Do you ever smile in the mirror and think, 'I wish my teeth were straighter'? Do you sometimes avoid being in pictures or cover your mouth when you talk so others don’t see your teeth? If your teeth aren’t as straight as you would like, you have more options than ever. The dental team at Edward St Dental may suggest Invisalign Clear Aligners to help you achieve a more beautiful smile. Although Invisalign® is mainly known as an alternative to traditional braces, you may be surprised at the number of dental issues Invisalign can correct.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made, clear braces to gently move your teeth into the desired position. Your dentist uses clear aligners as a tool to help guide your teeth over a designated treatment time, which is typically shorter than with traditional braces.
Because they are clear, Invisalign braces are nearly invisible, and they can be taken out when you eat, drink, brush and floss. Many wearers note that they are easy to care for, as well.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
If you are a teenager with specific dental issues, or you are an adult who never had your dental issues corrected, you may be a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. Your dentist will need to examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine whether Invisalign clear aligners are right for you.
Can Invisalign Correct Crooked Teeth?
Invisalign clear aligners are most widely known for correcting crooked teeth. If your teeth are crooked, Invisalign can straighten your teeth, giving you a beautiful smile and raising your self-confidence.
Can Invisalign Correct Crowded Teeth?
If you don’t have enough space in your jaw to accommodate all of your teeth, they can overlap, and this condition is known as tooth crowding. When your teeth are crowded, food will get stuck between them more easily. When food gets stuck, plaque and tartar build-up, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign clear aligners are used for some instances of crowded teeth, depending on the severity.
Can Invisalign Correct Gaps in Teeth?
If two or more of your teeth have gaps between them, you can suffer from tooth spacing issues. Just like food can get caught in crowded teeth, it can also get stuck between your gums and teeth if you suffer from gapped teeth. Again, this can lead to plaque and tartar, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease, so Invisalign aligners may be able to help you close the gaps between your teeth. Your dentist will be able to determine whether Invisalign can help restore your smile.
Can Invisalign Correct an Open Bite?
If your upper and lower arches don’t meet when you close your mouth, that is known as an 'open bite'. Invisalign clear aligners can be used to reposition your teeth so that you can close your mouth correctly.
Can Invisalign Correct an Overbite?
When your top teeth are too far in front of your bottom teeth when you close your mouth, that is known as an overbite. It can be difficult to bite and chew with an overbite, so your dentist may recommend Invisalign aligners to help align your top teeth with your bottom teeth.
Can Invisalign Correct an Underbite?
If you have an underbite, it is essentially the opposite of an overbite; your bottom teeth are too far in front of your top teeth. An underbite can cause issues with your speech, and it can weaken your teeth as well. With Invisalign clear aligners, your dentist can move your lower teeth back in line with your upper teeth. Depending on the severity of your underbite, you may need traditional braces on their own or a combination of traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
Can Invisalign Correct a Crossbite?
If some of the teeth in your upper arch are inside your lower arch when you close your mouth, that is known as a 'crossbite'. If you suffer from a crossbite, it can lead to chipped teeth and receding gums. In some instances, Invisalign clear aligners can move your teeth into the desired position.
What Dental Issues Can’t Be Fixed with Invisalign?
Certain dental issues aren’t suited for Invisalign treatment. Your dentist in Brisbane can recommend alternative treatment options if necessary. These issues are as follows:
- Changing the shape of your tooth
- Closing severe gaps
- Fixing intrusion and extrusion
- Fixing midline movements
- Fixing issues with previous dental work
Are You Interested in Invisalign in Brisbane, QLD?
If you would like to speak with a member of our dental team about Invisalign clear aligners or any other dental health needs you may have, we welcome your call. At Edward St Dental, we aim to help you achieve both good oral health and the beautiful smile you have always wanted. We invite you to call us on (07) 3221 5855 for more information or to book an appointment.
