Many people want straighter teeth, and luckily there are many options available to fix them. This blog post will address eight types of crooked teeth and how Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign offers a virtually invisible fix. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign treatment and how it can help create a beautiful smile.
Why is it important to fix crooked teeth?
Fixing crooked teeth is not only about aesthetics. When teeth are misaligned, it can create difficulties when trying to properly clean and brush your teeth, leading to an increased risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
In addition, misaligned teeth can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can affect your ability to bite and chew food. And in more severe cases, can also make it difficult to properly pronounce certain words and sounds, leading to potential speech difficulties.
Addressing crooked teeth protects overall oral health and ensures that your smile remains healthy and strong, as well as helps to avoid the risk of developing some of the problems mentioned.
A dentist is typically the best provider to identify the best treatment options available, which may include Invisalign retainers, traditional braces, or other procedures.
What causes crooked teeth?
Several factors can contribute to crooked or misaligned teeth, including the most common causes:
- Genetics or family history
- Tooth crowding
- Malocclusion
- Thumb sucking
- Prolonged use of pacifiers
- Wisdom teeth
- Abnormally shaped teeth
- Loss of teeth
- Oral hygiene issues
Can Invisalign fix crooked teeth?
The answer is yes! Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear, and non-BPA plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth without the use of traditional braces or metal brackets. The aligners are made from a plastic material that fits snugly over one's teeth, like a glove, applying gentle pressure to slowly move them into a straighter and healthier alignment.
As the teeth begin to shift and straighten, old aligners are swapped out for new ones until you have achieved your desired results. Utilizing customized technology such as 3D imaging and computer simulations, Invisalign can accurately predict what kind of movement is necessary to achieve straight teeth in the least amount of time possible. With regular and consistent use, Invisalign is an effective and ideal solution for straightening teeth.
The Invisalign System has been scientifically proven to be a viable alternative to conventional orthodontic therapy in the correction of mild to moderate malocclusions in non-growing patients who do not require extraction. In addition, patients treated with Invisalign clear aligners have been shown to have a statistically shorter duration of treatment compared to metal braces.
How long does it take for Invisalign to fix crooked teeth?
The severity of your dental problems, as well as how consistently and closely you follow the proper treatment instructions, will impact the length of time needed for treatment. Generally speaking, most Invisalign patients wear their aligners for 6 to 18 months. However, more complex cases may require up to two years for Invisalign to fix the problem.
What types of crooked teeth can Invisalign retainers fix?
Invisalign clear retainers are designed to be virtually invisible while correcting misaligned teeth. If you are considering this treatment, it is important to know which conditions can be fixed with Invisalign trays, as not all dental conditions can be corrected by them. Below are 8 orthodontic issues that Invisalign can address:
1. Overbite or Retrognathism
An overbite occurs when the top teeth overlap or protrude farther than the bottom teeth on the upper jaw, making it difficult to chew and speak properly. With Invisalign treatment, this condition can be remedied in approximately 9 to 15 months.
2. Underbite or Prognathism
An underbite is often referred to as a "bulldog" bite, which occurs when the upper teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed due to the bottom teeth protruding outward more than the upper teeth do. This condition can be fixed with Invisalign clear retainers within 18 to 24 months, depending on its severity.
3. Deep Bite
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth completely cover or overlap the lower front teeth upon biting down. Depending on its severity, this type of malocclusion typically takes 12 to 18 months to correct with Invisalign.
4. Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned so that when one closes their mouth, the upper teeth and lower teeth are not aligned. This can result in uneven wear of tooth surfaces, as well as jaw pain or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). Invisalign treatment can often correct this condition within 9 to 15 months.
5. Spacing or Gaps
When there are small or large gaps between one tooth and another, food can more easily become stuck in the exposed area, eventually leading to cavities or decayed teeth as well as gum disease. Small gaps between teeth can be fixed in as little as 3 to 6 months using Invisalign trays.
6. Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth occur when upper and lower front or back teeth overlap each other due to a lack of space within the jawbone. Invisalign clear retainers can be used to fix crowded teeth by creating space for the top and bottom teeth, by slowly lengthening the jawbone over time. Correcting this condition will take 12 to 18 months as well, depending on how crowded they are.
7. Open Bite
An open bite occurs when you close your mouth, and the back upper and lower teeth are together, but the front upper and lower teeth do not touch at all. This condition can be corrected with Invisalign retainers within 18 to 24 months.
8. Protrusion
Protrusion occurs when the upper or lower set of teeth sits too far forward in the mouth, creating an uneven appearance, which can lead to tooth decay or trauma of those teeth as they are more vulnerable to injury. The time needed to treat this condition with Invisalign retainers is typically 6 to 12 months, depending on severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I fix my crooked teeth without braces or Invisalign?
One way to fix crooked teeth without braces or Invisalign is through the use of porcelain dental veneers. Porcelain dental veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the surfaces of your teeth. They look like natural teeth and can be used to close gaps, repair broken or chipped teeth, and even straighten slightly misaligned teeth. When fitted correctly, dental veneers are a minimally invasive method for achieving a balanced smile without the use of metal braces!
Why is my Invisalign not fitting on my back teeth?
This is a common question that Invisalign patients ask. The answer often lies in the fact that the back teeth are more difficult to move than the front teeth because they are surrounded by harder and denser bones, making it harder for them to shift into the desired position.
In some cases, your dentist may need to use additional tools or techniques to help move the back teeth into place. This might include using buttons, elastics, or other specialized attachments along with your aligners to get optimal results from the treatment.
What do you do if your Invisalign doesn't fit all the way?
If you find that your Invisalign plastic aligners aren't fitting properly, the first thing you should do is contact your Invisalign provider, who will be able to evaluate and help determine the best course of action for ensuring a secure fit. Depending on the issue, your dentist may recommend adjustments to your current aligners or suggest getting new ones entirely. Your dentist will also be able to explain how to correctly care for and wear your aligners, so they keep their shape and stay comfortable.
Can Invisalign fix very crooked teeth?
Invisalign can indeed address more severe cases of misalignment. Research has shown that Invisalign treatment can successfully resolve mandibular arch crowding using a combination of buccal arch expansion, interproximal reduction, and lower incisor proclination. As with any orthodontic treatment option, the degree of difficulty in correcting a patient's bite will depend on the individual case.
While Invisalign can fix severely crooked teeth, it may not be the best option for everyone. That is why it is important to see a dentist to determine which treatment plan would be most appropriate. Your dentist can help you decide whether Invisalign or traditional braces is the best choice for achieving your desired outcome in a timely and effective manner.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a great choice for people who want to fix their teeth without the worry of traditional metal braces.
If you live in Vista, CA, and want to learn more about how Invisalign can help you achieve your ideal smile, contact our cosmetic dentists at Vista Dental today! With a personalized treatment plan from our experienced team, you will have the straight teeth you've always desired. Let us help you get started on your journey toward a brighter, healthier smile!
