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There are many misconceptions about Invisalign, with one being it can only fix slightly crooked teeth and will not work on overcrowded teeth. This is simply not true — Invisalign is far more than just a retainer and can be used in almost all dental situations to straighten teeth. Granted, severely crooked teeth might need traditional metal braces, but this is usually due to severe misalignment of the jaw that Invisalign cannot fix. Otherwise, in general, Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth caused by crowding and give you the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Utilizing custom-made clear aligners, Invisalign treatment gradually shifts the misaligned teeth into the desired position, resulting in a straighter and more aesthetically pleasing smile. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice among individuals seeking a discreet orthodontic solution for crooked teeth.
How do I know if I have crowded teeth?
Crowded teeth may either be mild or severe, but they are usually characterised by poor alignment of the upper teeth and lower teeth. They cause symptoms which include:
- Altered facial appearance
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- Biting of the tongue or inner cheeks, can occur when chewing or talking
- Noticeable speech problems that sounds like a lisp
- Breathing difficulties (in severe cases)
What causes crowded teeth?
In most cases, crowded teeth are inherited. If you have crowded teeth1, your might notice that your parents and siblings likely have this dental issue too. Genetics aside, certain habits and conditions especially if developed since young can alter the shape and structure of your jaw, leading to crowded and crooked teeth. They include:
- Consistent use of oral objects in early childhood, including thumb sucking and/or continuous use of a pacifier past age three or four
- Extensive use of bottles in early childhood
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Injuries or trauma that misaligned the jaw
- Cleft lip or palate
- Gum disease
- Excessive pressure on teeth and gums
- Ineffective dental care i.e. poorly fitted dental crowns, braces or fillings
Why is it important to fix crooked teeth caused by crowding?
Apart from aesthetic reasons which some may or may not mind, it is important for misaligned teeth to be fixed as they can cause:
- Difficulty chewing
- Straining of the jaws and teeth
- Teeth to be broken easily
- Difficulty cleaning teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease, cavities and tooth decay
How can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
To first ensure your suitability for Invisalign, your dentist will take X-rays and 3D images of your face and teeth and make teeth impressions. The X-rays will allow the dentist to locate the exact position of your teeth and their roots, as well as see if there are any teeth hidden in the gums. Your dentist will likely also use the 3D images to study the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, jaw and head. At Dental Designs, we use an Invisalign iTero scanner that can successfully capture teeth from all angles to help us create aligners.
Most patients with misaligned teeth should be able to qualify for Invisalign, as these are strong, hard plastic that is capable of shifting very crooked teeth. During the entire treatment process, patients wear their custom-made aligners2 over their teeth for at least 22 hours everyday, and take them out during meals or when brushing and flossing. Click here to read about the different types of clear aligners that are available in Singapore!
About every two weeks or so, patients switch to a new set of aligners to keep moving their teeth in the right direction. Each set of aligners might look slightly different, as they place gentle pressure on teeth to force them into moving into their correct positions. Treatment times vary depending on each patient’s condition, but the average time is about 12 to 18 months.
During the Invisalign journey, patients work closely with an Invisalign accredited dentist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific dental condition and desired outcome. Whether it's correcting misaligned upper front teeth, crowded lower teeth, or an open bite, Invisalign offers a versatile solution for a wide range of orthodontic issues. Treatment duration and Invisalign treatment cost vary depending on the complexity of the case, but many patients begin to see results within a few months of starting treatment.
How can I benefit from using Invisalign to treat my crowded teeth?
Some of the main benefits existing patients enjoy and future patients can look forward to are:
Improved appearance
Patients can expect straighter teeth without any obvious metals or wires showing when they smile. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can hardly be seen. This allows patients to still smile and look good even during the treatment.
Better dental hygiene
The clear aligners must be taken out during meals and when you brush and floss your teeth. This ensures no food particles will get stuck in the aligners and your teeth remain clean.
Personalised treatment
Each aligner is uniquely designed based on your condition. They fit securely thanks to the accurate 3D impressions taken, and are the most comfortable form of straightening treatment for overcrowded teeth.
Convenient and fits into your lifestyle
As mentioned, the Invisalign aligners must be removed during meals and cleaning, but you can take them off anytime you need to, such as during an outdoor game. As long as the aligners are on for at least 22 hours daily, they can be removed anytime to accommodate your lifestyle.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial throughout the Invisalign treatment process to ensure optimal oral health and prevent issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. While Invisalign aligners are removable, patients are advised to wear them for at least 22 hours per day to achieve the desired results within the estimated treatment time. Additionally, Invisalign treatment may create difficulties in certain cases, such as severe crowding or excessive overjet, but experienced dentists can often address these challenges with custom treatment plans tailored to the individual's needs. In the end, Invisalign can provide patients with not only straighter teeth but also a beautiful smile they can confidently share with the world. You can read more about Invisalign here.
References
- Fernandez, C., Pereira, C., Luiz, R. R., Vieira, A. R., & De Castro Costa, M. (2018). Dental anomalies in different growth and skeletal malocclusion patterns. The Angle orthodontist, 88(2), 195–201. https://doi.org/10.2319/071917-482.1
- Weir T. (2017). Clear aligners in orthodontic treatment. Australian dental journal, 62 Suppl 1, 58–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12480