Common Dental Issues Invisalign Can Fix and Those Which It Cannot!

Invisalign is an orthodontic alternative to traditional metal braces offered by Drs. Geomel Bebing and Harun Ayouby at Signature Smiles Dental in Riverside, California, which effectively straightens and corrects various dental issues in a way that is superior in comfort and nearly invisible compared to braces. Patients who choose Invisalign can often receive their desired smile between six months to a year after starting (this may or may not require using Invisalign attachments that anchor the aligners for proper force). However, Invisalign (as with any dental or medical treatment) cannot fix everything. Let us look at what Invisalign can and cannot fix.

Dental Issues Invisalign Can Effectively Treat

Invisalign is one of the most versatile orthodontic treatments on the market and is excellent for treating many mild to moderate orthodontic issues affecting an individual’s bite. Common problems Invisalign can fix include:

• Underbites and overbites
• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Open bites
• Crossbites
• Overcrowded teeth

Invisalign Attachments

Certain dental conditions can be difficult for Invisalign to treat alone, which is why Invisalign utilizes attachments. An attachment is placed on your natural teeth. Some teeth may require one or more, while others require none. The purpose of an attachment is to anchor the aligners to your teeth, giving them a better grip and providing the specific force required to shift teeth the way that is needed. Before attachments came along, Invisalign was not as well equipped to handle such a wide range of dental issues.

What Invisalign Cannot Fix

Even with attachments, Invisalign cannot fix every dental problem. There is a limit to Invisalign’s corrective abilities. While patients prefer Invisalign over traditional braces for treating minor to moderate orthodontic issues, there is no comparison with the stronger force and ability to shift teeth that metal braces have for more severe cases. You may not be a good candidate for Invisalign if you are looking to fix the following:

• 6mm or larger gaps between teeth
• Molars that have rotated more than 20 degrees
• Teeth that tilt forward more than 45 degrees
• Severe overbites
• Teeth that have undergone previous dental work
• Certain tooth shapes

To schedule an appointment with Drs. Bebing and Ayouby, please call (951) 450-0258.