Can Aligners Move Teeth Vertically?

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Can Clear Aligners Move Teeth Vertically? Yes—But It Requires Precision

Clear aligners like Invisalign have revolutionized orthodontics, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to braces. Most people know aligners are effective at correcting crooked teeth, spacing, and crowding—but what about vertical tooth movement? Yes, aligners can move teeth vertically, but it’s typically more complex than horizontal adjustments. Vertical movement requires a higher level of precision and may take more time to achieve. Still, with the right planning and the use of supportive techniques, vertical correction is possible and can be highly successful.

What Is Vertical Tooth Movement?

Vertical movement involves shifting a tooth upward or downward along its vertical axis. This may be necessary when:

  • A tooth is over-erupted (too long or prominent)

  • A tooth has not fully erupted and needs to be pulled down

  • The bite needs to be adjusted to improve function and contact between arches

  • A smile shows uneven tooth height or gummy smile concerns

While horizontal movements (like shifting teeth side to side) are more predictable and commonly treated with aligners, vertical changes are more mechanically demanding.

How Aligners Achieve Vertical Movement

Clear aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth. This pressure guides them into their ideal positions based on a customized digital treatment plan. To move a tooth vertically, aligners must apply pressure in a vertical direction, which is harder to accomplish due to:

  • The natural resistance of the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone

  • Limited surface contact between the aligner and the tooth for vertical force

  • Gravity and jaw function working against upward or downward repositioning

Tools That Support Vertical Movement

To enhance vertical tooth movement, aligners are often combined with auxiliary tools such as:

Attachments

Small, tooth-colored “handles” bonded to specific teeth to help aligners grip and move them more efficiently. Attachments are essential for vertical movement, especially for intrusion (pushing teeth up) or extrusion (pulling teeth down).

Elastics

Used in more complex bite correction cases, elastics can assist in vertical repositioning when used in combination with aligners.

Precision Cuts and Bite Ramps

Aligner features that assist in opening the bite or guiding specific teeth into their desired vertical position. These tools allow aligners to control the movement more predictably, even when vertical adjustments are needed.

Is Vertical Movement Slower?

Yes, in general, vertical movement is:

  • Slower than horizontal movement

  • More dependent on treatment compliance

  • More likely to require mid-treatment refinements to fine-tune positioning

This makes accurate digital planning and consistent aligner wear essential to success.

When Is Vertical Movement with Aligners Most Successful?

Clear aligners are most successful in moving teeth vertically when:

  • The movement required is mild to moderate

  • There is good root support and healthy surrounding bone

  • Attachments are properly placed and monitored

  • The patient wears the aligners for 20–22 hours a day

For more severe vertical corrections—especially those involving skeletal issues or unerupted molars—traditional braces or surgical intervention may be more appropriate.

Dr. Bak’s Approach to Vertical Movement

With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen takes a precision-first approach to vertical adjustments. Using advanced 3D imaging, he evaluates the biology of each tooth, carefully plans every movement, and incorporates attachments or other aids when needed.

Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).

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Yes, aligners can move teeth vertically, but this is generally more challenging than moving teeth horizontally. Vertical movements might be slower and may require additional tools such as attachments to ensure the teeth move as planned. The aligners
Oui, les aligneurs peuvent être efficaces pour traiter une occlusion croisée, en particulier lorsque le problème concerne le positionnement des dents plutôt que l'os de la mâchoire. Les aligneurs fonctionnent en appliq

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