Invisalign has transformed orthodontic treatment for adults. This nearly invisible aligner is discreet and convenient, making it a popular alternative to traditional braces. While it effectively corrects many dental issues, it may not work for every case.
If you’re considering Invisalign for yourself or a loved one, this guide covers its benefits, limitations, and alternative treatments. Most importantly, it highlights the value of consulting a professional to find the best solution for your dental needs.
What Invisalign Can Fix
Before exploring what Invisalign cannot address, it’s important to note its versatility in treating many orthodontic issues. Here are some of the most common conditions that Invisalign handles effectively:
- Mild to Moderate Crowding. If your teeth are slightly overlapping or crowding together, Invisalign is highly effective at creating the necessary space for proper alignment. For example, mild crowding in the front teeth can often be resolved in less than a year.
- Gaps Between Teeth. Have spaces between your teeth been bothering you? Invisalign can gently close these gaps, bringing your teeth into a more harmonious alignment. Clear aligners are particularly well-suited for smaller gaps that don’t require surgical intervention.
- Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites. For minor to moderate cases, Invisalign can properly reposition your bite, ensuring that your upper and lower teeth meet correctly. Adjustments to these types of conditions often prevent larger issues like jaw pain or uneven enamel wear.
- Open Bites. If your upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth, Invisalign can reposition your teeth for better contact, improving both function and aesthetic appeal.
- Straightening Mildly Rotated Teeth. Tooth rotations occur when a tooth turns out of alignment with others in the dental arch. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate cases, ensuring that each tooth aligns properly in the arch.
What Invisalign May Not Fix
While Invisalign is a game-changer, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are dental conditions that the system doesn’t adequately address, often due to limitations in aligner design or the complexity of the case.
- Severe Malocclusions. If a bite issue, such as a deep overbite or skeletal underbite, is particularly severe, Invisalign may not provide adequate correction. These situations often require more complex interventions like braces or jaw surgery to effectively realign the teeth and jaws.
- Significant Rotations or Overlapping. Teeth that are severely rotated or sitting far out of alignment may be beyond Invisalign’s current capabilities. Metal braces, which use brackets and wires to exert greater force, may be needed.
- Large Tooth Gaps. While Invisalign works well for closing small gaps, larger spaces could require traditional braces or even surgical options to bridge the divide effectively.
- Vertical Tooth Issues. Situations where teeth are too high or low compared to neighboring teeth can be difficult to correct using aligners. Such cases are better suited to fixed orthodontic appliances.
- Jaw Alignment Issues. Since Invisalign primarily corrects teeth alignment, issues stemming from the jaws being misaligned—like a protruding jaw or receding chin—typically require surgical orthodontics or fixed appliances.
What Are the Alternatives?
If Invisalign isn’t suitable for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other orthodontic treatment options available that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
- Traditional Braces. Braces are the most versatile option for complex cases. They’re highly effective for severe malocclusions, significant tooth rotations, and vertically misaligned teeth, offering robust control over tooth movement.
- Lingual Braces. Looking for an invisible option but don’t qualify for Invisalign? Lingual braces are attached to the back of your teeth, making them discreet while still providing the strength of traditional braces.
- Surgical Orthodontics. For jaw alignment issues or complex conditions, surgical options combined with braces can deliver the best results. Procedures are typically accompanied by orthodontic treatment before and after surgery.
Your Smile, Your Choice
Choosing the right orthodontic approach is an important decision—and one that should be guided by expert advice. While Invisalign offers life-changing results for many adults, it’s not always the best fit for every dental case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The average treatment time for Invisalign ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Some mild concerns can even be completed in as little as six months.
Is Invisalign more expensive than traditional braces?
Costs can vary depending on the case and provider. However, in general, Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces. Many orthodontists offer payment plans to make the treatment more accessible.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re interested in improving your smile and oral health with Invisalign, call Kensington Natural Smiles at 301-933-3903 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.