Invisalign® is an outstanding tool for helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. The system of clear, removable, BPA-free plastic aligners offers patients a comfortable, convenient and virtually invisible way to straighten their teeth. Yet, the treatment is only as effective as the orthodontist planning it since the aligners are designed by the doctor and then printed based on their specifications.
One of the unique things about our Bellaire and Houston orthodontics practice is that everyone is a candidate for Invisalign treatment. You may have heard that Invisalign can’t fix every orthodontic issue and more complex cases require braces instead. That’s not true! Any problem that can be fixed with braces can also be fixed with Invisalign. It boils down to the provider.
We’re one of the few Diamond Invisalign Providers in the Houston area and we can address multi-disciplinary and complex cases with the treatment because of our extensive product knowledge, proficiency and the expertise of our doctors. In fact, Dr. Tabakman has been recognized for his breakthrough orthodontic treatments with Invisalign. With that in mind, we’re covering the orthodontic issues we can fix with Invisalign at Houston Orthodontic Specialists.
Invisalign for Crowded Teeth
Crowding is when you don’t have enough space in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth. The teeth tend to overlap, bunch up or shift out of place in an effort to squeeze in. Crowded teeth are harder to keep clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Does Invisalign work for crowded teeth? Yes! If you have crowded teeth Invisalign is an excellent option for creating space and moving the teeth into their ideal places. In cases where we need to facilitate more complex movements, we can use tooth-colored Invisalign attachments to help us shift teeth in the direction of our choosing. We have an Invisalign before and after photo in our Smile Gallery of an adult patient, we treated with Invisalign for crowded teeth that illustrates how effective it can be.
How long does Invisalign take for crowded teeth? It will depend on a number of factors including the severity of your case and how well you follow the instructions for wearing your aligners. At your consultation, one of our Houston or Bellaire orthodontists will be able to give you an accurate number.
Invisalign for Spacing
Spacing is when you have gaps between two or more teeth. It may be the result of missing teeth, teeth that are too narrow for the jaw or habits like prolonged thumb sucking. If gap teeth aren’t fixed, it can have a negative impact on the health of your gums and can also lead to the deterioration of the jawbone.
Can Invisalign fix gaps? If you have gap teeth Invisalign is a great solution! Invisalign can close the gaps and align the teeth to give you a fantastic smile. Just as with any orthodontic issue, how long Invisalign takes to fix gap teeth will depend on the complexity of your case and wearing your aligners according to your treatment plan.
Invisalign for Overbite
An overbite, sometimes called overjet, is when the top teeth stick out too far in front of the bottom teeth. While almost everyone has at least some degree of an overbite, when the space between the upper and lower teeth is too large, orthodontic treatment is recommended. If not treated, an overbite can cause excessive wear of the teeth, jaw pain and make the top front teeth more susceptible to injury.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite? Yes, Invisalign can fix an overbite. Depending on the degree of overbite, we may also use Invisalign attachments and rubber bands to shift the teeth and jaw into their proper positions to create a healthy, stable bite.
Invisalign for Underbite
An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when your mouth is closed. It can happen when the lower jaw grows at a faster rate than the upper jaw. An underbite can make it hard to speak clearly or chew properly and often results in uneven wear of the teeth.
If braces can correct your underbite than Invisalign can as well. Since an underbite is a skeletal issue, it’s something that responds best to early treatment. In severe cases, correcting an underbite may require surgical orthodontics, which is when we combine jaw surgery with orthodontic treatment. However, thanks to innovations in techniques and treatments, in many more cases than ever before, we can avoid surgery and correct the problem with Invisalign alone.
Invisalign for Open Bite
If the top and bottom teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, you’re said to have an open bite. An open bite can make it hard to bite and chew. The problem can be due to a skeletal issue or it can occur due to oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting or prolonged pacifier use.
The good news is, if you have an open bite Invisalign can fix it. The aligners can shift the top and bottom teeth into place so that they come together correctly, improving the appearance and function of your smile.
Invisalign for Crossbite
A crossbite is characterized by some of the top teeth sitting inside of some of the bottom teeth when you close your mouth. Depending on which teeth are affected, you can have a back crossbite or a front crossbite. Crossbites can be the result of the early loss of baby teeth, trauma, genetics or poor oral habits. Treating a crossbite is important because people often compensate by moving the jaw to one side, which can lead to permanent changes in facial structure and impact jaw growth.
Invisalign can fix a crossbite in many cases. Again, if it’s an issue that can be corrected with braces, it will also respond well to clear aligners. As with other problems, if the issue is more complex, we may also use Invisalign attachments to facilitate certain tooth movements and get the best results possible.
To learn more about the orthodontic issues Invisalign can fix and see how we can perfect your smile with clear aligners, schedule a free consultation at Houston Orthodontic Specialists today.