What Invisalign Can And Cannot Fix
Are you wondering what Invisalign can and cannot fix? While Invisalign used to be for minor problems, advancements in dental technology have made clear aligners adaptable to fix more complex issues as well. West Windsor Orthodontics has been providing Invisalign treatments for years, so we can tell you exactly what Invisalign can and cannot fix so you can decide if the treatment might work for you.
What Is Invisalign?
Developed in 1998, Invisalign is the most popular orthodontic treatment in the world today. It’s a series of clear removable aligner trays that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over a period of time. The aligners are made of multiple layers of medical-grade plastic and have rounded edges so they are safe for your mouth and fit comfortably over your teeth.
Unlike braces, Invisalign makes cleaning and eating easier because they are removable and do not require dietary and other restrictions that would interfere with your lifestyle.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis will conduct an examination of your teeth and jaws during a complimentary consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. An iTero scanner will create a digital 3D model of your teeth so a set of aligners can be made just for you.
Patients wear Invisalign for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks to start a new phase of shifting. Each new set places pressure on your teeth to maintain shifting, so you will feel some discomfort that will subside as you get used to the aligners. There are fewer follow-up appointments with Invisalign, so you only need to see Dr. Nicozisis every three months so he can check your progress or make changes to your treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Invisalign treatment usually lasts around 12-15 months, but can be shorter or longer depending on your age, the severity of your misalignment, and how consistently you wear your aligners. Failure to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day can result in setbacks or delays, which would lengthen treatment time or require a switch to braces.
Dr. Nicozisis has been instrumental in the development of Propel orthodontic technology, which can cut treatment times in half by stimulating the acceleration of shifting. Ask us about Propel during your consultation!
What Invisalign Can and Cannot Fix
Invisalign is designed to fix many different problems with your teeth, including:
- Overcrowding
Overcrowding is when several teeth are too close together, causing them to be crooked. This can make brushing and eating difficult.
- Crookedness
Crooked teeth negatively impact neighboring teeth and can make everyday activities like cleaning your teeth and eating uncomfortable or difficult.
- Gaps
Spaces between your teeth are the result of having too much room in your mouth so your teeth grew apart a little too much.
- Overbite
Overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth.
- Crossbite
Crossbite is when some of your teeth close in front of others. This can result in damage to your teeth and gums.
- Underbite
The opposite of overbite, an underbite is when your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth.
- Open Bite
Chewing can be difficult with an open bite because the teeth do not meet when you close your mouth.
- Jaw Misalignments
Minor jaw misalignments can be easily fixed with Invisalign, but more complex misalignments require orthognathic surgery to correct.
Despite the technological advancements, there are simply some problems that are too severe for Invisalign to fix and will likely require braces instead. These include:
- Severe overbite and underbite
Some cases of overbite and underbite are too severe for Invisalign to correct properly. You will likely need braces.
- Rotated Teeth
Teeth can sometimes be so crooked that they rotate in the socket. A rotation of more than 20 degrees cannot be corrected by Invisalign.
- Wide Gaps
While smaller gaps are easily fixed by Invisalign, more severe gaps may require a different treatment.
- Intrusion and Extrusion
Teeth that need to be moved higher or lower will need braces to correct.
Can I Switch To Braces?
You can absolutely make the switch to braces if Invisalign is not working for you. Maybe the aligners just are not working or maybe you are not as committed to consistently wearing them as you thought you would be. That’s fine and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Dr. Nicozisis can easily install braces on your teeth.
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
Only you and your orthodontist can determine if Invisalign is right for you. Schedule a consultation so Dr. Nicozisis can help you make the best decision. Invisalign is not right for everyone. Patients with smaller than normal teeth or who have dental bridges may not be good candidates.
West Windsor Orthodontics also offers Invisalign Teen, which costs the same as Invisalign for adults and is basically the same treatment except for a couple of minor differences. There are more aligners and there’s a blue dot that fades the more your teen wears them.
What Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign generally costs the same as braces at a price ranging from $3,500 on the low end to $8,000 on the high end. The cost could even be higher or lower depending on your location, the severity of your problem, length of treatment, and the experience of your orthodontist.
But don’t let the cost hold you back from seeking treatment. West Windsor Orthodontics offers low monthly payment plans that fit just about any budget. Dental insurance also usually covers part of the cost, which could save you thousands of dollars. We will even help you file insurance claims.
Contact West Windsor Orthodontics Today!
Dr. Nicozisis and the West Windsor Orthodontics team are ready to help you get Invisalign treatment. Don’t wait to seek the treatment you need. Dr. Nicozisis has decades of experience treating patients with Invisalign. West Windsor Orthodontics is a Top 1 Percent Invisalign Provider in the nation. We will make you feel welcome and comfortable and answer any questions you may have. We proudly serve West Windsor and surrounding communities in New Jersey. To make an appointment, call our office at 609-757-8718 or fill out our online contact form today!
