Can Invisalign Bring my Top Canines Down or Do I Need Traditional Braces?

Question

My teeth are primarily straight. My problem is that my upper canines are higher than the rest of my teeth. I need them to come down and then file the dramatic point off. I want that flat, straight across look and am wondering if Invisalign can achieve this or if traditional braces would be more appropriate?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Invisalign does have limitations to what it can do in a timely manner.  While extrusion CAN be done, often it takes a long time.  Traditional braces can be more predictable and take less time, and with tooth colored brackets can be nearly as invisible.

Zach Casagrande, DDS, MS · Answer

Invisalign can efficiently and effectively
bring canines down with proper treatment planning by the doctor and compliance
by the patient.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

But remember one thing,that you cant just pull teeth down without taking into consideration the lower teeth and where they will hit with the upper ones..Its called occlusion or bite. You may be able to intrude the teeth on both sides of the canines as well to give you that even straight look that you are wanting...Doing a combination of both movements works well sometimes...Dr Thomas

Gabriela Hricko, DDS · Answer

Hi. It will depend on how much you want to extrude your canines. If it is only 1-2 mm, then invisalign with attachments will work. If you need more than 2mm extrusion, traditional braces will give you a faster and more predictable result.

Doug Depew, DMD, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Invisalign is a great appliance for many cases.  But is does have its limitations.  One of those is predictably extruding or moving teeth out of the bone.  It certainly is possible, but a skilled design by the doctor and lab, the patient wearing their aligners well, maybe wearing elastics, and a healthy dose of good luck would be necessary.  I have seen some amazing cases with Invisalign.  But when your primary concern is to do something that is one of the appliances primary limitations, I would think twice about it.

	Good luck,

	Dr. D

Can Invisalign Bring my Top Canines Down or Do I Need Traditional Braces?

Answers (5)

Answer: Extrusion of canines more predictable with braces

Answer: Extrusion of canines more predictable with braces

Answer: It is possible, but I'd rather do what I know will work

Answer: It is possible, but I'd rather do what I know will work

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can Invisalign Bring my Top Canines Down or Do I Need Traditional Braces?

Answers (5)

Answer: Extrusion of canines more predictable with braces

Answer: Extrusion of canines more predictable with braces

Answer: It is possible, but I'd rather do what I know will work

Answer: It is possible, but I'd rather do what I know will work

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.