Top 7 Reasons to Consider Invisalign® Treatment

5 minute read

Invisalign® clear aligners are the leading alternative to braces for adults and older teenagers who want a more convenient and discreet option for straightening their teeth. Invisalign treatment uses removable aligners made from clear plastic that are worn over the teeth, rather than being fixed in place like metal braces.

If you're interested in straightening your smile with Invisalign clear aligners, your dentist will assess your teeth and bite to let you know whether it's an option for you. Issues that can usually be treated with Invisalign include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

Book a consultation with our certified Invisalign provider, Dr Liong Ting in East Victoria Park to find out more and start designing your new smile today.

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1. Crooked teeth

Teeth can become crooked for many reasons, from genetics to childhood habits such as thumb sucking, teeth leaning into a gap following tooth loss and the jaw shrinking with age. As well as affecting your appearance, crooked or misaligned teeth may also be more prone to damage and harder to keep clean.

2. Overcrowded teeth

Crowding can happen if there isn't enough space in your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. This may occur from an early age if you have a naturally smaller jaw, or it can happen over time. If crowding isn't corrected with Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment, it's likely to appear worse with age.

3. Gapped teeth

If your teeth are more widely spaced than normal, this can affect how they look, may affect your speech and can increase your risk of developing oral health problems such as gum disease. Invisalign treatment can usually bring gapped teeth closer together, depending on the size of the gap.

4. Overbite

Overbite is when your upper front teeth extend further over your lower teeth than normal. A little overbite is considered normal (between 5-25%), but a larger overbite (or deep bite) may cause problems such as tooth wear or jaw pain. Invisalign aligners with mandibular advancement wings can correct most overbites by straightening the teeth and moving the lower jaw forwards.

5. Underbite

Underbite is the reverse of overbite, when your lower front teeth cover some of your upper teeth. This is usually due to the lower jaw being too far forwards. Invisalign treatment can correct some underbites, but more severe cases may require braces or surgery to reposition the jaw.

6. Crossbite

Crossbite is a combination of overbite and underbite, when there is overlap between both your upper and lower teeth. This can cause damage to teeth and gums over time if it's not corrected. Crossbite can be a complex condition, but some types of crossbites are suitable for Invisalign treatment.

7. Open bite

An open bite is when your upper teeth and lower teeth don't come together when your mouth is closed. This can sometimes make it more difficult to eat or affect your speech. Invisalign can close most open bites, though more severe cases may also require jaw surgery.

Benefits of teeth straightening with Invisalign

Whether you're a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners or your dentist recommends a different orthodontic treatment, there can be many practical reasons to consider straightening your teeth. As well as improving their appearance and how you feel about your smile, teeth straightening may also help to:

Protect your teeth

A well-aligned bite puts less pressure on your teeth, lowering the risk of tooth wear and damage such as chips and cracks. However, Invisalign aligners are not a substitute for a mouthguard when playing sports.

Prevent teeth grinding

Misaligned teeth can cause teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism), which can lead to tooth wear and other problems. As well as aligning teeth over time, Invisalign aligners can also help to reduce grinding at night.

Relieve jaw pain and facial pain

A misaligned bite may cause pain in the jaw or the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect the jaws, and this may spread to the neck and muscles of the face. Invisalign and orthodontics can help to reduce or eradicate TMJ pain and associated discomfort.

Lower your oral health risks

Misaligned teeth can trap food and bacteria and may be harder to brush and floss properly. This increases your risk of developing oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to permanent damage, tooth loss or other serious effects.

Lower risk of dental injuries

Straighter teeth are also less likely to be damaged than crooked or protruding teeth during sporting injuries, falls or other accidents, so you'll be less likely to need an emergency dentist. A custom sports mouthguard may also offer more protection and feel more comfortable to wear after teeth straightening.

Improve digestion and nutrition

Orthodontic issues that make it harder to bite, chew or grind food properly could lead to digestive issues or may affect what you choose to eat and the nutrition your body gets. A straighter smile can make it easier to follow a balanced diet.

Lessen speech difficulties

If an orthodontic problem affects your ability to pronounce certain sounds clearly or with confidence, improving the alignment of your teeth and jaws could help to resolve the issue.

