Are you someone thinking about Invisalign but also wondering, “How crooked can your teeth be for Invisalign?”
When Invisalign first came out in the late 1990s, the answer to “Can Invisalign straighten very crooked teeth?” was “no.” Initially, Invisalign could only help fix simple alignment problems. It was mainly a method for slightly overcrowded and crooked teeth.
20+ years later, however, those wondering, “Does Invisalign work for really crooked teeth?” will receive a different answer from their orthodontist.
Now, Invisalign’s suitability isn’t simply for mild alignment issues and works for a broader range of tooth problems and age brackets. Orthodontists can use Invisalign to bring straight teeth to kids, teens, and adults struggling with any number of different alignment issues.
With Invisalign, crowding and crooked teeth are still the prominent cases orthodontists treat, but there aren’t many teeth too crooked for an Invisalign treatment.
If you’re wondering, “What teeth can Invisalign fix?” you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’re looking into Invisalign and answering some questions, like:
- Does Invisalign fix crooked teeth?
- Can Invisalign fix any teeth?
- Does Invisalign help with gaps?
Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign and which alignment cases it can fix.
Answers to the Top Invisalign Questions
Invisalign is a powerful tool that orthodontists can use to straighten and align teeth. However, it’s not always obvious what kind of teeth Invisalign can fix and if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign or not.
We’ve answered some common questions below to help you know more about Invisalign and what it can and can’t treat.
How Does Invisalign Help Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign is an alternative straightening method to traditional braces. Instead of using metal brackets and wire cemented to your teeth, Invisalign uses plastic mouthguard-like trays (also called aligners) that fit over your teeth.
During your first official Invisalign visit, your orthodontist will take a 3-D scan of your mouth and create a straightening plan. Then, they’ll use this plan to make a series of trays that will slowly move your teeth into alignment. Your orthodontist will advise you to wear your trays for 20-22 hours each day, and every 8-12 weeks, you’ll receive new trays.
As you wear your trays regularly, the trays will put pressure on your teeth. This pressure pushes your teeth into correct alignment in your mouth. By the end of your treatment (if you’ve worn your trays for the recommended amount of time!), you’ll have a beautiful, straight smile.
What Does Invisalign Look Like on Crooked Teeth?
Unlike traditional braces that require visible brackets and wire, Invisalign trays are clear—they’re nearly invisible.
The invisibility of Invisalign trays is what makes them so attractive to young professionals and older adults. You can get all the benefits of straighter teeth without the noticeable appearance of something in your mouth.
Some add-ons (called attachments and buttons) may be cemented to your teeth and are necessary to treat specific alignment issues, like overbites. However, these additional fixtures are tooth-colored to ensure they’re also difficult to see.
Overall, Invisalign is clear and almost impossible for others to notice when they look at your smile.
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Will Invisalign Fix Crooked Teeth?
“Does Invisalign fix crooked teeth?” is one of the most asked questions when it comes to an Invisalign treatment.
Yes, Invisalign can fix crooked teeth. But the degree of crookedness will play a role in how effective an Invisalign treatment will be.
So, a good follow-up question is “How crooked can your teeth be for Invisalign?” or “Can Invisalign fix really crooked teeth?”
How Crooked Can Your Teeth Be for Invisalign?
Invisalign can easily fix mild to moderate alignment issues, including crooked teeth.
However, there’s no standard measurement for how crooked your teeth can be. Every situation is unique and requires a professional orthodontic opinion.
Some different scenarios involving Invisalign and crooked teeth include:
- An Invisalign treatment alone fixes the issue
- Some slight polishing between teeth is needed to create space for alignment with Invisalign
- Removing one or more teeth before starting Invisalign so that the treatment achieves its desired results
- Initially using traditional braces to fix more complex issues and then switching over to Invisalign
Ultimately, Invisalign can treat many cases and is worth considering if you have crooked teeth. Scheduling a free consultation with an orthodontist is a great way to find out whether your crooked teeth can be fixed with Invisalign or not.
Does Invisalign Help With Gaps?
With Invisalign, gaps in teeth can be closed. An Invisalign treatment is very effective at closing small gaps (5mm or less) between your teeth and helping create a more unified smile.
But what if your gap is from a missing tooth?
People with missing or fake teeth can also benefit from Invisalign, so a missing tooth gap won’t disqualify you from Invisalign. In fact, Invisalign can:
- Act as a temporary medium to hold fake teeth
- Prepare your mouth for tooth replacement by keeping natural teeth from sliding into the missing tooth’s position
If you have small gaps between your teeth or are missing teeth, Invisalign can still provide you with the smile you’ve always wanted.
Can Invisalign Fix Any Teeth?
Invisalign is quite powerful and can fix many alignment issues, including:
- Overbites
- Overjets
- Crossbites
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Small gaps in teeth
However, Invisalign does have limitations and can’t fix every tooth or jaw complication.
If a jaw issue (overbite, overjet, etc.) is too severe, it may require traditional braces or surgical procedures. Additionally, more significant gaps (those greater than about 6mm) may require a straightening procedure other than Invisalign.
But once the jaw issue is dealt with or larger gaps are closed, an orthodontist can switch you over to Invisalign for the remainder of the straightening process.
The Top Invisalign Provider in Richmond, VA
Invisalign is a straightening tool that uses clear, plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wire. And though it looks different than traditional braces, Invisalign is still effective at moving teeth and creating a beautiful smile.
In this article, we answered many questions surrounding Invisalign to help you better understand it as an alignment method. We looked at topics like:
- How does Invisalign help straighten teeth?
- What does Invisalign look like on crooked teeth?
- How crooked can your teeth be for Invisalign?
- Does Invisalign help with gaps?
- Can Invisalign fix any teeth?
We learned that Invisalign is a powerful straightening tool that can fix many alignment issues, like:
- Overcrowding
- Crossbites
- Overbites
- Gaps in teeth
- Crooked teeth
However, if you’re still unsure if your teeth are too crooked for Invisalign or want to see what Invisalign before and after crowding looks like, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist today.
At Bates Orthodontics, we’re a Diamond Invisalign provider, putting us in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers in the nation. Our in-house orthodontist takes the time to understand your unique situation and create a personalized plan of action. So whether you have crooked teeth, overcrowding, or gaps in your teeth, we’re confident that we can get you a straighter, more beautiful smile.
Schedule your free consultation today to get all your questions about Invisalign and crooked teeth answered.