Many of us want a straighter smile without the awkwardness that comes from clunky metal braces. That’s where Invisalign in State College comes in. It can straighten your smile without being obvious and uncomfortable like braces. Because our top teeth are usually the only one visible when we smile, many patients ask if it’s possible to only get Invisalign for their top teeth. Let’s talk more about whether that’s a recommended treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign consists of several sets of clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth for at least 22 hours a day. You will generally only remove them to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, and floss. The aligners place gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into a straighter position. Each set of aligners is a different step in your smile’s transition.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can fix a variety of problems in your smile, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
However, if your alignment issues are severe, you might need braces to fix them. There are a couple of other factors to consider in whether Invisalign would be right for you.
One of them is your age. Invisalign is great for adults and older teenagers who want to straighten their smile in a subtle way. However, younger teens and children generally don’t make good candidates for Invisalign because their teeth are still growing and shifting on their own.
The other main factor to consider is dedication. Invisalign treatment may sound simple, but you have to be set on wearing your aligners for more than 22 hours a day, cleaning them, and going to your dentist for checkups. If you’re not committed to wearing your aligners, and your retainer afterwards, your teeth can shift back and compromise your treatment.
Can I Just Get Invisalign on the Top?
When we smile, it’s usually only the top teeth that are visible. For this reason, many patients believe their bottom teeth don’t need to be straightened, so they ask if they receive Invisalign on only their top teeth. This is called single arch treatment, which can be an option in rare cases. However, dentists normally do not recommend single arch treatment.
The main reason is because single arch treatment can mess up your bite and leave your mouth in even worse condition than it was in before Invisalign. Straightening only your top teeth might make those teeth look better, but if you have an underbite or overbite, it could make that issue a whole lot worse. Even if no one ever sees your bottom teeth, it’s generally best to straighten both arches at the same time to keep your bite in tip-top shape.
Invisalign is a great option to help you achieve that beautifully straight smile you have always dreamed of, on both your top and bottom arches. Talk to your dentist today if Invisalign interests you.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Labosky opened his private practice in State College, PA in 2004, where he and his team help patients of all ages achieve gorgeous smiles. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the Centre Dental Society, as well as the OKU Honorary Dental Society. To learn more about how he can help you straighten your smile with Invisalign, click here or call (814)-237-7004.
