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Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. It is often used to correct common dental issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding and bite problems.
By moving the position of teeth, it has been shown that Invisalign can also influence the vertical height1 and hence jaw's position. Invisalign in Singapore has gained popularity as a modern alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. But how does invisalign work and can invisalign fix jaw alignment? Let find that out today!
What are the common types of dental malocclusions?
- Crossbite refers to when the top and bottom jaws do not meet up properly due to a lateral misalignment of the upper and lower arches. It is characterised by some of the top teeth sitting inside the lower teeth.
- Open bite refers to when your upper teeth do not touch the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. As the name suggests, "open bite" makes the mouth look slightly open.
- Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend beyond your lower front teeth. However, about 1-3mm of dental overbite is considered normal.
- Underbite is the opposite of overbite and it refers to when your lower front teeth is protruding in front of and extending beyond your upper front teeth.
Can Invisalign treatment move my teeth?
We get asked this a lot: "Can invisalign close missing tooth gap? Can invisalign fix crooked teeth?"
Yes, Invisalign can move teeth! The Invisalign treatment comprises a series of upper and lower sets of clear plastic aligners which is worn for no less than 22 hours a day. They are usually only removed by the patient during meals and brushing.
The aligners work by applying gentle pressure to teeth, hence gradually shifting them into their desired position. Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners which continue to move your teeth little by little. By doing so, the aligners provide the ability to treat a series of dental issues such as crowding, rotation, closure of gaps and intrusion of teeth.
Related Articles
- How Does Invisalign Work: 10 things To Know About Invisalign In 2024
- Underbite and Invisalign — Can Invisalign Fix Underbite?
- Can Invisalign Fix Overbite - What Problems Can Invisalign Treat?
Can Invisalign treatment move my jaw?
The short answer is yes! In certain situations, as the aligners progressively shift the teeth, bite interferences that were initially preventing the jaws from aligning properly may be eliminated. Consequently, this will allow the jaws to adjust or move into a more favorable position. The aligners themselves, however, do not affect the jaws directly.
For more complicated jaw misalignment cases, a combination of Invisalign and surgical intervention may be required. In these scenarios, Invisalign may be employed before jaw surgery to place the teeth in the proper position and prepare the bite for surgical correction. This combined approach can therefore lead to optimal results regarding both function and aesthetics.
How long will the Invisalign treatment take?
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case but for minor cases, treatments may be completed in 6 months. Most Invisalign patients also start seeing results in a matter of weeks!
However, the treatment duration will indeed be longer for more complex cases, especially if a surgical intervention is indicated. For complex cases without surgery whereby the bite and jaw position is planned to change, treatment time may be about 2 years. It is always recommended to consult with your dentist first for a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Ready to book an appointment for an Invisalign consultation? Just drop us a message here and we will be happy to assist!
To learn more about Invisalign in Singapore, click here.
References
- Khosravi R, Cohanim B, Hujoel P, Daher S, Neal M, Liu W, Huang G. Management of overbite with the Invisalign appliance. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Apr;151(4):691-699.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2016.09.022. PMID: 28364892.
- Chen X, Shi Y, Yuan J, Li Y, Chen W. Factors influencing the efficacy of invisalign in molar distalization and tooth movement. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2023 Oct 25;11:1215169. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1215169. PMID: 37954021; PMCID: PMC10634526.