How Invisalign® Works on the Bottom Teeth
When it comes to straightening your smile and helping you achieve excellent dental health, Invisalign® is an excellent option. Teens and adults have both benefited from this state-of-the-art and convenient approach to orthodontic care.
The team at our Philadelphia practice fields plenty of questions about Invisalign® each month. One question we've seen a lot concerns Invisalign® treatment for the lower teeth. Let's explore this topic right now.
About Invisalign®
A clear alternative to traditional orthodontics, Invisalign® eschews the brackets and wires of traditional braces. Instead, Invisalign® uses clear plastic aligner trays. These trays are worn at all times save for when eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. Every two weeks, a new tray will arrive to replace the previous one.
Over the course of the next few months, patients will gradually shift the alignment of their teeth. The overall results are comparable to traditional braces, allowing you to smile with confidence.
Can Invisalign® Be Used on the Bottom Teeth?
Yes.
Invisalign® aligner trays are designed to be worn on both the top and the bottom teeth. Dentists and orthodontists take impressions of your teeth so a full treatment plan can be designed. The trays for the bottom teeth are worn just like the trays for your upper teeth.
Can Invisalign® Be Used on Just the Lower Dental Arch?
Yes, but we should qualify this answer.
You can get Invisalign® for just the lower teeth if you suffer from significant malocclusion. Over the course of several months and multiple aligner trays, Invisalign® can improve the overall look and health of your lower dental arch.
However, most dentists and orthodontists would recommend that you should treat your upper teeth as well as your lower teeth. The problem may seem to be with just one set of teeth, but proper dental alignment is much more complicated than that.
The Importance of Upper and Lower Alignment
Whenever you bite down, there are multiple points of contact between your upper teeth and lower teeth. Even when your lower teeth are crooked, they have a certain fit with your upper teeth that is developed over the years. If you were to only adjust the alignment of just the upper teeth or just the lower teeth, the overall alignment of your bit changes. Your lower teeth may look straight, but now the points of contact with the upper teeth may not be ideal.
In order to achieve proper dental alignment, adjustments should be made to both the upper teeth and the lower teeth. This will ensure proper points of contact and total comfort for patients when they bite and chew.
Is Invisalign® Right for Me?
The best way to find out if Invisalign® is an ideal treatment option for you and your needs is to visit your dentist for a consultation. After assessed your dental alignment, we can discuss all treatment options that may be right for you. If Invisalign® is not an ideal solution, there are plenty of other options that can help improve the appearance as well as the health of your smile.
Learn More About Invisalign®
If you would like more information about Invisalign® and if it's an ideal treatment option for you and your needs, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. We will work with you to ensure you achieve optimal dental health and wellness.