For many people, Invisalign seems too good to be true. Could these nearly invisible braces really fix my alignment problem? Could it be this easy to straighten my teeth as an adult? Yes, and yes. Invisalign braces can fix nearly every alignment problem – for adults and adolescents – that can be corrected with traditional metal braces.
If you have any of the following alignment problems, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign braces. Your Woodinville orthodontist will let you know for sure.
Gapped teeth
Some people love that quirky gap between their front teeth. Other people hate the spaces in between all their teeth. In most cases, gaps are an aesthetic issue and not harmful to your oral health. (If you have a space caused by a missing tooth, however, you have bigger problems than just misalignment and will want to talk to your family dentist about a dental restoration.)
A gap between teeth is known as diastema – this is especially noticeable between the two front upper teeth. This overgrowth of tissue is eliminated when Invisalign uses pressure to slowly move the teeth together.
Overcrowding
When you simply don’t have enough room in your mouth for all your teeth, overcrowding will push the teeth around, making them overlap and twist. You may consider crooked teeth unsightly, but one of the biggest issues are the oral health problems caused by overcrowded teeth.
When teeth are too close together, cleaning between them is a challenge. A buildup of plaque is inevitable, which means cavities are too. When you straighten your teeth with Invisalign, they look better, feel better, and are easier to clean, which means you have healthier teeth.
Overbite or Underbite
If the upper jaw is overdeveloped or the lower jaw is underdeveloped, you’re left with an overbite or underbite. Both problems are noticeable, and the misalignment can make a person self-conscious about their appearance.
Complications like overbites and underbites are problematic in many ways – enamel erosion is a common side effect and painful jaw problems can develop, though these issues depend on the severity of the overbite or underbite. Invisalign can correct many of these complications to give you a smile that is beautiful, strong, and fully aligned.
Open Bite
When the top and bottom teeth do not touch at all, the condition is known as an open bite. An open bite is an aesthetic issue for most people who have this problem because it is so noticeable. An open bite causes bigger problems than this, however.
Chewing and speech can be impaired, difficult, or uncomfortable. TMJ problems are also a possible side effect of an open bite.
See Your Woodinville Orthodontist for Invisalign Braces
If you have misalignment problems, jaw complications, or spacing issues, see certified Invisalign provider Dr. Soleil Roberts at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville. Invisalign may be a viable option to correct your oral health but, even if it isn’t, there is always an orthodontic solution to give you a comfortable, fully functional, healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation (or your teen’s consultation).