Are you interested in straightening your teeth, but not looking forward to having a mouth full of metal brackets? Consider talking to a cosmetic dentist in the Leander area who offers Invisalign treatment. Instead of using metal brackets and wires to coax the teeth back into their proper positions, Invisalign involves the application of clear plastic aligners. These aligners are custom-made for each patient from the impressions sent in by the cosmetic dentist. Dental patients often prefer Invisalign not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it’s a highly convenient choice. Since the aligners are removable, it’s easy to maintain good oral hygiene and there are no dietary restrictions.
Gaps
When you consult your cosmetic dentist about whether Invisalign is right for you, he or she will need to evaluate the type of malocclusion you have. Invisalign is capable of treating a range of malocclusion issues, including excessive gaping between teeth. Gaping problems can develop when the jawbone grows atypically or when adjacent teeth shift after a tooth extraction.
Crowding
Some people have the opposite problem-overly crowded teeth. Or, they may have excessive gaps between some teeth with overly crowded teeth in other areas. Like gaping, crowding can encourage the buildup of plaque and tartar. In turn, this can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, Invisalign can help you improve your oral health.
Open Bite
If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, speech impairment, or poor biting or chewing abilities, then you may have an open bite. This is a severe type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper and lower jaws fail to meet. For example, your upper and lower molars may make contact when you close your jaws, but the front teeth may not.
Underbite
Another type of malocclusion that Invisalign can treat is an under-bite. Normally, the top front teeth should rest just slightly forward of the bottom front teeth. If your dentist diagnoses you with an under-bite, it means that when your jaws are closed, your lower front teeth protrude forward of the upper front teeth. Like an open bite, an under-bite can contribute to more serious jaw joint problems. Invisalign aligners are capable of fixing these and other orthodontic problems.