Who Should Not Use Invisalign & Why?
Everybody wants the perfect smile, and Invisalign is the new trend that has taken over. More and more people are opting for this treatment to discreetly get the smile of their dreams.
While Invisalign treatment is suitable for most people, it is important for people hoping to get this treatment to know that there are a few who may not be eligible for this alignment option.
So, who should not use Invisalign and why? What are the things that you need to consider before knowing that you are eligible for this treatment? And if you cannot get this treatment, are there any alternatives out there?
These are a few questions that we will aim to answer for you.
Let’s begin!
What is Invisalign?
Before we find out who should not use Invisalign, it is important to understand how Invisalign works.
Invisalign makes use of transparent, plastic aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are completely clear and offer a much more discreet way of aligning your teeth than traditional braces. In fact, most people won’t even notice that you are wearing them.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign aligners are crafted from precise 3D scans of your mouth. Patients typically visit our office every six to eight weeks to receive new sets of aligners. These aligners exert gentle pressure on your teeth and bring them into alignment. The complete Invisalign treatment generally spans nine to fifteen months.
Patients are required to wear the Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating and brushing. The removable nature of the aligners makes them easy to clean and use.
Who Should Not Use Invisalign?
Now, we come to the question of who should not use Invisalign.
While Invisalign is a versatile and effective treatment for many orthodontic issues, it is not suitable for everyone.
Here are some cases where Invisalign might simply not be the right option:
Severe Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign cannot treat severe orthodontics issues such as extreme overbites, underbites, or crossbites. These may only be corrected with the help of traditional braces. Teeth that are rotated more than 20 degrees may not be adequately corrected with Invisalign.
Complex Tooth Movement
Significant gaps between teeth or severe crowding might not be manageable with Invisalign alone. Invisalign is also less effective in moving the roots of teeth, which might be necessary for some orthodontic corrections.
Previous Dental Work
If you have had previous dental work, such as fixed dental implants that cannot move, they can limit the effectiveness of Invisalign, making you someone who should not use Invisalign. Similarly, dental bridges connect multiple teeth and can restrict the individual movement of teeth required by Invisalign.
Certain Bite Issues
Issues that stem from the jaw structure, such as a misaligned jaw, often need more comprehensive orthodontic treatment than what Invisalign can provide, making people with extreme bite issues among those who should not use Invisalign.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Invisalign requires meticulous oral hygiene. So, patients who struggle with maintaining good oral care may experience complications like cavities or gum disease.
Lack of Discipline
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. Lack of discipline is one of the major reasons for the failure of Invisalign treatment. Patients who cannot commit to this regimen may not achieve the desired results if they cannot use Invisalign.
The Magic Age
Invisalign is generally not recommended for young children whose teeth and jaws are still developing. Another type of patient who should not use Invisalign is someone with baby teeth, as they will need to wait for their permanent teeth to kick in before starting treatment.
Special Medical Conditions
If you suffer from conditions like severe gum disease, you cannot use Invisalign. Any prior oral problems, such as gum disease, must be treated before considering any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign.
Who Can Use Invisalign?
People with Mild to Moderate Alignment Issues
Patients with mild to moderate crowding can benefit from Invisalign as it can effectively create the necessary space. Gaps between teeth, provided they are not excessively large, can be corrected with Invisalign.
Individuals with crooked teeth can also see significant improvements with Invisalign aligners.
People with Common Bite Problems
Overbites: Mild to moderate overbites can be corrected using Invisalign aligners.
Underbites: Similarly, mild to moderate underbites can be improved with this treatment.
Crossbites: Invisalign can help in aligning teeth properly in cases of mild crossbites.
Open Bites: Patients with mild to moderate open bites can benefit from Invisalign.
People Suffering Minor Relapse
If someone has had braces before and their teeth have slightly shifted out of place, Invisalign can help realign them.
People Committed to Oral Hygiene & Treatment Protocol
Ideal candidates for Invisalign are those who can commit to wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and follow their dentist or orthodontist’s instructions closely. Patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene are also better suited for Invisalign than those who don’t. This is because the aligners need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dental issues.
What are the Limitations of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners do not have the same force and capability that braces possess to treat complex orthodontic problems. That is why there are many people who should not use Invisalign.
While Invisalign is a great treatment option for many, it does have certain limitations.
- Tooth Shape: Extremely short or round teeth or those with severe tips are not suitable for Invisalign, as the aligners may not get a good grip on these teeth.
- Large Gaps: Invisalign can usually close a gap of up to 6mm fairly reliably. If the gap between your teeth is larger than that, then you might be someone who should not use Invisalign.
- Intrusion & Extrusion: Invisalign can only complete limited movement in the front teeth while it has little to no control over the back teeth. So, if you are looking to raise or lower the position of your teeth, then you probably cannot use Invisalign.
- Midline Movements: If your midline (the imaginary line between your face) is misaligned by more than 2mm, then you might need to opt for braces to correct that rather than Invisalign.
- Cost: Cost is another factor that you might need to consider before you decide whether you can or cannot use Invisalign. Invisalign aligners can be significantly more expensive than traditional orthodontic treatments, putting quite a dent in your pocket.
- Extractions Required: If your oral treatment requires an extraction before the alignment begins, then you are among the people who should not use Invisalign.
Alternative Treatments to Invisalign
- Traditional Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues, including severe misalignments, complex tooth movements, and significant bite problems.
- Ceramic Braces: These are similar to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with the teeth. This makes them less noticeable than metal braces while still being effective for complex cases.
- Lingual Braces: These braces are attached to the back (lingual) side of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. That means that they are completely hidden from view and effective for most orthodontic issues.
- Palatal Expanders: These can widen the upper jaw to correct bite issues and create more space for teeth alignment. They are effective for treating certain bite issues and overcrowding and are often used in conjunction with braces.
Takeaway
Invisalign is a super popular treatment for basic orthodontic alignments. However, despite the advanced technology, there are many people who shold not use Invisalign.
So, it is important to consult with a professional and find out whether you are an eligible candidate for Invisalign treatment or not.
Find Out More About Invisalign at Prime Family Dentistry
Are you ready to transform your smile with a discreet and effective orthodontic solution?
Find out if Invisalign is right for you at Prime Family Dentistry. We offer a comprehensive assessment to determine if Invisalign is the best option for your orthodontic needs.
FAQs
Can I get Invisalign if I have missing teeth?
Invisalign is not the right treatment for you if you have missing teeth. Invisalign aligners rely on your existing teeth for stability and support and gently guide them in the right space. If there are major gaps in your dental arch due to missing teeth, then you might not be able to use Invisalign.
My teeth are severely crowded and terribly spaced. Can I get Invisalign?
Invisalign can treat mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues in your teeth. It is not, however, a good treatment for severe alignment issues.
