Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, have become a popular option for adults who desire to improve the appearance of their smile, but do not want to wear traditional braces. Much of the appeal owes to the more subtle cosmetic appearance of the appliance; however, Invisalign® has also proven to be an effective treatment for many dental issues.
Invisalign® uses successively tighter-fitting sets of clear aligners to gradually move teeth into the desired position. These aligners can be used to treat many of the same issues as traditional braces.
Many people are motivated to correct crooked teeth by cosmetic concerns. However, crooked teeth can also cause excessive wear, jaw pain, difficulty cleaning teeth and other dental problems.
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. Most people have a little overbite, but excessive overbite can cause problems with chewing and jaw pain.
If a person's lower teeth stick out in front of their upper teeth, they have an underbite. Underbites are often caused by the lower jaw being too far forward. An underbite can cause premature or uneven tooth wear, chewing and speech problems.
If an individual has an open bite, the upper and lower teeth do not meet. An open bite can make chewing and biting difficult.
When closing the mouth, if some of the upper teeth rest inside the lower teeth, it is called a crossbite. A crossbite can lead to tooth wear or chipping. It can also cause the gums to recede, which can lead to gum pain or bone loss.
When there is too much room in the mouth, gaps can form between teeth. Gaps can be a cosmetic issue and can also cause food to become lodged between teeth leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
When a person does not have enough space in the jaw, teeth can become twisted or overlap. The lack of space between teeth can trap food particles, which can contribute to decay.
Clear aligners do not exert the same amount of force as traditional braces. Issues requiring large amounts of tooth movement, such as these three, may not be able to be treated with clear aligners.
Overcrowded teeth can rotate. Teeth that are rotated past 20 degrees can not be treated with clear aligners.
Invisalign® can be used to close gaps that are 6 millimeters or less in size. Larger gaps need to be addressed with traditional braces or surgery.
Some people's front teeth do not line up with the midline of their faces. Invisalign® can only shift the front teeth 2 millimeters to the left or right.
Invisalign® can not eliminate the need for traditional braces in some patients. However, for many people desiring to improve the appearance of their teeth, they can be a good option.
Are you considering Invisalign® in the Lilburn area? Get more information at https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com.
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