Key Points

  • There are many possible causes of crooked teeth, including genetics, facial injury, and tongue thrusting.
  • Invisalign can correct various types of misaligned teeth, including crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
  • If left untreated, crooked teeth can lead to complications such as gum disease, speech difficulties, eating problems, and chronic headaches.
  • Invisalign treatment is effective for most cases of crooked teeth and may even be preferred over braces for severe crookedness.
  • The potential benefits of Invisalign for crooked teeth may include the discreet appearance of clear aligner treatment, the ability to remove trays for brushing, and a wider range of food choices during treatment.

Invisalign is effective for most cases of crooked teeth, regardless of the cause or type of misalignment. Crooked teeth often require orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, not just for cosmetic reasons, but also for more practical reasons. Invisalign for crooked teeth can take up to 18 months (or longer in severe cases) to straighten teeth.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth can be caused by several factors. Some common causes of crooked teeth include: [1]

  • Genetics
  • Prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking
  • Tongue thrusting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Lack of nutrition (especially in children)
  • Poor dental hygiene or dental care
  • Facial injury

Some of these risk factors can be controlled while others can’t. Teeth crowding, crookedness, and malocclusions (i.e., overbite or underbite) can all be inherited, for instance.

Types of Crooked Teeth

Every mouth is unique, and there are different types of crooked teeth that can be addressed through orthodontic treatment. Issues that can benefit from the straightening process include:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Open bite
  • Crossbite
  • Overjet
  • Gapped teeth
  • Relapse from not wearing retainers

Do Crooked Teeth Need to Be Fixed?

Most prefer to fix crooked teeth because they dislike what they see in the mirror when they smile. There may be other, more practical reasons to straighten crooked teeth or misaligned teeth as they can lead to complications such as: [2]

  • Trouble speaking or speech impediments
  • Gum disease
  • Problems eating, chewing, or digesting food
  • Headaches
  • Erosion of the teeth over time
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder

Invisalign Treatment for Crooked Teeth

Invisalign aligners can address various types of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth. These clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired position over time.

Invisalign technology has advanced significantly over the past few decades. Once believed to only be useful for minor cases, Invisalign can now address severe misalignment issues. If you have crooked teeth, your orthodontist may prefer Invisalign treatment over traditional metal braces, as it can be challenging to affix metal brackets to severely crooked teeth.

How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Fix Crooked Teeth?

The length of treatment can vary widely. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a better idea of how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign based on your specific case. Most people can plan to wear a set of aligners for 12 to 18 months, although it may be shorter in some cases.

General timelines are based on wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, as recommended, except when removing them to eat, brush, and floss. It may seem like a long time, but for most people, it’s a small price to pay for a confident smile.

Benefits of Invisalign for Crooked Teeth

Everyone’s journey to a beautiful smile is unique. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to achieve straight teeth, there may be benefits to wearing clear aligners versus traditional braces.

  • They’re less visible: Many people prefer the discreet look of Invisalign over traditional metal braces.
  • Removable aligners: These aligners allow you to eat what you want and can also improve your oral hygiene. Removing the aligners to brush allows you to brush and floss more effectively, which could prevent dental issues like cavities and tooth decay.[3]
  • Cost: The cost of Invisalign treatment may be comparable to that of traditional metal braces.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign can fix many cases of crooked teeth, but there may be some situations where traditional braces or hybrid treatment are required or preferred. To find out whether Invisalign can address your specific issues, you’ll need an evaluation by a professional orthodontist. After your evaluation, the orthodontist can describe your treatment options in detail.

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