Invisalign treatment involves wearing a set of clear aligners in order to straighten your teeth. While crooked teeth are a common reason to get these clear braces, they’re not the only type of tooth problem Invisalign can fix. These aligners can help correct other tooth problems, including the following.
Having gaps between your teeth can affect your appearance if these spaces are visible when you smile. Gaps can also put you at an increased risk of developing gum disease if food gets caught between your teeth. This can lead to sore gums, redness, infections and other problems that require immediate care. Invisalign can help fix this problem by shifting your teeth, so that gaps or spaces disappear. Instead of having gaps, your teeth will be more evenly spaced after wearing these aligners for as long as your dentist recommends. Keep in mind that other people won’t see your aligners while you wear them, since they are clear.
If your upper front teeth hang over your lower front teeth when your mouth is closed, this is known as an overbite. Having a slight overbite might not be a problem, especially if it’s not noticeable. However, a deeper overbite can lead to jaw soreness and teeth that are worn down. Wearing Invisalign can correct overbites by helping your teeth shift to a better position with no overlap. This can improve your smile and make it easier for you to bite down without wearing out your teeth or straining your jaw. While you’ll need to wear your aligners for most of the day, they’re made to provide a comfortable fit.
If your lower front teeth end up in front of your upper front teeth when you bite down or close your mouth, this is known as an underbite. Underbites often happen due to a problem with the lower jaw. When you have an underbite, you might have trouble chewing or biting food. Your teeth might also become worn over time, and you can even have difficulty speaking with a more severe underbite. Invisalign can help correct this tooth problem in some cases, such as mild underbites. However, you might need to wear these aligners and have surgery done to correct a severe underbite.
Crooked teeth can make you reluctant to smile, especially if they’re in the front of your mouth. Having crooked teeth can also make it hard to clean your teeth thoroughly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When you have crooked teeth, wearing Invisalign can fix this problem. These clear braces can help you get straight teeth that are easier to brush, so you can reduce your risk of cavities and other tooth and gum problems. These aligners gradually shift crooked teeth into a straighter position. Keep in mind that you might need to wear Invisalign for several weeks or months in order to straighten your teeth.
Your teeth can become crowded if you don’t have enough space for them to fit. When this happens, your teeth can overlap or become crooked. Crowded teeth can also cause some teeth to be pushed behind or in front of other teeth. Having this tooth problem can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, since it’s difficult to clean your teeth and gums. Crowded teeth can also become worse without treatment. Invisalign allows you to correct this problem, so that your teeth fit in your mouth while being straight. This can lead to an improved smile and a lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you think Invisalign might help a tooth problem you have, please contact Cedar Walk Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to set up an appointment. Our dental team can evaluate your teeth and determine if these aligners are the best treatment option.