Malocclusion, or bad bite, is a condition in which the teeth do not align when the mouth is closed. There are three classes of malocclusion:
Class I:
most common, the bite is typical with upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth
Class II:
also known as retrognathism, when upper jaw/teeth significantly overlap the lower jaw/teeth
Class III:
also known as prognathism, when the lower jaw/teeth overlap the upper jaw/teeth
There are seven different types of malocclusion within these three classes.
Crowding:
occurs when there is not enough space for the permanent teeth to come in straight
Overbite:
occurs when the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth
Overjet:
similar to an overbite, with the upper front teeth protruding at an angle so there is no contact with the lower front teeth
Crossbite:
occurs when a few of the bottom teeth are located outside of the upper teeth
Underbite:
occurs when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth
Open bite:
occurs when the upper and lower teeth are angled outward with no contact when the mouth is closed
Diastema:
occurs when there is a gap between two or more of the teeth
Nearly everyone has some level of malocclusion. For many, the condition is very mild and they are able to live with it. For others, it can lead to a variety of oral and overall health issues. In this case, treatment is necessary.
Treatment typically consists of orthodontics, such as traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign at Prime Dental.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces for treating mild to moderate malocclusions. This system was introduced to the market in 1998 and consists of a series of clear aligners, much like retainers, that gradually shift teeth into their appropriate position in the jaw.
Invisalign is recommended for mild to moderate malocclusion, though it may be effective for more severe cases with the help of attachments. Invisalign attachments are little buttons that are placed on teeth with dental cement to hold the aligners in place.
Invisalign resolves most mild to moderate malocclusions within 12 to 18 months. If a patient has a very mild malocclusion, they may see full results within 6 months. However, patients who are on the more severe end of the spectrum may need up to 24 months. In most cases, patients start seeing a shift within the first 2 weeks of treatment.
Who should go for Invisalign?
While Invisalign is appropriate for most patients, it is not for everyone. Dr. Subha Yerabollu uses the following criteria to determine if you qualify for Invisalign:
Type and severity of malocclusion
Invisalign is effective for most mild to moderate cases of malocclusion– and may also treat more severe cases with the help of attachments. However, if you have significant gaps or severely rotated teeth, this may not be the best choice. Dr. Yerabollu will perform a comprehensive examination with imaging to determine your eligibility.
Responsibility
One of the biggest advantages to Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed when eating and when taking care of oral hygiene. However, this may also be one of the biggest disadvantages because it means that patients must be responsible for making sure they wear them.
Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. This means they must be worn at all times unless you are eating or brushing/flossing your teeth. If you do not wear your aligners, they will not be effective. This is why we recommend Invisalign for older teens and adults.
All adult teeth are present
Invisalign is recommended for patients who have all of their adult teeth. We do not recommend this treatment for children who still have primary teeth, as it’s impossible to determine when the secondary teeth will come in. If primary teeth are present, you may need additional work before you can start Invisalign treatment.
Good oral hygiene habits
Good oral hygiene habits are a good idea at any time, but especially if you are undergoing treatment with Invisalign. It is important to make sure that you keep your mouth healthy and keep your trays clean to avoid triggering infection or other issues.
Non-smoker
Since you need to be wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, it’s important to avoid smoking or using other tobacco products. This is because they can stain your trays, as well as interfere with their effectiveness. If you take them out when you are smoking, you also take away from the time you are wearing them.
Invisalign vs Braces
Invisalign | Braces | |
Aesthetics | Virtually invisible | Metal brackets and wires are visible |
Comfort | Smooth, slight pressure when first starting a new set of aligners | Brackets and wires can be uncomfortable, pressure when first starting treatment and after adjustments |
Treatment Time | 12 to 18 months, on average | 12 to 24+ months, depending on the complexity of your malocclusion |
Food Restrictions | No food restrictions | Must avoid crunchy, hard, sticky foods during treatment |
Oral Hygiene | Brush/floss teeth as usual, no modifications | Brackets and wires can make it difficult to brush/floss teeth |
Types of Invisalign
Find Out Which Type of Invisalign Will Work Best for You
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth without the use of traditional braces. There are several types of Invisalign available, each designed to address different orthodontic issues and suit different patient needs.
Invisalign Full:
This is the most comprehensive Invisalign treatment option. It involves a series of clear aligners that gradually move teeth into their desired position. Invisalign Full is suitable for complex orthodontic cases, including teeth that need to be rotated, moved vertically, or have significant gaps.
Invisalign Lite:
This type of Invisalign treatment is designed for less complex orthodontic cases. Invisalign Lite involves a shorter treatment time and fewer aligners than Invisalign Full. It is typically recommended for patients who have mild to moderate spacing or crowding issues.
Invisalign Express:
Invisalign Express is the shortest and most affordable Invisalign treatment option. It is designed for minor orthodontic issues, such as small gaps or crowding. Invisalign Express treatment typically involves a series of five to ten aligners, with treatment lasting around six months.
Invisalign Teen:
This type of Invisalign treatment is designed specifically for teenagers. Invisalign Teen aligners have built-in compliance indicators, which show whether the aligners have been worn for the recommended 22 hours per day. Invisalign Teen also allows for the eruption of permanent teeth and includes free replacement aligners in case any are lost or damaged.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation at Prime Dental Today
If you have mild to moderate malocclusion and are interested in Invisalign clear aligners, schedule your consultation with Dr. Yerabollu today. We are located on Pinebrook Road in Stone Ridge. We look forward to helping you achieve your picture-perfect smile.
Invisalign FAQs
Dr. Yerabollu understands that you have questions when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. She and her team are more than happy to discuss your questions and concerns at any time. Below are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear about Invisalign treatment.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made for each patient. They fit snugly against the teeth, providing firm, even pressure. This pressure gradually shifts teeth into their appropriate position in the jaw.
Teeth move an average of .25 mm to .5 mm per aligner and each aligner should be worn for 1 to 3 weeks, based on your personal treatment timeline.
How long does Invisalign take?
The average treatment time for mild to moderate misalignments is 12 to 18 months. If a patient has a more complex case, it may take up to 24 months and require the use of Invisalign attachments. On the other hand, if the misalignment is very mild, patients may see full results within 6 months. Most of our Invisalign patients begin to see changes in their smile with the first set of aligners.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
An overbite is a condition in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Invisalign has been proven effective in resolving mild to moderate dental overbite.
Can Invisalign fix an underbite?
An underbite is a condition in which the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Invisalign has been proven effective in resolving mild to moderate underbite.
