When is Invisalign Not the Right Choice?

When is Invisalign Not the Right Choice?

Since its big reveal, Invisalign has really taken the orthodontics industry by storm. The clear plastic brackets guarantee total obscurity while working hard to shift teeth behind the scenes. Anyone who’s looking to improve his or her smile is interested in getting Invisalign, but unfortunately, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. Although this revolutionary orthodontic procedure is great for treating crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and mild gaps, there are some limitations to what Invisalign can do. Our Philadelphia office offers Invisalign for teens and adults, but first, take a look at the orthodontic issues Invisalign can’t treat.

Large Gaps

Invisalign is a great way to secretly correct gap-tooth smiles, provided the gap doesn’t exceed six mm. If the gap is bigger, Invisalign is unable to shift teeth into place reliably. Metal braces may be a better option because they shift teeth individually to the correct placement. 

Severe Overbites

In a similar fashion, Invisalign can treat mild cases of retrognathism malocclusion, but it is not suitable for more severe circumstances. Serious overbites are often caused by skeletal problems and require surgery to fix. 

Extractions are Required

Patients who suffer from dental crowding may require tooth extractions to provide enough space so teeth can shift. In certain circumstances, patients who undergo extraction should not use Invisalign afterward. This differs on a case-to-case basis, and only your board-certified orthodontist can decide whether Invisalign is still a plausible option for you. 

Rotated Teeth

For most people, teeth don’t naturally come out perfect. Some teeth may require major rotation or tilting to be part of a beautiful smile. However, Invisalign technology can only rotate teeth up to 20 degrees. If the teeth need to be tilted forwards or backwards, they cannot exceed 45 degrees for Invisalign to be effective. Traditional braces are more suitable for extensive rotation and tilting. 

Pre-existing Dental Work

Most adults and some kids can have pre-existing dental work that renders Invisalign ineffective. Patients with bridges, crowns, or veneers may not be able to use Invisalign for two reasons:

  • Invisalign may not bond to the material
  • Invisalign can shift and damage the pre-existing dental work 

Providing patients with straight smiles they can be confident in is what we do. Contact our dental professionals to set up a consultation about possible Invisalign treatment or adult braces at our Philadelphia office. Your journey to a straighter, happier smile starts here.