Research indicates that almost everyone has something about their smile that they’d like to change. In many cases, this is due to a malocclusion, or misalignment, of their teeth.
Teeth straightening options can resolve these issues, giving you a straighter, more confident smile. In this article, we’ll discuss your teeth straightening options at Normandale Dental, including traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
For many years, the primary option for teeth straightening was traditional metal braces, which involved placing metal brackets on the affected teeth and running an archwire through them. The archwire is tightened, which puts pressure on the teeth and pulls them into their appropriate position. The patient must visit the clinic every 2 to 3 weeks to have the archwire adjusted, based on their treatment progress.
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners, similar to retainers. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth, applying even pressure across the entire arch. This pressure pushes the teeth into their appropriate position in the jaw. Aligners are designed to be switched every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the patient’s treatment plan. The patient only needs to visit the clinic every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor their progress.
Teeth Straightening Options
Who Needs Invisalign for Straighter Teeth?
Almost everyone has some level of malocclusion. While many people live with theirs, many others have problems such as:- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty speaking
- TMJ
- Excessive wear/tear on teeth
- Crowded Teeth: Crowding refers to a condition in which there is not enough space in the mouth for the teeth to come in straight. This is a Class I malocclusion because it primarily affects only the front teeth.
- Excessive Overbite: A normal bite typically features a very slight overbite. However, in an excessive overbite, the upper front teeth are too far forward compared to the lower front teeth. this is a Class II malocclusion.
- Excessive Overjet: An excessive overjet is similar to an excessive overbite. The primary difference is that an overjet is horizontal, and an overbite is vertical. In an overjet, the top upper teeth protrude at an angle, not contacting the lower front teeth. This is also a Class II malocclusion.
- Crossbite: A crossbite is a condition in which a few of the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This is also classified as a Class II malocclusion. In some cases, the front teeth are involved- known as an anterior crossbite, which can look like a partial underbite.
- Underbite: An underbite is a condition in which the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This is a Class III malocclusion. An underbite may be dental, only affecting the teeth, or skeletal, which involves the jawbone. In some cases, an underbite occurs in conjunction with a crossbite.
- Open Bite: An open bite is a condition in which the upper and lower teeth both protrude outward and do not touch when the mouth is closed. This is a very rare condition and can affect the front or back teeth.
- Diastema (Gapped Teeth): Diastema is a condition in which there is a gap between two or more teeth. The most common form is midline diastema, which affects the two upper front teeth. Gaps can range in size from very prominent to barely noticeable.