Can Invisalign fix Midline Misalignment?
A beautiful smile can boost a patient’s self-confidence. Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth are not only unsightly, but can also cause oral health issues. In the past, metal braces were mainly used to straighten teeth. Fortunately, clear aligners can be used and are an excellent solution for orthodontic treatments.
Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays which are customized to fit directly over the teeth. The aligners slowly shift the teeth into their desired position. A midline misalignment is one of the most common dental issues invisalign is used for.
Midline Misalignment
Midline misalignment is a condition where the center line of the upper and lower teeth do not align. Imagine drawing a line from the center of the forehead down to the chin. In a perfect scenario, the center of the teeth would follow the line. When the midline is misaligned, it can result in the following challenges:
Aesthetics:
A midline misalignment can make the patient’s smile less attractive and lower their confidence.
Bite Issues
Misaligned teeth may also cause an improper bite. This can result in challenges with chewing, abnormal tooth wear, damage to the teeth, and jaw pain.
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Speech Problems
Patients with misaligned teeth may have a lisp or difficulty with pronunciation and speaking clearly.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be caused by misaligned teeth. TMJ often results in discomfort and stiffness of the jaw.
There are various factors which can cause midline misalignment such as genetics, thumb or pacifier use, tongue-thrusting, and trauma. It may also be caused by previous orthodontic treatment which failed or was not done correctly.
Invisalign and Midline Misalignment
Clear aligners used for invisalign can correct midline misalignment as they gradually shift the teeth until they are properly aligned. A summary of the invisalign process is below.
Assessment and Consultation
Patients will begin with a consultation with a certified orthodontist or dentist. The dental professional can determine if the patient is a candidate for invisalign. They will complete a thorough assessment of the teeth and jaw. They will also obtain x-rays and impressions in order to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth.
Customized Aligner Trays
Using the 3D model, the dentist or orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan with sets of clear aligner trays. The trays are specially designed to slowly shift the teeth into the proper alignment. Patients will receive various sets of aligners which are worn for about a few weeks at a time prior to moving to the next set.
In order for the teeth to shift into the desired position, patients must to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours daily. They are only removed for eating, drinking, and to clean the teeth. As patients progress through the aligners, their teeth will gradually shift into place.
Routine Visits
Patients will make regular visit with the dentist or orthodontist to ensure the teeth are moving as expected. Additional aligners will be provided as needed to achieve the desired results.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits of using invisalign compared to traditional metal braces. The main benefits are listed below.
Appearance
Because the aligners are made of transparent plastic, they are virtually invisible from the outside. This is especially important for adults or teenagers who are working to achieve a more attractive and symmetrical smile. Bulky, metal braces can make patients feel self-conscious.
Comfortable
The aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic. As a result, they are more comfortable and do not irritate the cheeks or gums. Metal braces often irritate sensitive gums and can cause significant discomfort.
Removable
Clear aligners are not permanent and must be removed to eat, drink and clean the teeth. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
Expedited Treatment
In cases of a mild midline misalignment, clear aligners may be able to correct the issue quicker than traditional braces.