When Is Invisalign® a Great Option?

With so many teeth straightening options available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Invisalign is a popular choice among teenagers and adults in our Auburn, CA, practice.

But how do you know if it is the most appropriate treatment option for your situation? Today, we will talk about Invisalign and discuss what types of dental issues can be addressed with this revolutionary treatment. When is Invisalign a great option for orthodontic treatment? Read on to find out.

What Is Invisalign?

The Invisalign system straightens teeth using a series of clear, removable, thermoplastic trays. Approximately every two weeks, we change out your set of aligners for the next ones in the series. This process will gradually move your teeth into their desired positions.

The aligners use a non-BPA plastic material that remains almost invisible while you wear them, making it a great choice for people who are worried about their looks during treatment.

Granted, as functional as the appliance can be, it’s not perfect. We’ll talk below about what cases make it ideal to wear this orthodontic appliance and which ones don’t. Still, in general, the more severe your case is, the better you are with other options.

Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners cannot perform simultaneous movements. They can only push your teeth in one direction. Furthermore, if your case is too severe, you might need additional attachments that defeat the purpose of having a nearly invisible appliance.

All this said, Invisalign is still the result of incredible feats of engineering and innovation. Make sure you ask an orthodontist about your case.

When is Invisalign a Great Option?

Invisalign is incredibly successful for qualifying patients. Typically, those with mild or moderate orthodontic issues can benefit significantly from this treatment. Invisalign may be right for you if you have:

• An Overbite: This issue is characterized by an “overjet” of the upper teeth. Overbites can be the result of bone overdevelopment, genetics, or childhood habits, such as thumb sucking. Invisalign can correct this condition, so the teeth fit together properly.
• An Underbite: Commonly a result of jaw overgrowth or undergrowth, an underbite can cause tooth erosion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Invisalign can repair this in many cases.
• A Cross Bite: This dental condition happens when both the upper and lower jaws are misaligned. If you notice that a few of your upper teeth rest inside your lower teeth when you close, you may have a crossbite.
• An Open Bite: Abnormal jaw structure and history of thumb sucking can lead to an open bite. This occurs when the front teeth do not touch at all when closing down.

If you have previously undergone orthodontic treatment in the past but have noticed shifting from not wearing your retainer, Invisalign is most likely an excellent option for you. However, you should note that, after completing your Invisalign treatment, a retainer is vital to keep the teeth from moving back into their original positions.

When is Invisalign Not Recommended?

Although Invisalign is an excellent teeth-straightening alternative, there are cases when it is not the most viable option. For example, you may be better off with traditional braces if you have:

• Bridgework: While dental bridges do not necessarily prevent successful Invisalign treatment, it is important to understand that the treatment will not move bridges. This is not always a negative thing. However, it is something for your dentist to consider when determining if Invisalign can deliver the results you desire.
• Bite Issues with the Back Teeth: When it comes to moving teeth vertically, Invisalign has certain limitations. Therefore, it is important to understand that this treatment may not restore your bite function as well as traditional braces.
• Severe Rotation: While Invisalign can correct mild and moderate rotation, it cannot successfully address severely rotated teeth.
• Severe Tipping: Teeth that are angled more than 45 degrees will probably not respond well to Invisalign treatment. In these cases, more traditional orthodontic appliances work best.
• Large Gaps or Spacing: Invisalign can close minor gaps with no problem. However, traditional braces will yield more predictable results if the combined spacing on each arch equals more than 6 millimeters.
• Skeletal Issues: Any type of malocclusion that occurred as a result of developmental issues will most likely require comprehensive orthodontic treatment, which may even include surgical intervention in addition to traditional braces.

It is also important to note that the success of Invisalign treatment depends on wearing the trays for at least 22 hours every day. You can always visit Invisalign’s official FAQ for more on that point. Therefore, patients with compliance issues may find that traditional braces offer better results.

How Much is Invisalign?

As with any other orthodontic treatment option, the final price of this treatment will change for each case. Many factors can affect the amount you end up paying for your Invisalign clear braces. Some of these factors are:

• The status of your periodontal health and how severe are your dental issues.
• Your physical location and the average prices in your area
• How much your dental insurance plan covers.

All things considered, you can still estimate that treatment with these aligners can range anywhere from $3,000–$7,000. For comparison, traditional metal braces usually cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.

You can review our page with financial information for all the available resources at Maidu Dental.

Learn More About Invisalign Treatment

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign at Maidu Dental, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. You can call our office at (530) 823-8771 or contact us online.