Invisalign Mandibular Advancement
Posted by: Ella Maftei RDN (NEBDN), Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (ILM)
Medically reviewed by: Dr Anthony Lam, Specialist Orthodontist, BDS (Hons), MSc (Lond), MOrth RCS (Edin)
Mandibular advancement is a dental and orthodontic procedure aimed at moving the lower jaw – mandible – forward. It is typically used to address issues related to jaw alignment, breathing problems and certain sleep disorders in teenagers and young adults. The reasons for treatment include overbite (class II malocclusion), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and aesthetic concerns related to a recessed chin.
Traditionally, non-surgical methods have included the use of functional appliances, such as the Twin Block that encourages forward growth of the lower jaw; orthodontic headgear with an external appliance that applies force to guide jaw growth; and braces (metal train tracks) to align teeth as the jaw moves forward. These all take effect over time, working to expand the palate or encourage the jaw to grow and then fixing the alignment. They all require many appointments and often discomfort and reluctance in teenage patients.
Invisalign mandibular advancement
A more recent development in teen and pre-teen mouth care comes from Invisalign, the company behind clear teeth alignment. They have developed a system that allows the functional jaw expanding process and teeth alignment to be done at the same time. It works by using a series of clear, removable trays that gradually move both the teeth and the lower jaw. The trays are adjusted as the teeth and jaw adjust to keep the movement on track. They work through precision wings on the aligners that create a forward position of the lower jaw.
Why we use Invisalign mandibular advancement
- We know that aesthetics are very important for older children and teenagers and so the clear, non-obtrusive solution is an attractive alternative to Twin Blocks and braces.
- The aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks, which progressively advances the mandible.
- The all-in-one treatment to correct teeth alignment simultaneously with jaw advancement is quicker than the individual processes.
- The aligners are more comfortable to wear than other treatments, as well as being easy to remove for eating and cleaning.
- The aligners are durable and strong to effectively encourage jaw and teeth movement
This method works extremely well for mild to severe Class II malocclusions. It is suitable for growing patients whose teeth have erupted or are clearly visible.
Every patient we treat is unique and so we consider every treatment plan on a case-by-case basis. If Invisalign mandibular advancement isn’t the best course for your child, we will discuss other options always with the aim of reaching the most satisfactory outcome.
For more information about Invisalign mandibular advancement, how we look after young people’s teeth or for any other of our services, please contact us today.
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