Invisalign is a suitable treatment to help most adult or teenage patients who have mild-to-moderate tooth misalignment issues, such as: Crowded teeth. Gapped teeth. Overbite.
Invisalign can't reshape your teeth, so if you have a few teeth that are very small or misshapen, it may not be possible to get Invisalign treatment. These improperly-shaped teeth can mess up the alignment of your aligners. However, you may be able to have these teeth treated with a dental crown or dental bonding.
Invisalign has the capability to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems including misaligned teeth, crooked and crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. So, it is a great option to choose Invisalign if you are facing any orthodontic problems.
Patients who have dental implants, bridges or TMJ disorder may not be the best candidates for Invisalign. If your teeth are on the smaller side or they're misshapen or eroded, Invisalign may not be practical.
Your Teeth
This is the first question you should ask yourself when considering Invisalign as an option. If your teeth are extremely crooked or your overbite is too severe, you may not be a candidate. In contrast, if you're trying to straighten crooked teeth or fix a mild overbite, this is a great option for you.
Many people think their teeth are “too crooked” for Invisalign to work. Actually, Invisalign is even better at straightening severely crowded teeth than traditional braces. It is difficult to fit a traditional bracket on teeth which are very crooked, overlapped or rotated.
Your Case Is Straightforward
The system can work for those who have underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites or those who have gaps or crowded teeth. But, that doesn't mean it works for everyone. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to assess your case and let you know if Invisalign is right for you.
This includes instances of gaps in your teeth or crowded teeth, mild overbites or underbites, protruding teeth, and crooked teeth. If you have a major issue that requires your jawbone to be moved, such as a severe overbite or underbite, Invisalign isn't recommended.
Often times, cases will get rejected by dentists or orthodontists who don't regularly utilize Invisalign because they're too complicated, time consuming or the doctor doesn't have a high comfort level with complex tooth movements.
While you can begin Invisalign treatment with existing cavities, most dental providers will advise you to have your cavities filled before they fit you for aligners. There are a few reasons for this. Filling a cavity before treatment allows your tooth to heal before the aligners begin placing pressure on the tooth.
When Do Orthodontists Prefer Braces? Because the Invisalign® system makes life easier for their patients, orthodontists often prefer it over metal braces. However, for patients with severely misaligned teeth, braces are the better option. Sometimes, teeth need to be twisted as part of the straightening process.
If not planned properly, Invisalign will not move the teeth properly. Patients can sometimes end up with undesired results such as protrusive teeth, asymmetric teeth or teeth that haven't fully straightened. There's also the risk for gum disease, jaw problems, and unstable results.
No, orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign and braces, does not directly impact your nose or lengthen your face. The reason people occasionally think their nose looks different after braces or their face seems to have lengthened is about the angles.
This is normal, because the trays cover the biting surfaces of your teeth. Later on, after you've had a number of trays, you may find that you can't bite down all the way with the trays off, and this is also common. As your teeth move your bite changes and there may be a stage where they do not meet fully.
There is no upward age limit for Invisalign. Many of the people who seek the cosmetic and oral health benefits of Invisalign are adults who are well into their 40s, 50s, and older. We love seeing our older patients enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. Having straight teeth is a benefit at any age.
Retainers After Invisalign Treatment
Once you have got our desired result from Invisalign and your teeth are correctly positioned, your orthodontist will advise you to wear a retainer. The retainer could be temporary or permanent based on what your orthodontist feels is best for you.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth quicker than traditional braces. Most patients are finished with treatment in just one to two years while traditional braces can take up to three years to yield significant results.
Answer: 2 days without Invisalign likely not an issue
While not ideal, a mere 2 days without aligners shouldn't make a big difference. It may result in wearing the next aligner for additional days to compensate, but should be fine in the big picture.
Yes, Invisalign can cause damage to your teeth; however, this occurs most often when the guidelines for your invisible braces are not followed. It's not uncommon for your teeth to feel sore and unpleasant after wearing Invisalign, especially with a new, tightened set.
In general, teens over the age of 13 and adults are the best candidates for the Invisalign treatment. Another factor will be your commitment to wearing the aligners at least 20 hours a day, so you can achieve the best results and a timely outcome.
Traditionally, treatment with dental braces or clear Invisalign aligners begins when a child has lost most of his or her baby teeth, and when the majority of his or her adult teeth have grown in — usually between the ages of 8 and 14.
It's normal for your teeth to slightly shift after having your Invisalign braces removed or once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak.
An orthodontic relapse can occur if teeth move positions after the tooth straightening treatment (braces). Our orthodontists have seen many cases where this has happened and now provide treatments to prevent and treat this problem.
Answer: Removing Invisalign Trays Many Times a Day
As long as you're getting in the full 22/hrs/day, you should be OK. The only risk you're taking is that the trays might crack prematurely from the multiple removals and insertions.