Tooth Issues That Can Be Treated with Invisalign
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April 21, 2022Invisalign clear aligners have proven to be a true game-changer in orthodontics. Today, over 12 million people have benefited from this aligner-based orthodontic system and have achieved more confident and esthetically pleasing smiles. If your dentist has recently recommended Invisalign aligners for straightening your teeth and you’re wondering what type of tooth problems it can fix, this blog is for you. So, read on to learn more about the orthodontic problems that can be fixed with Invisalign clear aligners.
1. Teeth Gaps
This is a condition where there are excessive gaps – or diastemas – between the teeth. Teeth gaps create an esthetic problem and can also cause difficulty in eating and speaking. Often, people with teeth gaps have a distinct “lisp” whenever they speak. Therefore, teeth gaps should always be treated, especially in the visible front teeth. Invisalign aligners can be used to eliminate excessive gaps between two teeth.
2. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is a condition where there is insufficient space in the jaws to accommodate all teeth in proper alignment. This can occur due to various reasons, such as small jaws, excessively large teeth, or supernumerary (extra) teeth. As a result of crowding, the teeth appear misaligned. Besides creating an obvious esthetic concern, they can also cause problems such as difficulty in optimal teeth cleaning and increased risk of tooth decay and gum problems. People with overcrowded teeth are also at a higher risk of having bad breath due to gum disease. Fortunately, mild to moderate cases of tooth crowding can be fixed with Invisalign removable aligners.
3. Open bite
An open bite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not mate together when the mouth is closed. This condition can occur in both the front and back teeth. An open bite can be caused due to many reasons, such as thumb sucking, nail-biting, tongue thrusting, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. An open bite can affect one’s smile, especially in the front teeth, and can also create difficulty in eating and speech. Dentists can treat mild to moderate cases of open bites with Invisailgn in Houston. In more advanced cases, dentists use tooth-colored attachments with Invisalign to perform complex tooth movements.
4. Deep Bite
This is a condition in which the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. An overlap of less than 4mm between the upper and lower front teeth is normal. However, when this overlap exceeds 4mm, it becomes a deep bite, also known as an overbite. It has been estimated that deep bite affects 15-20 percent of Americans. Deep bites can be caused due to various reasons such as genetics, missing teeth, small jaws, and excessive teeth grinding.
Untreated cases of deep bites can cause various dental complications, including:
- Excessive wearing of the teeth and flattening of the chewing surfaces
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth decay
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Headaches
The good news is that deep bites can be effectively treated with Invisalign in Houston.
5. Crossbite
Under normal conditions, our upper teeth rest perfectly in the lower ones. A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together. A crossbite can occur only on the front teeth, back teeth, or as a generalized condition in all the teeth. Crossbites can occur due to genetic factors or due to parafunctional habits such as thumb sucking or nail-biting.
Untreated cases of crossbites can cause several dental complications, such as:
- Tooth wear
- Tooth decay
- TMJ disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Headaches
- Difficulty in eating and speaking
Invisalign from Royal Dental in Houston is a convenient and esthetically pleasing alternative to conventional metal braces. So if you have any orthodontic problems, book an appointment with us today and let our experienced dentists give you a healthy and beautiful smile.