On your first visit to the dentist, you might remember filling out a medical history form. It’s typical for clinics to ask you to rate the confidence of your smile before an initial checkup. Yet, it’s no surprise to us that most patients rank themselves below 10.
Straight teeth are fundamental to your self-esteem. After all, your incisors are one of the first things people notice in an introduction. Whether we like it or not, our oral health leaves a lasting impression on those around us. But that’s not to say you don’t have any control over the condition of your smile.
Proper orthodontic treatment can transform your teeth and restore your self-worth in a matter of months -- invisible aligners being the fastest option available. You can pinpoint distinct features to tell if you may be a candidate for transparent aligners treatment. Though you may not be a specialist, you at least have a mirror nearby. Get ready to use it as we walk you through the evaluation process in this article.
What Are Malocclusions?
Malocclusion is the medical term used to refer to misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite. Under ideal circumstances, the teeth in your upper jaw should sit just about 2mm over your lowers. Moreover, your lower teeth should anchor upright into your gums.
Sadly, it’s rare for anyone to have a perfect smile. At best, you may still notice your lower molars tilting towards your tongue or cheek. In such cases, having straight teeth is purely a cosmetic issue. However, severe malocclusions could promote bacterial buildup, tooth decay, bone loss, and other health problems. That’s why it’s essential to schedule a visit with an orthodontist: the sooner you tackle the problem, the less damage done.
7 Revealing Signs You Need Invisible Aligners Treatment
1. Your Teeth Are Overlapping
A zig-zag pattern best identifies overlapping teeth. The misalignment occurs when your teeth grow ahead or behind those next to them. If your teeth overlap, biting and chewing might become painful mealtime chores for you.
2. You Have an Overjet
Patients with an overjet or “buck teeth” are characterized by having upper incisors that protrude outward. Their first two to four teeth tend to stick out over their lower incisors.
3. You Have an Anterior Open Bite
Bite down. Do you still notice an opening between your upper and lower front teeth? Maybe you can see right through the space. Is your tongue staring back?
If you have these features, you likely have an anterior open bite.
4. You’ve Got an Overbite
Some people’s lower jaw is much shorter than their upper jaw, creating an imbalance. An overbite occurs when their upper front teeth dive deep ahead to cover their lower incisors.
You may also hear your orthodontist discuss using invisible aligners to correct a ‘deep bite’ or ‘closed bite.’ All three terms refer to the same type of malocclusion.
5. You Have a Dental Crossbite
Remember we mentioned that your upper teeth should sit a couple of millimeters ahead of your lowers? Well, if you have a dental crossbite, your teeth are aligned in an opposite arrangement. You may notice that one or more of your upper teeth fit on the inner side of your mandibular jaw.
Crossbites can happen to any portion of your teeth. When it occurs towards the front of your mouth, your lower incisors may cover your upper ones when you bite down. Anterior crossbites look like the reverse of an overbite.
6. You’ve Got Gap Teeth
It’s not unusual to have gap teeth or diastema. A 2013 review found that approximately 98% of 6-year old children have spaces between their premolars. The percentage decreases with age because permanent molars are bigger than baby teeth.
However, those gaps remain for patients who have large jaws yet develop relatively small permanent teeth. Invisible aligners are effective at closing those spaces and realigning separated teeth.
Diastema is also typical in adults who;
● Extracted one or more of their permanent teeth.
● Never developed certain teeth but still reserve their space.
● Retained a tooth in their jaw bone.
A panoramic x-ray (or a panorex) can rule out the presence of hidden teeth below your
gum. If the image reveals a lingering tooth, your orthodontist may recommend minor
surgery to help pull it to the surface.
7. You Just Completed Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment
It is far easier to manipulate soft jawbones to correct dental misalignments. That’s why many orthodontic specialists recommend preventative treatments for children developing malocclusions.
However, these patients will need either invisible aligners or metal braces afterward to correct their bite fully.
Can Invisible Orthodontic Aligners Fix Crooked Teeth?
In the age of dental technology, invisible orthodontic aligners are your best bet at a convenient and effective solution to misaligned teeth. We’ve corrected thousands of malocclusion cases with custom-made aligner trays and regular monitoring. With an accelerated treatment plan, you could be staring back at your straightened teeth in less than a year!
Can You Be Too Old for Invisible Aligners?
While corrective treatment is more straightforward with children and adolescents, it’s still possible for adults. Transparent aligners are becoming increasingly popular among the working population. Whether you’re in your early 40s or approaching 65, there’s no age limit for invisible orthodontic treatment.
As long as you’re willing to commit to your treatment schedule, teeth aligners could work for you, too.
Get Straight Teeth with Invisible Aligners at Home
Did you fit our criteria for getting transparent aligner treatment? No worries: we’re here to take you through it, one step at a time. Set up an e-consultation with one of our specialists at Straight Teeth Invisible. We can’t wait to transform your smile!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are your teeth supposed to overlap?
It’s normal for your upper teeth to have a slight overlap, but anything over 2mm may need correcting with an orthodontist.
What is the difference between overjet and overbite?
With an overjet, your front teeth protrude more outward than usual. On the other hand, an overbite causes your front teeth to hang over or cover your lower jaw.
How can I fix a deep bite without braces?
Invisible aligners can correct a deep bite in less time than traditional metal braces. You’ll also be able to complete your treatment without having to sacrifice your privacy.
Is it bad to have a gap in your front teeth?
Having gaps between your teeth favors bacterial growth and cavity formation. Plaque buildup around the gums can also lead to periodontitis and oral infections. Straight Teeth Invisible aligners can save you from the discomfort of diastema.
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