Have you been considering orthodontic treatment but don’t love the idea of traditional braces? Over the past few years, Invisalign™ aligners have become popular for those seeking a discreet orthodontic solution. Being nearly invisible and easy to use, many individuals are taking advantage of Invisalign™ to enhance their smile while still enjoying their everyday lives as usual. Can Invisalign™ aligners handle complex orthodontic issues? Keep reading to find out!
What Are Complex Orthodontic Issues?
Orthodontic cases vary widely, from minor misalignment that seems primarily cosmetic to severe cases that can profoundly affect one’s oral health. Every person’s oral health is a little bit different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry. However, common complex orthodontic issues usually refer to cases such as severe crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Other more severe cases would be asymmetrical jaw growth, hypodontia, supernumerary teeth, abnormally shaped teeth, TMJ dysfunction, or dental trauma. In these cases, orthodontic solutions are often combined with other dental or surgical treatments.
Can Invisalign™ Aligners Fix These Issues?
When determining whether braces or Invisalign™ was best suited for a particular case, there was often a clear divide on what each treatment could handle best. In the past, situations where Invisalign™ aligners have been highly effective have been moderate crowding, spacing, or misalignment cases. In addition, Invisalign™ treatment was typically the preferred treatment for adults with prior dental work, like crowns or bridges. This is due to the fact that Invisalign™ aligners can isolate specific tooth movements to work around a stationary restoration (such as a bridge or implant).
On the other hand, traditional braces have been the go-to solution for more complex orthodontic issues, but that may no longer be the only solution. Due to recent advancements in Invisalign™ technology, including 3-D imaging technology, SmartForce attachments, and precision cutting for better alignment, Invisalign™ aligners are now a possible option for patients with more complex orthodontic issues.
Today, Invisalign™ has shown remarkable success with more challenging orthodontic cases, including:
- Severe crowding
- Significant gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Underbites
- Open bites
- Rotated teeth
Of course, there are limitations to what Invisalign™ aligners can do. For example, Invisalign™ aligners are rarely available to patients who need intrusions or extrusions. They are also still typically not suited for extreme cases like asymmetrical jaw growth, hypodontia, supernumerary teeth, abnormally shaped teeth, TMJ dysfunction, or dental trauma.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the case and any additional oral health issues, such as severe cavities or gum disease, some patients may be ineligible for treatment. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign™ is to get a consultation from your local orthodontist.
Benefits of Invisalign™ for Complex Orthodontic Needs:
After completing an orthodontic consultation, you will have a better idea if you are eligible for Invisalign™. Should you be eligible, Invisalign™ aligners are an excellent treatment option with many benefits, including a more discreet appearance, improved comfort, ease of use, and customizable treatment plans!
#1: Discreet Appearance
We live in a busy world where appearance often plays largely into our daily lives. Teenagers attending school or adults working in professional environments benefit from having an unobstructed, confident smile. Rather than feeling self-conscious about their orthodontic appliances, patients can go on as usual, as Invisalign™ is barely noticeable. The discreet appearance of the aligners rarely impacts the patient’s personal or professional interactions.
#2: Improved Comfort
A second benefit of Invisalign™ aligners is the improved comfort. Due to the metal brackets, traditional braces can rub against the tissue inside the mouth, making one’s mouth sore, irritated, and uncomfortable. Invisalign™ aligners, on the other hand, are made of smooth, medical-grade plastic. This makes it easy to pop the aligners into the mouth with minimal irritation.
Additionally, Invisalign™ aligners don’t bear a huge impact on one’s speech, once one has adjusted to wearing them. Traditional braces take a while to get used to and go through cycles of soreness with each significant adjustment, which can impact one’s speech for a brief period of time. Therefore, patients who are socially active or required to complete speech-heavy work or school projects could benefit from Invisalign™.
#3: Ease of Use
Since patients are able to remove aligners for eating and cleaning, Invisalign™ aligners are often far easier to use day-to-day. Unlike traditional braces, which require some dietary adjustments and more in-depth oral hygiene routines, patients who utilize Invisalign™ aligners can continue to eat their favorite foods and proceed with their normal oral health routine with minimal additional steps.
Of course, it is vital to remember that patients must wear their Invisalign™ aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so it does require active diligence to ensure you keep on schedule with your treatment plan.
#4: Customizable Treatments
With every Invisalign™ treatment comes an in-depth consultation and oral health evaluation. Using 3-D imaging technology, your orthodontist can craft a customizable treatment plan and estimated timeline tailored to your specific orthodontic needs. From there, they are able to map out what your treatment plan would look like, including any other dental or orthodontic treatment recommendations they suggest before or after an Invisalign™ treatment. In doing so, patients get a clear understanding of their expected treatment and the ability to customize it to their unique needs.
How Greg Brown Orthodontics Can Help:
At Greg Brown Orthodontics, we are proud to serve the orthodontic needs of the Tri-Cities. As an experienced provider in treating with both Invisalign™ and traditional braces, we work diligently to ensure the best outcome for patients.
If you have been debating whether Invisalign™ aligners are the right choice for you, we can help you determine the best orthodontic treatment plan. During our in-depth evaluation process, we perform a comprehensive oral health check using advanced diagnostic tools to determine whether Invisalign™ is a suitable treatment option.
Even if you have complex orthodontic issues, we can evaluate your current condition and provide an effective, personalized treatment plan – whether that includes Invisalign™ or traditional braces.
Curious if Invisalign™ aligners can fix your orthodontic issues? Contact Greg Brown Orthodontics today for a consultation and personalized treatment plan!
