Metal braces are not the only path to a straighter smile. Many patients who want to correct crooked teeth or other cosmetic concerns turn instead to Invisalign, a system of clear aligners that can gradually shift teeth into better alignment without brackets or wires. Even with a strong track record of success, this treatment typically cannot resolve every dental issue.
Only a thorough exam from your dentist can determine whether this treatment is the right fit for your smile. Because Invisalign relies on a specific, controlled type of pressure to move teeth, certain bite issues can fall outside what it is able to correct. Below is what you should know before committing to this widely used orthodontic option.
How Invisalign Moves Your Teeth
An Invisalign treatment plan uses a series of clear plastic trays, each one sturdy enough to guide your teeth toward a new position. Roughly every one to two weeks, patients switch their current tray for the next set in the series, continuing the gradual shift.
Each tray applies steady, controlled pressure that encourages the teeth to move toward their new position. During the first two to three days after switching trays, you may notice extra pressure or mild discomfort. That sensation is typically a normal sign that your teeth are shifting slowly and as expected.
How long treatment takes depends largely on how severe your alignment or bite issues are to begin with. Some cases can be completed in as little as six months, while others may typically require two to three years to fully resolve.
When Invisalign May Not Be the Right Fit
Invisalign has a strong record for correcting alignment problems, but it is not always the ideal choice for every patient. Certain dental issues may not respond well to clear aligners because they call for more forceful movement than the trays can generally provide. When that is the case, orthodontists often recommend conventional metal braces instead.
Correcting Tooth Shape
Clear aligners are built to fit closely over your teeth so they can apply controlled pressure over a set period of time. When teeth are noticeably smaller than average, or have an unusually rounded or pegged shape, the aligners may struggle to grip them effectively, which can make reaching the desired outcome more difficult. Smaller teeth also give the aligner less surface area to hold onto, which can limit how much movement is achievable.
Correcting Tooth Position
Some patients are not good candidates for Invisalign because the current position of their teeth would prevent the aligners from straightening them properly. Severe misalignment cases typically respond better to conventional braces. If an extraction is needed to create room for movement, your dentist may recommend metal braces over Invisalign to support better results.
Vertical Movement Needs
Invisalign tends to perform best when moving teeth from side to side. Vertical movement, whether it involves pushing a tooth up or pulling it down, tends to be more difficult for the aligners to accomplish. Patients who need significant vertical correction may find traditional braces more effective at reaching that treatment goal.
Significant Overbite Cases
Mild overbites can often be treated with Invisalign, but more severe cases typically do not respond as well. Because the aligners are most effective at horizontal movement, they generally cannot address complex overbites that call for vertical correction. More complicated cases can also take longer to improve, which is why orthodontists often prefer a more measured approach. Conventional braces tend to work better here, since they allow for treatment that can be precisely tailored to each patient’s correction needs.
Large Gaps Between Teeth
Invisalign can address gaps between teeth in many cases, though there are limits to what it can do. Smaller gaps generally respond to treatment within a few months, while larger gaps typically take over a year to close. However, a gap wider than the size of a full tooth may be difficult for clear aligners to resolve. In situations like that, metal braces may be the more suitable choice, and your orthodontist might also suggest considering an implant instead.
What Affects Your Candidacy for Invisalign
Beyond the specific dental issues Invisalign cannot correct, there are also patient-related factors that can affect candidacy for the treatment. Below are some considerations that may influence how successful clear aligners are for you.
- Age: Teens and adults typically make strong candidates for Invisalign. Younger children, however, may have a harder time following the treatment routine closely enough for it to succeed. In those situations, metal braces may work better, or it may be worth waiting until the child is old enough to stay compliant.
- Compliance: One advantage of Invisalign is that the trays can be removed easily, but they need to go back in shortly after eating or drinking to stay on track. Most patients should aim to wear their aligners at least 22 hours a day, since wearing them less can reduce how well they work, a compliance challenge that can be especially difficult for younger patients.
- Dental Work: Patients with prior dental work may not always be ideal Invisalign candidates. Bridges and implants, for example, can sometimes complicate treatment, though they are not automatically a deal-breaker. In certain cases, existing dental work can interfere with the aligners’ ability to shift your teeth. Your orthodontist can evaluate your situation and recommend the best path forward.
Talk to The Smile Architects About Invisalign
If you think your smile could benefit from straighter teeth, it may be worth learning more about what Invisalign can offer. Let The Smile Architects help determine whether you are a good candidate by scheduling a call today for more information. Call 704-875-1621 to schedule an appointment today.