Reduce breathing or sleep disorders

Bringing your lower jaw forwards to correct an issue such as overbite could also help to alleviate a breathing difficulty caused by a blocked airway, such as obstructive sleep apnoea.

Preparation for replacing teeth

If you have any missing teeth that you're thinking about replacing to restore your bite and your smile, Invisalign or other orthodontics can create the space needed and can straighten the teeth around a gap to make it ready for a dental implant, bridge or denture.

Ready to take the first step in your teeth straightening journey? Book a consultation with our certificed Invisalign provider today, call (08) 9470 3944 or book an appointment online.

 

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Is Invisalign better than braces?

Invisalign aligners can be as effective as traditional braces for treating most mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. When your treatment is provided by an experienced dentist, Invisalign may also be suitable for more complex cases, sometimes in combination with other treatments.

Invisalign may be preferred over braces for different reasons, including:

• Aesthetics – clear aligners are less visible on the teeth than braces, which can make them more appealing for people who don't want others to notice their treatment
• Convenience – aligners can be removed when you eat and clean your teeth, so you won't have to work around them like braces
• Comfort – made from smooth, soft plastic, Invisalign aligners are less likely to cause pain, irritation or injuries to the mouth
• Freedom – you won't be restricted from enjoying certain foods or activities with Invisalign, as long as you take good care of your oral health

There can be some downsides to Invisalign treatment, however. As the aligners are not fixed in place like braces, they require more compliance, which can make them less suitable for younger or less motivated patients. Invisalign can also cost more than standard braces and generally isn’t claimable via private health insurance.

Who is not suitable for Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign can be an option in most cases, but this may depend on the size, shape and alignment of your teeth and the specific orthodontic issue you have. Invisalign may not be suitable if you have:

• Short, round or pegged teeth that can't grip the aligners effectively
• Teeth tilted forwards or backwards more than 45 degrees
• A molar tooth rotated more than 20 degrees
• Gaps between teeth larger than 6mm
• Other complex cases
• Previous dental restorations that Invisalign attachments are not able to bond to

Teeth straightening with traditional or ceramic braces may still be an option in these cases.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Teeth straightening is usually a long-term treatment, as it involves gradually shifting your teeth into their new position. How long Invisalign takes depends on how much correction you need and the type of Invisalign system you choose.

• Full Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years
• Invisalign Go is a faster alternative that can correct some minor issues in just 3 to 6 months

Whichever option you choose, it's important to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, or you may not achieve the results you hoped for.

What are the stages of Invisalign treatment?

Teeth straightening with Invisalign involves multiple stages:

1. Assessment – Your dentist will examine your teeth and jaws and explain your treatment options so you know what to expect.
2. Creating your aligners – Taking 3D digital images of your bite that will be used to design your custom aligners.
3. Attachments & fitting your aligners – Your dentist will glue aesthetic attachments to your teeth to help grip aligners in place during your first fit appointment. You’ll be provided with several sets of aligners at a time. Each set is usually worn for 2 weeks before being replaced with the next.
4. Regular check-ups – Regular appointments with your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks to check your progress and provide your next sets of aligners. The dentist may recommended interproximal reduction (IPR) during your first review appointment. IPR creates space for crowded teeth to move and involve gentle filing of the surfaces in between teeth.
5. Wearing a retainer – After your teeth have reached their final position, you will usually need to wear a retainer to maintain your new alignment.

 

What are the alternatives to Invisalign treatment?

If your orthodontic issue isn't suitable for Invisalign, or you might prefer a different treatment, your dentist will explain all of your options for addressing your individual needs. These may include:

• Braces – These may be provided by a dentist or specialist orthodontist. Besides traditional metal braces, more discreet options include tooth-coloured ceramic braces and lingual braces fitted behind the teeth.
• Veneers – Thin porcelain or composite resin coverings to cover up minor cosmetic issues with teeth. Veneers mask the usual appearance of teeth rather than moving them and may not be suitable for more severe orthodontic concerns.

 

Invisalign provider in East Victoria Park

If you want to know more about Invisalign treatment and your eligibility, book a consultation at EVP Dental to talk to our certified Invisalign provider, Dr Liong Ting today.

Call us on (08) 9470 3944 or make an online booking at a time that’s good for you.

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References

1. https://www.invisalign.com/

 

Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device. Always read the label and follow instructions for use from your dentist.