What can Invisalign help with?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to move teeth gradually. It may be suitable for several orthodontic concerns, but it cannot treat every case.

The cause and complexity of the problem, the condition of your teeth and gums and your ability to wear the aligners as instructed all affect whether treatment is

appropriate.

Crowded Teeth

Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space for the teeth to sit in a well-aligned position. Teeth may overlap, rotate or erupt out of line.

Clear aligners can treat some mild and moderate crowding. Creating sufficient space may involve controlled expansion of the dental arch, minor reduction between selected teeth or other carefully planned movements.

Severe crowding or cases requiring extractions may need additional techniques or fixed braces.

Gaps Between Teeth

Invisalign may be used to close certain spaces between teeth. However, the dentist must first consider why the gaps are present.

Spaces may be related to tooth size, missing teeth, gum problems or the position of the teeth and jaws. In some cases, bonding, veneers, replacement of missing teeth or a combination of treatments may also need to be considered.

Overbite and Deep Bite

An overbite or deep bite describes excessive vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.

Clear aligners can improve selected dental overbite cases by changing the positions of the teeth. The result that can be achieved depends on the cause and severity of the bite problem.

A significant discrepancy in the size or position of the jaws may require a different approach.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.

Some crossbites caused mainly by tooth position can be treated using clear aligners. Crossbites related to the width or position of the jaws may require additional treatment, particularly in more complex cases.

Open Bite

An open bite is present when some upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed.

Clear aligners may help selected open-bite cases, but treatment can be more complex when the problem is associated with jaw growth, tongue position or long-standing habits. The underlying cause must be assessed before treatment is recommended.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.

Minor cases caused mainly by tooth position may sometimes be improved with aligners. An underbite caused by a significant jaw discrepancy cannot necessarily be corrected by moving the teeth alone and may require referral or a different treatment approach.

Can Invisalign Change the Position of the Jaw?

In adults, Invisalign primarily moves teeth within the jawbone. It should not be assumed that aligners can correct the underlying size or position of the adult jaws.

Some bite problems can be improved by moving the teeth, while significant skeletal discrepancies may require specialist assessment and, in selected cases, combined orthodontic and surgical treatment.

Growing patients require a separate assessment because their teeth and jaws are still developing.

What Else May Be Needed During Treatment?

Depending on the treatment, small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to selected teeth to help the aligners produce particular movements.

Some patients may also require:

• reduction of a small amount of enamel between selected teeth

• elastics

• treatment of decay or gum problems before starting

• additional or refinement aligners

• fixed braces or referral for more complex care

Your dentist should explain any proposed additional procedures before treatment begins.

Why Is an Assessment Important?

An assessment normally includes an examination of the teeth, gums and bite. Digital scans, photographs and X-rays may also be required.

This information allows the dentist to determine:

• what is causing the alignment or bite problem

• whether clear aligners are suitable

• what other treatment options are available

• the expected limitations and timescale

• the need for retainers after treatment

Computer-generated treatment images are planning tools and do not guarantee the final clinical result.

Wearing Aligners and Retainers

Clear aligners must usually be worn for most of the day and night and removed for eating, drinking anything other than water and cleaning the teeth. Treatment may not progress as intended if they are not worn as instructed.

After treatment, retainers are required to reduce the risk of the teeth moving again. Your dentist will explain how and when to wear them.

Arrange an Invisalign Assessment

The best way to find out what Invisalign may help with is to have an individual assessment.

Elite Dental Studio welcomes patients from Tilbury, Grays and across Thurrock. Contact our team to discuss Invisalign, fixed braces and the orthodontic options that may be appropriate for you.