If you don’t like your smile, you’re not alone. In a recent study conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists, more than a third of Americans said that they avoid smiling because they don’t like their teeth.
Having been proudly practicing cosmetic dentistry for many years, we know that a brighter smile and straighter teeth can boost your confidence which is why so many people are happy with the results they get when they seek Invisalign for fixing their teeth.
If your teeth have shifted over the years, this is known to occur naturally and it can be corrected.
What Can Invisalign Help With?
If you’re wondering if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, it’s highly likely that you are. And if you happen to be one of the few that needs a different solution, we’re experts in Cosmetic Dentistry and can gladly find your path to a brighter smile.
Invisalign can successfully treat and address the following dental conditions:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gap teeth
Invisalign for an Overbite
An overbite is the overlapping or protruding of the upper teeth over the lower teeth and we typically see patients with either a vertical overbite whereby the top teeth significantly overlap. The other overbite we treat is a horizontal overbite which is when the top teeth not only overlap but also protrude. On some occasions, a patient have both.
Left untreated, an overbite can lead to many dental complications that are far more serious than cosmetic issues. Some patients with an untreated overbite suffer from jaw pain; difficulty speaking and chewing; and wearing down of tooth enamel which can contribute to tooth decay.
Invisalign is a subtle way to treat an overbite, aligning the teeth, giving you a perfectly aligned, and healthier, smile.
Invisalign for an Underbite
This is a similar condition, but an underbite occurs when the lower teeth overlap with the the upper teeth. The dental concerns and challenges we see with an underbite are very similar to that of an overbite. Often, a patient with an underbite may also have significant crowding of the teeth. Invisalign is an excellent option to reduce the crowding in the mouth and leave you feeling more confident with your smile.
Invisalign for a Crossbite
A crossbite will often present itself in childhood as a result finger sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier. A crossbite is a lateral misalignment of the dental arches. When this happens, the teeth are either closer to the cheek (more buccal) or lingual (closer to the tongue) position than is normal.
A crossbite is a relatively common reason for needing realignment of the teeth and Invisalign aligners can correct the crossbite. Invisalign is a successful solution for a crossbite, even if you choose treatment during adult life.
Invisalign for an Open bite
When the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed it is called open bite. Causes of open bite vary and can range from simple genetic inheritance to habits like thrusting of the tongue which over time push the incisors forward. Additionally, open bite can develop from temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ.
TMJ can lead to pain and discomfort, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking and locking of the jaw. Realigning the overbite with Invisalign can lead not only to a to a more confident smile, but a more functional, pain-free jaw.
Invisalign For Gap teeth
The term gap teeth is used to describe a space between the teeth which can lead to the teeth becoming poorly aligned. This can lead to problems with biting and tooth decay as well as a noticeable gap in your smile. Invisalign is an excellent solution for patients with gaps in their teeth and we often find patients are very pleased with the results.
Invisalign Can Be Used With Veneers
If you have veneers and need your teeth straightened, Invisalign is a great choice because the aligners work to move your teeth into place using a unique approach. Whereas traditional braces use an arch wire and brackets that are bonded to your teeth with strong cement, Invisalign does not use brackets and wires. Rather, it uses plastic aligners, thereby protecting veneers from damage.
Daniell Mishaan D.M.D. is an expert New York City Dentist specializing in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Midtown Dental is located in the Manhattan Garment District in the heart of New York City. Dr. Mishaan has been named one of New York City’s best Dentists by Yelp and is loved by his patients. Contact Dr. Mishaan to make your appointment.