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Are you hiding that graceful smile due to crowded teeth? You may have heard of metal braces to straighten teeth but do not like the look of it. What if metal wires aren’t your only path forward?
Invisalign moves teeth in a controlled manner, without having any metal components. It works for teeth misalignment and bite issues in a discreet manner. This treatment uses clear aligners to straighten teeth, giving you a healthier smile. This blog has what you need to know about Invisalign for teeth, how it really works and how it differs from traditional metal braces.
Understanding The Origin Of Crowded Teeth
The roots of this problem go back to how our ancestors ate. Their diet was different from ours in every way. Their jaws used to be much wider; the size has now reduced significantly. Now there's a mismatch between the size of our jaw and teeth. This size difference causes teeth misalignment issues.
These overcrowded teeth may be due to genetic influence inherited from our parents. Other factors, such as early childhood habits such as thumb sucking habit and the premature loss of baby teeth, can disrupt the natural alignment of teeth.
Trauma to the jaw or overcrowded teeth can lead to crooked teeth or bite issues. Misaligned teeth can result from various contributing factors rather than a single cause.
The Impact of Crowded Teeth On Overall Well-being
Crooked teeth affect more than just appearance. Cleaning becomes difficult due to uneven spacing between teeth. Plaque tends to gather in those spots instead. Tooth decay may follow from that accumulation, eventually followed by gum disease.
Teeth that sit unevenly might lead to difficulty when biting as well, followed by jaw discomfort over time. And then the jaw joint responsible for opening and closing the mouth may become affected, causing TMJ pain. On extreme circumstances, chewing may become challenging and most individuals avoid speaking or showing their smile around others because of it.
What is Invisalign+?
Invisalign treatment can be a suitable solution for those with malalignment issues such as crooked teeth. Most people seeking correction for misaligned teeth consider Invisalign due to its effectiveness. Controlled tooth movement occurs because the clear aligner trays adjust crowded teeth. Invisalign can be used for a single jaw, for example either the upper or lower row of teeth, or both of them.
Many people tend to choose Invisalign because the treatment consists of using clear trays instead of metal wires that traditional braces use. If worn as directed, the aligners put controlled pressure on your teeth so that they can shift to their intended positions. The Invisalign aligners are also removable, so it can be taken out during eating and brushing.
Invisalign works well when teeth are slightly or moderately misaligned. For cases that require complex tooth movements, your dentist might advise other forms of teeth straightening methods such as traditional braces.
How does Invisalign+ Work differently than Traditional Braces?
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Traditional Braces |
Invisalign+ |
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Due to the metal braces and brackets, it is visible and less aesthetic. |
It is nearly invisible, and less noticeable. |
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It is fixed to your teeth and can only be removed by a dentist. You may need to avoid certain foods, such as those that are hard and sticky. |
The clear aligners can be removed by the wearer during meals, so they can continue eating their usual meals. |
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These metal brackets may irritate the gums or cheek and cause ulcers. |
Due to its smooth plastic material, Invisalign+ is a comfortable option. |
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Since these traditional braces are fixed to your teeth, they are worn throughout the dental treatment. |
Consistent wear: Patient compliance is needed for better results. Patients are advised to wear them for 20-22 hours daily. Each series of custom aligners is worn for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the following set in the series. |
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The treatment duration varies but is typically around 18-24 months. |
The treatment duration varies but is typically around 12-18 months. |
Benefits of Invisalign+ for Very Crooked Teeth
For complex cases, Invisalign+ can bring positive results for many.
- The aligners are clear and suitable for those who prefer a low-profile treatment.
- These trays are custom-made for your teeth for a comfortable fit.
- The aligners are removable. You can remove them while eating, brushing and drinking anything other than water.
Related Articles
- What you should know: Invisalign+ benefits and disadvantages
- So are traditional braces faster than Invisalign+?
- To transform your smile, how does Invisalign+ work?
What Other Orthodontic Treatment Options Are There For Crowded Teeth?
1) Traditional Metal and Ceramic Braces
Traditional metal braces are popular options when it comes to crowded teeth. With the help of metal brackets, wires, and elastics, teeth are moved to their appropriate positions over time.
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but they use tooth-coloured ceramic brackets instead of metal ones for a more discreet look. The metal wires help join these brackets and move the teeth to their correct positions.
2) Lingual Braces:
These are the epitome of invisible treatment options. These braces are affixed to the inner surfaces of the teeth, which face the tongue. Hence, they become completely discreet.
How Long Does Invisalign Take To Correct Crowded Teeth?
Invisalign clear aligners corrects teeth alignment discreetly yet effectively. Treatment duration using Invisalign differs with each individual’s dental condition. Typically, corrections span between one and two years for such alignment issues. A personalised plan, including exact timing, comes after evaluation by our Invisalign-accredited dentist.
Click here to learn more on how long Invisalign takes.
Conclusion
Most individuals who have very crowded teeth can benefit from Invisalign treatment. This option uses clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth instead of metal wires that traditional braces use.
Oral hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing will become more convenient with properly aligned teeth. If you have crooked teeth, drop us a message to book a consultation appointment with our Invisalign-certified dentist to see if Invisalign+ is the right option for you.
Call us at: +65 6221 8284
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the causes of crooked teeth?
Teeth that grow out of line often come from multiple reasons, one of which are genes - maybe the jaw runs small in families, or teeth just don’t match up right. Other causes are habits such as thumb sucking, or pacifiers used past toddler years, which can all contribute to this issue.
2. Can Invisalign+ fix very crooked teeth?
Invisalign clear aligners is one of the treatment approaches to fixing crooked teeth. Additional auxiliaries such as attachments, buttons and elastics help aid in correcting the teeth positions. Other options for fixing crowded or crooked teeth are metal, ceramic or lingual braces. Many people opt for clear aligners as it is a clear and discreet option that does not involve the use of metal.
3. How does Invisalign+ straighten teeth?
Invisalign trays put controlled pressure on the teeth so that they gradually shift to their intended positions. The goal is to ensure proper alignment without the hassles of metal wires and brackets.
4. Is Invisalign right for you?
It depends on your tooth condition and treatment goals. Invisalign is good for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. A dentist will examine your teeth, do 3D scans and review your history before suggesting an ideal treatment option.
Resources
- Rahul Srivastava, Bhuvan Jyoti, Sachin Kushwaha, Anu Shastri. Sequential removal
orthodontics: an alternative approach. International Journal of Contemporary Medicine Surgery and Radiology. 2017;2(1):32-36.
