When you visit your orthodontist in Columbia, SC, you may be allowed to use clear aligners rather than braces for your alignment issues. Clear aligners have transformed the field of orthodontics by providing a low-profile treatment approach to patients with a range of dental issues. While clear aligners can’t solve all the problems that traditional braces can, they can resolve some very common troubles, including overbite. Having said that, clear aligners don’t work for every overbite condition.

Mild to Moderate Overbites

Clear aligners can treat overbite depending on the specific circumstances of the patient’s dental structure. However, due to their limitations, clear aligners are primarily used for mild to moderate cases of overbite. For severe cases of overbite, traditional braces far surpass the capabilities of clear aligners. Your orthodontist is the dental professional who is qualified to determine the severity of your overbite.

Partial Treatment With Clear Aligners

If a dental patient with severe overbite has worn traditional-style braces for a time, and the overbite has been successfully brought into a range of mild to moderate, it’s possible to continue treatment with clear aligners. In a hypothetical situation like this, the traditional braces might be able to be safely removed early while the final phase of the treatment continues using clear aligners. Again, only your orthodontist would be able to determine if this kind of treatment is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Not Ideal For Every Circumstance

In some cases, clear aligners alone may not be sufficient to correct a severe overbite, especially if the issue is rooted in the jaw rather than just the teeth. In such cases, orthodontic treatment might need to be combined with surgical interventions to reposition the jawbones. In other situations, traditional braces alone may be able to treat severe overbite successfully. The best course of action will depend on several factors, including the patient’s age, the severity of the overbite, and other possible factors.

When you visit your orthodontist, you’ll be able to discuss all treatment options, including the possibility of wearing clear aligners in Columbia, SC. Contact Tomkins Orthodontics today to learn everything you need to know about correcting your overbite.

The field of orthodontics has expanded greatly in the last few decades. There are more tools than ever for your Columbia, SC orthodontist to use for teeth alignment issues. One of the more popular treatment options is Invisalign, a clear aligner that is removable. Invisalign may be appropriate for mild to moderate alignment problems, depending upon individual circumstances. Despite the overall success rate of Invisalign treatment, there are many false myths surrounding Invisalign that need to be cleared up.

1. Only Mild Malocclusions Can be Treated with Invisalign

While it’s true that Invisalign isn’t for severe cases of overbite and underbite, it has been shown to be effective with both mild and moderate malocclusions. Certain other issues, such as gaps in the teeth and crowding, may also respond to treatment with Invisalign aligners.

2. Invisalign Can be Worn For Only a Few Hours

One of the most appealing benefits of Invisalign is that patients can remove the aligner for cleaning, etc. However, there is a minimum number of hours that the aligner must be worn in a 24-hour period in order for it to be effective. Typically, that minimum is 21 hours, although speedier results may happen if the aligner is worn more than that.

3. Oral Hygiene is a Breeze With Invisalign

Traditional braces pose an oral hygiene challenge because they make it harder to remove food debris and bacteria from the teeth. Invisalign is easier in that way, but the aligners must still be cleaned and disinfected three times a day or after eating and drinking. Otherwise, there is still a risk of tooth decay or gum disease.

4. Children Can’t Use Invisalign

There is a line of Invisalign aligners to fit the needs of youngsters. Invisalign isn’t always an option for kids, but sometimes, the dental needs of children and adolescents do respond to treatment with Invisalign.

5. You Must Watch What You Eat

The range of foods you can eat with Invisalign is much broader than with traditional braces. As long as you practice good oral hygiene after eating, there are few foods you can’t enjoy.

If you have alignment issues such as gaps in the teeth, crooked teeth, underbite, or overbite, talk to your orthodontist about Invisalign in Columbia, SC. We are here to help with all of your orthodontic needs.

Has your dentist in Columbia, SC recommended clear aligners to straighten your teeth? If so, you probably want a little more information about them first. So let’s talk about the pros and cons of clear aligners. This information will help you make a more educated decision about whether clear aligners are the right option for you.

Here are the pros and cons of getting clear aligners in Columbia, SC.

The Pros of Clear Aligners:

• Invisible

Clear aligners are invisible, so they look cosmetically more appealing than traditional metal braces.

• Easier to Brush and Floss

Clear aligners are removable, so you can remove them when you are ready to brush and floss your teeth.

• No Food Restrictions

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners don’t come with any food or drink restrictions because you remove them before eating and drinking. With traditional metal braces, you must avoid hard, sticky foods; otherwise, they will get caught in and could damage your braces.

• Shorter Overall Treatment Time

Clear aligners will straighten your teeth in about 7-18 months, whereas traditional metal braces take between 20-24 months.

• More Comfortable Than Traditional Metal Braces

Clear aligners are made of soft plastic, so they are much more comfortable than metal braces because you won’t have metal wires and brackets protruding into your cheeks, gums, and lips.

The Cons of Clear Aligners:

• Must Be Worn at Least 22 Hours a Day

When opting for clear aligners, you must be self-disciplined enough to wear them at least 22 hours a day, even when you’re sleeping.

• Not an Option for More Complex Dental Issues

People with more complex dental issues are not candidates for clear aligners.

• A Bit More Expensive Than Traditional Metal Braces

Clear aligners cost more than traditional metal braces. Your dentist will go over the cost of each option with you.

• Easier to Lose

Since clear aligners are removable, they are easier to lose. So be mindful of that when you take your aligners out to eat and drink.

Do You Need a Dentist in Columbia, SC?

If you need a dentist in Columbia, SC, please Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today. We have been perfecting smiles in the greater Columbia area since 1966. Our office is warm, comfortable, and inviting and we only use the most advanced dental equipment and techniques to deliver the highest quality dental care possible. We look forward to meeting you!