One of the most common questions people ask about Invisalign is whether or not it can fix crooked teeth. The answer is yes, Invisalign can be used to rectify crooked teeth- but the degree of the crookedness will determine how effective treatment is. Therefore, the question should be: "Can Invisalign fix really crooked teeth?" or "How crooked can your teeth be for Invisalign?"
If your teeth are crooked and you want to find out if Invisalign is the right option for you, schedule your free consultation today. The team at Arlington Dental Excellence would love to discuss your options.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign came onto the scene in the late 1990s. It is a brand of clear aligners that is a good alternative to braces. More than 4 million Americans wear braces, and adults make up about 25% of that population. Many people are self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces, so they may avoid orthodontic treatment- but Invisalign is almost invisible. Plus, they are removable so you don't have to limit your diet and it's easier to keep your teeth clean during treatment than it would be with metal braces.
Treating Crooked/Crowded Teeth with Invisalign
Crooked and crowded teeth are different issues, but they do have some similarities. They are not serious dental problems- but they do have a significant impact on your lifestyle. They affect your confidence, making you feel embarrassed when you're around others, which can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression. Therefore, it's important to treat your crooked or crowded teeth.
Invisalign can be used to treat both issues. It's important to note that in adults, Invisalign may take more than 1 year to treat crooked or crowded teeth. In children, treatment time is typically less than 6 months, though in some cases, it may take up to 1 year. As you can see, it's important to take care of these issues as early as possible.
Yes, it's true that Invisalign can treat crowded and crooked teeth. However, if teeth are severely rotated, Invisalign cannot straighten them. In order to do this, the dentist will use specialized tools and equipment.
If you have small gaps between your teeth, Invisalign is an appropriate treatment- but if you have large gaps, Invisalign will not be effective. Finally, Invisalign is not able to raise or lower the position of your teeth in your jawline.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Treat Crooked/Crowded Teeth?
As we mentioned, it will typically take more than 1 year for adults to see results when using Invisalign to straighten their crooked or crowded teeth. On the other hand, children typically take less than 6 months, but some cases may take up to 1 year. Most patients start seeing results in 2 to 3 months and some even see results within the first 2 weeks of treatment.
That being said, it's also important to note that everyone is different, and everyone's teeth move at a different pace. There are several factors that come into play, including genetics, the condition of your gums and jaw, and your diet. Another factor that plays into it is whether or not you follow instructions. Aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day. You can remove them to eat and brush/floss your teeth. Otherwise, you should be wearing them.
When using Invisalign to treat your crooked or crowded teeth, you will have several check-ups to monitor your progress. During each appointment, the dentist will explain how you are progressing and how much longer it should take.
Once treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Otherwise, they could shift back.
How Do You Know if You Are a Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?
In order to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment for your crooked and crowded teeth, you'll need to schedule a consultation. We offer free consultations at Arlington Dental Excellence. We will do a full exam, including x-rays. From there, we will discuss your options and build a treatment plan customized for you.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding treatment, this is the time you should ask them. We want you to be fully informed going into treatment.
How much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?
On average, Invisalign clear aligners cost $3,000 to $5,000. This is comparable to treatment with traditional metal braces, which is around $2,000 to $6,000. There are several factors that come into play when determining your final cost, including:
- The severity of your tooth misalignmentÂ
- How many of your teeth need straighteningÂ
- How long treatment will take/how many trays you will needÂ
- Insurance coverageÂ
- Financing optionsÂ
The good news is, that most dental insurance plans do at least partially cover orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. Our staff will work with your insurance company to verify coverage, so you don't have to worry about it.
Other Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Can Fix
In addition to fixing crooked and crowded teeth, Invisalign is also an appropriate treatment option for the following:
Misaligned Teeth
When your teeth are misaligned, it can be difficult to eat or chew. It can also damage your self-confidence, so you don't smile very much. This condition typically occurs in childhood and can be due to genetics or habits such as thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier, and bottle use, tongue thrusting, and more. It also occurs when the jaw is too small compared to the size of their teeth.
Invisalign is specifically designed to treat the misalignment of teeth. The aligners put pressure on the teeth that are on the outer jaw and shift them into their appropriate position. Typically, treatment for misaligned teeth takes 6 to 12 months, but may take longer depending on the condition of your teeth.
Overbite/Underbite
Overbite is a condition where the upper teeth are overlapping the lower teeth. Slight overlapping is normal, but if the difference is significant, it can create a lot of issues. If you have an overbite, you may have some pain in your jaw.
Underbite is the opposite- the lower teeth are overlapping the upper teeth. This condition can make it difficult to speak, eat, and chew. Also, you may have some pain in your jaw or teeth.
Invisalign is the ideal treatment for both of these conditions and can typically resolve the problem in a few months. However, once again, it depends on the severity of the issue.
Crossbite/Open Bite
Crossbite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not properly touch when you close your mouth. This can cause teeth to wear down and result in painful gum issues.
Open bite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when you close your mouth, which can create bite problems.
Invisalign is appropriate for both crossbite and open bite, as it shifts teeth back into their proper position.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are in or near Arlington, Virginia and you think that you may have a dental issue that Invisalign can fix, contact Arlington Dental Excellence and schedule your free consultation today. We would love to help you get back your confident smile. We do offer many other dental treatments as well.