Although Invisalign for teeth is a great option for straightening, they may not be the right choice for correcting every kind of dental misalignment. Certain teeth alignment problems—like protrusion, teeth that are too spaced out, or narrow jaws—may require traditional braces to correct. Here’s a look at a few dental health issues that Invisalign clear aligners cannot typically fix.
Protrusion
Protrusion occurs when your front teeth stick out too much. You may have heard this condition referred to as “buck teeth.” This happens when your upper jaw sits in a position that is too far forward, your lower jaw sits in a position that is too far back, your teeth grew in angled, or a combination of these conditions.
Protrusion is sometimes difficult to treat with clear aligners alone. This condition isn’t just cosmetically inconvenient; it can cause speech impediments, breathing problems, and chewing issues if left untreated. Braces that are fixed to your teeth may be required to correct these issues and bring the teeth and jaws into proper alignment.
Jaw Expansion
If your teeth are crowded or overlapping because of narrow jaws, you may need jaw expansion. A patient may require jaw expansion to widen the jaw and align their top and bottom teeth fully. Invisalign may not offer sufficient force to expand the upper arch or sufficient stabilization after jaw expansion. This is why traditional braces may be recommended instead.
Large Gaps and Over-Rotated Teeth
You may have too much of a gap between your teeth due to small teeth, missing teeth, or large jaws, according to the American Academy of Orthodontics. Often, clear aligners such as Invisalign are not the ideal solution for this problem.
The aligners are only able to move the teeth about 6 millimeters on the top and the bottom. Additionally, they are not able to rotate teeth beyond 20 degrees. This is because the aligners lack the proper strength and push that ordinary metal braces have.
Impacted Teeth
A tooth that has not grown in as expected is impacted. A tooth can also be considered impacted if it cannot grow in due to insufficient room, or it grows in at the wrong angle or in the wrong position.
An impacted tooth will need to be removed if it fails to push through your gums to become visible, which may require oral surgery. Other times, the tooth may need to be moved into proper alignment. Clear aligners are not capable of addressing this issue. You’ll need a fixed appliance, like braces, to bring the tooth into place.
Schedule A Invisalign Consultation
Straightening your teeth can be easy and affordable. Invisalign is a great solution for teens and adults who don’t want others to notice that they’re wearing braces. However, it’s not the most efficient corrective treatment for severe dental issues. Schedule a consultation at our Beaufort SC Dental office to learn more about getting Invisalign and find out if they’re the right fit for you. You can reach us at (843) 986-0177 or request with our online appointment form.
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