6 Dental Problems Invisalign Can Fix

Looking for a discreet, modern way to straighten your teeth? Invisalign is exactly what you need. This trusted orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners to gently shift teeth into place.

If you’re not a fan of the look and feel of traditional metal braces, clear aligners offer a more discreet and flexible alternative. One of its biggest advantages is that the aligners are removable, so you can take them out while eating, brushing, or flossing. One thing to remember is that clear aligners aren’t suitable for everyone. 

So, what kinds of dental problems can Invisalign aligners actually fix?

Key Takeaways

• Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate malocclusions.
• Aligners provide optimal patient comfort because they are custom-made to fit each individual’s teeth precisely.
• Many dental clinics offer flexible payment options.

What Dental Problems Work with Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are most effective for correcting mild to moderate alignment issues. In some cases, aligners can be paired with traditional orthodontic elastics to assist with minor bite corrections. More severe orthodontic problems are better treated with traditional braces, which offer more predictable results in complex cases.

What dental issues will your Invisalign doctor consider when recommending treatment?

Open Bite

A frequent type of orthodontic malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth don’t overlap vertically when the jaws are closed. This condition can cause challenges with speech, chewing, and appearance, all of which may negatively affect a person’s quality of life.

Conventional treatments, such as braces and tooth extractions, are commonly used to address open bites. The issue with conventional treatment is that it involves lengthy treatment times and may lead to discomfort and issues with patient cooperation.

More Predictable Tooth Movements Compared to Invisalign Aligners Previously Used Models

Findings from a 2024 study show that following Invisalign clear aligners, open bite improved to +1.6 mm, representing a clinically meaningful correction. The positive post-treatment measurement indicates better bite alignment.

The average treatment time was 18.2 months, aligning with standard durations reported in existing research. On average, patients used 24.7 sets of aligners. Additionally, 10% of patients required mid-course adjustments, demonstrating adaptability during treatment.

Overbite

A 2017 retrospective study analyzed overbite changes in 120 adult patients treated exclusively with clear aligners. Data were collected from three experienced providers. All participants were over 18 years old and did not undergo extractions or significant transverse or anteroposterior changes as part of their treatment.

Cephalometric analysis showed that deepbite patients experienced a median reduction in overbite of 1.5 mm, while open-bite patients saw a median increase of 1.5 mm. Patients with normal overbites had a median change of 0.3 mm. The improvements in both deep bite and open bite cases were mainly attributed to changes in incisor position, with minimal changes observed in molar height or the mandibular plane angle.

Clear aligners are effective in managing vertical bite discrepancies, primarily through incisor movement.

Underbite

Clear aligners can treat an underbite, but their effectiveness depends on the type of malocclusion involved. The key difference lies in whether the issue is dental (related to tooth positioning) or skeletal (related to jaw alignment).

A dental malocclusion occurs when the teeth are not properly aligned, while a skeletal malocclusion is due to the upper and lower jaws not aligning correctly.

Aligners are effective for mild to moderate dental underbites and may even work for some more severe cases. However, it is not typically effective for skeletal malocclusions, except in very mild cases. 

Moderate to severe skeletal underbites usually require orthognathic surgery, a surgical procedure where the jaws are repositioned and secured with plates and screws.

Crossbite

Many patients with mild to moderate crossbite cases experience positive results. The clear aligners work by gradually repositioning the teeth into proper alignment. More than 90% of adult patients are satisfied with their treatment outcomes.

Personalized Experience of a Blogger

Ali Mafucci, a blogger, shared her experience with Invisalign treatment in her blog. In early 2020, she decided to focus on self-care and booked a consultation.

Due to the pandemic, she was given all her aligners upfront and didn’t need to visit the dentist again until her initial 7-month treatment plan ended in August. After that, she underwent a revision phase to fine-tune her bite. These revisions, provided at no extra cost, involved new scans and another 5 months of treatment.

She continued wearing her bottom aligners temporarily and transitioned into nighttime retainers. In the end, she was happy with the results: a more symmetrical bite, straighter teeth, and high satisfaction with the overall process.

Gap Teeth

Fixing gaps between your teeth can have a meaningful, positive impact on your life. One study found that closing certain types of diastema boosted the quality of life in young people by up to 50%.

In many situations, especially when the gap is significant, your orthodontist may recommend braces or clear aligners to close the space. Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are more comfortable, less painful, and can deliver results more quickly.

Case Study from the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics

A 23-year-old female patient was primarily concerned about gaps between her teeth. She was diagnosed with multiple diastemas in both her upper and lower arches. Dental impressions were taken and sent to Align Technology to begin treatment. A digital 3D model of her teeth was created.

Based on the approved treatment plan, a sequence of images was developed to show the progression of the gaps closing, from the initial condition to the final result. Align Technology then manufactured a custom series of aligners to guide the teeth through each planned stage of movement.

Crowded Teeth

Patients using clear aligners to treat dental crowding reported being fully satisfied with their ability to perform everyday activities, such as eating and chewing. In comparison, only 24% of those with traditional braces felt the same. This difference is largely due to the comfort and convenience of Invisalign’s removable aligners.

Although it offers optimal patient comfort, clear aligners are not indicated to manage orthodontic cases with skeletal disharmonies or severe crowding.

Should You Gradually Straighten Your Teeth with Clear Aligners?

The answer will depend on your case. These treatments are effective and far more comfortable than metal braces. Even more exciting is that insurance covers Invisalign treatment costs, which means you can avail of this treatment when needed.

Book an appointment with our  team of skilled dentists at Auburn Bay Dental to explore these teeth straightening options.