What Kind of Teeth Can and Can’t Get Invisalign in New Braunfels?

Invisalign® clear aligners are customized for each smile—but does that mean they’ll fit yours? While Invisalign is a highly versatile orthodontic treatment, some teeth can’t be properly realigned with clear aligners. 

Below, Sapphire Creek Dental sheds light on which tooth conditions can be corrected by Invisalign and which might require the more traditional route of getting braces. No matter which path fits your smile, we’ll work to make sure you get the results you want. 

What Teeth Can Get Invisalign?

The good news is that most adults are eligible for Invisalign, even if their orthodontic concerns seem complicated. Thanks to advances in Invisalign technology, the treatment now addresses more complex cases than when it was first introduced. Here’s a closer look at the kinds of issues Invisalign in New Braunfels can treat.

Crowding

Crowded teeth are a common issue where teeth overlap or are too close together due to insufficient space. Invisalign aligners gently reposition teeth to create a more uniform smile and reduce the risk of oral issues like cavities and gum disease.

Spacing

If you have gaps or spaces between your teeth (either because of genetics or tooth loss), Invisalign can close them to improve your smile’s aesthetics and enhance overall functionality.

Overbite

An overbite refers to when the upper teeth overlap significantly with the lower teeth. Invisalign works over time to shift both the upper and lower teeth to reduce the overlap and create a healthier bite.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth. Moderate cases of underbite can be corrected with Invisalign by moving the lower teeth back into alignment.

Crossbite

A crossbite is when some upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth rather than resting on the outside. Invisalign can correct this by realigning the teeth to a balanced position.

Mild to Moderate Rotations

If your teeth are slightly rotated or twisted, Invisalign aligners can apply consistent pressure over time to bring them into their proper position. We can also use Invisalign attachments—small bumps placed strategically on specific teeth to add more pressure in certain areas—to help with more complex movements. 

Dental Crowns and Fillings

Invisalign can often move teeth with crowns. However, the team at Sapphire Creek Dental will evaluate the stability of any of your crowns. If they’re in good shape, there’s no reason to avoid using clear aligners, as crowns and the teeth under them can move with the rest of your teeth. 

Likewise, simple fillings generally don’t affect Invisalign treatment, so if you have any dental fillings, you’re still a good candidate for orthodontic care. 

What Is Invisalign Not Suitable For?

While Invisalign is a versatile treatment option, certain dental conditions may be more successfully addressed with traditional braces. These situations typically involve more severe misalignments or pre-existing dental conditions.

Severely Rotated Teeth

If a tooth is extremely rotated away from its ideal position, our New Braunfels Invisalign may not generate the force needed to correct it entirely. Traditional braces, which use brackets and wires, are often better for these cases.

Teeth with Vertical Misalignment

When teeth are significantly higher or lower than adjacent teeth (known as vertical misalignment), Invisalign may not always achieve optimal results. Again, traditional braces provide more precise control in these scenarios.

Complex Bite Adjustments

Severe bite issues, such as extreme overbites or underbites, may require additional interventions. While Invisalign can address many bite concerns, certain cases may still require the support of more robust orthodontic appliances.

Dental Bridges

Because bridges hold multiple teeth together, they cannot move independently like natural teeth. If you opt for Invisalign after getting a tooth bridge, we may need to adjust or remove the bridge until after your treatment is done. 

Severe Jaw Issues

Structural problems that stem from the jaw rather than the teeth may not be correctable with aligners alone. These cases sometimes need a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery for comprehensive treatment.

Younger Patients

If you’re the parent to a child or teen and are interested in New Braunfels Invisalign, we may have you wait until your child has all their adult teeth. While braces can go on teeth as early as age 9, Invisalign is best used when a child loses all their baby teeth. 

The Bottom Line: You Need a Personal Consultation

While Invisalign in New Braunfels can be a wonderful orthodontic option for most Texas adults and even older teens, certain conditions may require more specialized approaches, like traditional braces. The team at Sapphire Creek Dental can examine your smile to decide on the right option for you. To get started, book your Invisalign consultation now!