Can Invisalign fix Midline Misalignment?
A beautiful smile is something that can increase a patient’s confidence. The opposite is true too. Teeth which are crooked, crowded, or out of alignment can create cosmetic concerns in addition to resulting in serious oral health problems. Traditional metal braces used to be the only option for patients who wanted to fix crooked teeth. Modern dentistry has introduced clear aligner trays or Invisalign which can be used as a treatment for orthodontic issues.
The clear aligner trays are made out of thin, transparent plastic. They are customized to fit snugly over the teeth. Over time, the aligners will slowly shift the teeth into position. A common issue which Invisalign corrects is midline misalignment.
Midline misalignment is an oral health condition where there is asymmetry of the center line of the upper and lower teeth. If visualizing a line from the center of the forehead down to the chin, the midline or center of the teeth should follow this line. Below is a summary of issues and complications associated with a misaligned midline.
Aesthetics
Midline misalignment can cause cosmetic issues and make a patient’s smile less attractive.
Bite Issues
Another common issue associated with misaligned teeth is an improper bite. Potential complications may include issues with chewing, abnormal wear of the teeth, damage, and jaw discomfort.
Speech Issues
When a patient has misaligned teeth, they may develop a lisp or have difficulty with speaking clearly.
TMJ Disorders
One potential consequence of misaligned teeth is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ can cause discomfort or stiffness of the jaw when it is left untreated.
Other factors that can cause midline misalignment include genetics, pacifier use, thumb sucking, accidents, and trauma. In other cases, the issue may be caused by previous orthodontic treatment which was not done correctly or failed.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment which is quickly gaining popularity. The treatment uses clear aligner trays used in order to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment and the desired location.The Invisalign process is summarized below.
Initial Consultation
Patients will start with a consultation where they meet with the dental professional to determine if they are a good candidate for invisalign. The dentist or orthodontist will complete a thorough assessment, obtain x-rays, and impressions. These are then used to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth.
Aligner Trays
The 3D model is then used by the dentist or orthodontist to create a customized treatment plan for the patient with various sets of clear aligner trays. The trays are strategically designed to shift the teeth into the proper alignment over time. The trays are sent and replaced every few weeks, as dictated by the treatment plan.
The aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours each day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. During the treatment, the teeth will slowly and gradually shift into the desired location.
Routine Visits
During treatment, patients will make regular visits to the dentist or orthodontist to evaluate treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
Benefits
Invisalign has numerous benefits and many advantages over traditional braces. Key benefits associated with the treatment are summarized below.
Conspicuous
The aligner trays are made from a thin, transparent plastic and are virtually invisible. Making the treatment less obvious, makes it especially enticing for adults and teenagers who desire a more attractive and symmetrical smile.
Comfort
Aligners are created from a smooth, flexible plastic making them comfortable to wear as they do not irritate the cheeks or gums. Bulky, metal braces can cause significant discomfort and irritate the fragile gum tissue.
Removable
Clear aligners are not permanent and need to be removed for eating, drinking, and to clean the teeth. This alllows patients to easily maintain good oral hygiene. They also eliminate the need to have restrictions on what patients can eat and drink.