments, each of which will be most suitable for different cases. There will be a solution for you.