Curious can Invisalign pull teeth down into place? Learn how it works for intruded teeth and what makes a case ideal for aligner-based correction.
We can both agree that Invisalign is a Godsend and has changed the way we straighten our teeth. I mean, it is effective and comfortable.
But just how effective is it? Can Invisalign pull teeth down? Can it really adjust teeth?
The simple answer is Yes!
Invisalign aligners can move teeth in multiple directions, including downward, so yes, it can pull teeth down.
But as always, there are terms and conditions. If you are dealing with a tooth that hasn’t fully erupted, it is a different story entirely.
So, let’s talk about how exactly Invisalign works with aligning teeth.
What It Means to ‘Pull Teeth Down’
When people ask ‘Can Invisalign pull teeth down?’, they are referring to vertical tooth movement. They want to the teeth to move downward into better alignment with the rest of the smile. Dentists often call this process extrusion or vertical eruption.
Vertical tooth eruption occurs when a tooth doesn’t come in all the way, or it gets pushed upward (or intruded) due to trauma, lack of space, or past dental work.
This means that the tooth is sitting higher in the gum line than its neighbors, which throws off the smile line and the bite.
Why Would You Want to Pull a Tooth Down?
1. The smile looks uneven: When one front tooth is higher than the others, it draw attention and throws off your symmetry.
2. The tooth looks shorter: A tooth that hasn’t fully erupted can appear stunted, even if it’s perfectly healthy.
3. There was an injury or delay: Trauma (like a hit to the mouth) or developmental delays can cause teeth to stop erupting normally.
So, in some cases, pulling teeth down isn’t just cosmetic. A tooth that is too high up can interfere with chewing or cause other teeth to shift unnaturally.
How Invisalign Moves Teeth (Including Vertical Movement)
Invisalign applies controlled pressure on your teeth to shift them in various directions, with the aim of correcting misalignments.
Here is how the system works, and how it handles vertical movement:
1. Gentle, Targeted Pressure Through Trays
Each tray is designed to apply light, controlled force to specific teeth. The trays are swapped every 1-2 weeks, with each new aligner building on the last.
Over time, this moves the teeth in the direction you want (sideways, forward, backward, and downward)
However, vertical movement is harder to achieve than horizontal shifting. That is where attachments and other tools come in.
2. Attachments Help Grip and Guide Movement
These are small bumps bonded to your teeth (don’t worry, they are the same color as your teeth)
These attachments are strategically placed to guide vertical force and help the aligner grab the tooth properly. Without attachments, the tray might just slide over the tooth without doing much.
3. Elastics Add Extra Force When Needed
In tougher cases, your orthodontist adds tiny rubber bands (also known as elastics) that connect the top and bottom teeth. They add vertical tension, helping to pull a specific tooth down or even move your jaws slightly.
They usually work with special hooks on the trays or attachments. They may look simple, but they are strong enough to control even the most challenging tooth movements.
4. Consistency Is Everything
None of this works if you are not wearing your aligners at least 20–22 hours a day.
Inconsistent wear time reduces pressure and slows movement, especially for more complex corrections, such as pulling teeth down.
The trays only work when they’re in your mouth and doing their job.
So, Can Invisalign Pull Teeth Down?
Invisalign can pull teeth down, especially when the problem is mild and caught early.
This is most effective when the tooth in question is slightly intruded (sitting higher than it should be) and there’s enough surrounding space and bone support to allow for safe movement.
Here is how and when it works best:
· Mild to moderate vertical alignment issues:
If the problem is limited to one or two front teeth that haven’t fully erupted, Invisalign, with the help of attachments and elastics, can gently guide those teeth down to match the rest of the smile line.
· Bite correction side effects:
When Invisalign is used to correct a deep bite or overbite, vertical movement often happens naturally as part of the treatment process.
In some cases, the aligners are intentionally designed to help extrude certain teeth.
· Orthodontist planning is key:
These vertical movements don’t happen by accident. Using 3D scans and planning software like ClinCheck, orthodontists map out the movement path tooth by tooth.
They can predict if vertical pulling is possible and how long it might take, or if a different approach is needed.
That said, one thing to keep in mind is Invisalign cost.
Vertical correction might require more trays, attachments, or refinements, which could increase your treatment length and cost.
While basic Invisalign cases might start around $3,000 to $4,500, more complex movements (including pulling teeth down) can push the cost higher depending on the provider and location.
When Invisalign May Not Be Enough
While Invisalign is incredibly versatile, it has its limits, especially when dealing with severe vertical problems or structural issues that go beyond simple tooth positioning.
Here are situations where Invisalign may not be enough on its own:
· Severely intruded teeth or impacted teeth:
If a tooth is stuck in the gum or bone (common with canines or molars), Invisalign often lacks the force needed to bring it down.
These cases may require traditional braces or even minor surgical intervention to uncover and guide the tooth.
· Lack of bone support:
Invisalign relies on healthy bone around the tooth for safe movement.
If a tooth has receded or was damaged from trauma, there may not be enough bone to anchor the tooth and guide it downward.
Trying to move it could cause instability or long-term issues.
· Mixed dentition in children:
In younger patients who haven’t finished growing or have a mix of baby and adult teeth, vertical issues are often best addressed with a hybrid approach, such as partial braces first, followed by Invisalign later.
· Complex bite correction:
When the jaw itself is part of the problem, such as in open bites, where teeth don’t touch vertically, Invisalign may only address surface-level alignment. Braces, elastics, or jaw surgery might be needed for full correction.
Can Anyone Get Invisalign?
Invisalign is not suitable for everyone. Some people may require additional treatments; for instance, patients with baby teeth are not eligible for Invisalign.
Moreover, it is not an effective solution for individuals with severe teeth misalignment as it won’t provide the desired results.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Invisalign can help pull down teeth. If you are considering Invisalign, and require more details, visit Reflections Dental Spa – Invisalign and Sleep Apnea Dentist.
Share this content:
