Invisalign Mandibular Advancement
Invisalign Mandibular Advancement
When the Invisalign treatment was first introduced, it was hailed as revolutionary to the orthodontic branch of the dental sciences. Patients embraced the idea of straightening their teeth with the clear, removable aligners, but the technology was not advanced enough to treat the more severe malocclusions. But over the last two decades, Invisalign has continued to advance and redefine the orthodontic experience to be able to treat almost any malocclusion.
Invisalign is now offering mandibular advancement to correct Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as an overbite. Traditionally, overbites have been treated with appliances. Mandibular advancement was commonly used to treat an overbite by placing steady force to the lower jaw to draw it forward. In traditional metal braces, this was accomplished with elastics. The elastics will hook from a spot on the upper jaw to a spot on the lower jaw to apply that force. Now these Invisalign clear trays can also be used to encourage the lower jaw to move forward in younger patients who are still growing.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement?
Invisalign with MA combines the benefits of clear aligners with features for advancing the lower jaw. The benefits of this innovative approach to Class II malocclusion include:
* No food or diet restrictions.
* There is no hardware, so patients can brush and floss normally.
* More cost effective than traditional overbite appliances.
* Straightens the teeth while simultaneously moving the lower jaw forward.
* Removable for maximum convenience.
* Virtually invisible so kids and teens can smile with confidence.
* No extra appliances because of the precision wings being attached to the aligners and no emergency visits.
* Will not get in the way of playing sports or instruments.
How Does Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement Work?
The innovative Invisalign aligners are the first FDA-approved clear aligner treatment for Class II malocclusions, usually characterized by excessive overjet or a small lower jaw. Historically, malocclusions were treated with extractions, braces and elastics, headgear, and other bulky orthodontic appliances. Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement aligners are crafted from the same BPA-free plastic as standard Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign First. However, this version also features precision wings made from the patented SmartTrack® material between the premolars and first molars. As the patient bites down, the wings engage and hold the lower jaw, the mandible, forward, eliminating the overjet. In growing patients, the aligners guide the growth of the lower jaw forward to correct the bite. While the wings of the aligners move the lower jaw forward to correct the bite, the aligners correct the teeth.
The Basics in the Invisalign Process
Over the past several years, Invisalign has quickly become a popular treatment for orthodontic correction. With its clear aligner therapy that lets you live your life with a healthy smile and gives you the convenience of brushing your teeth normally, it is no wonder that over six million people have chosen Invisalign rather than traditional braces. Here is a quick step-by-step explanation of this technology driven solution.
* The Consultation- While the Invisalign treatment process can correct a multitude of orthodontic problems, there are certain complicated conditions that it cannot fix. For example, some issues that Invisalign can fix are overcrowding, gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Invisalign has difficulty correcting severely angled and rotated teeth or closing large spaces. During your consultation, your dentist will complete an examination to determine if the Invisalign treatment process is appropriate.
* Diagnostic Records- The next crucial step is to proceed to gather digital information to get your trays custom designed. Digital photographs of your face and smile will be taken, along with dental x-rays. A digital scanner will create digital impressions that are fast, easy, and more precise.
This handheld wand will make a full virtual model of your teeth and gums. This scanner streamlines your orthodontic treatment and provides you with perfectly fitting trays, but it also delivers a simulation of what your teeth will look like after the process of Invisalign. You will be able to see your future smile before the process begins.
Once all the digital information is compiled the files are uploaded into a digitally driven 3D CAD/CAM system that creates the series of aligners for your treatment. Each tray is digitally designed to move your teeth by 1/10mm, a comfortable, gradual pressure.
* Getting Your Clear Aligners- It will take a few weeks for your clear aligners to be fabricated. When they arrive, a first placement appointment will occur. Depending on the specifications of your personalized treatment there may be some adjustments to a few of your teeth.
For example, getting small buttons placed is common for Invisalign. These attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps made from a composite resin material that are placed on some of your teeth. Buttons will help hold your aligners in place and they also allow for the right amount of pressure to be put on specific teeth. Each pair of aligners is worn for 1 week, for a minimum of 20 hours per day.
* Follow-Up Appointments- Throughout the process of wearing Invisalign, you will return to our office periodically for us to check on your progress. Occasionally minor adjustments may be made to those small buttons.
* Final Refinements- Once the series of trays are finished, you may need a refinement. This step means that there may still be a few tweaks to be completed to get optimal results. The reason for refinement is because during the Invisalign process the teeth need additional corrective movements to get to the final position. In most cases, only one or two refinements are required. To get these refinement aligners made, a new 3-D scan will be made of your teeth.
* Button Removal and Retainers- Once the teeth are finally aligned properly the buttons will be removed for your teeth. To ensure that your smile does not revert to the previous misalignment, you may need to wear retainers. A translucent plastic retainer that looks like the Invisalign aligners themselves will be made. Initially, you will be asked to wear your retainers all day and slowly transition into only wearing them at night. If you go without your maintenance retainers for too long your teeth may shift back and you could have to go back into treatment. So, this protocol should not be neglected.