6 Amazing Facts About Teeth Straightening

Many dental issues develop because of the position of your teeth. However, if you have crooked, gappy, or overcrowded teeth, you may also dislike how they look. Misaligned teeth may harm your confidence.

Fortunately, we can fix these alignment issues. We recommend Invisalign as an effective teeth straightening treatment that’s a great alternative to fixed braces.

So, how does teeth straightening work, and what do you need to know before your Invisalign treatment?

Here are six facts about teeth straightening you might not know!

1. Having Misaligned Teeth Is a Common Problem

If you have problems with the position of your teeth, you’re not alone. Statistics on the percentage of people with misaligned teeth vary, but they all point to the fact that most of us have some degree of orthodontic issue.

There are several potential causes for alignment issues. Your teeth may develop out of line due to genetic factors, illness, or trauma. Habits during youth, such as thumbsucking, are another common cause.

For some people, the alignment issue is mild, while for others, it can be more severe. Most of these issues can be corrected easily using Invisalign, the popular discreet, removable aligner.

By wearing your Invisalign aligner for around 22 hours each day, it’s possible to move your teeth gradually toward a more desirable position.

2. People Have Been Straightening Teeth Since Ancient Times

The problem of crooked teeth is an age-old problem. Although braces were only invented a couple of hundred years ago, and Invisalign aligners more recently in the late 1990s, people have been dabbling in teeth straightening for a long time.

The ancient Egyptians had makeshift animal gut braces. Found on mummies, these early orthodontic contraptions weren’t so much about giving you a beautiful smile during your lifetime. These braces were more likely to have been used to keep your teeth in place after you’d died.

The Egyptians weren’t the only civilizations to dabble in orthodontics. Famous ancient Greeks, Aristotle and Hippocrates, both worked out that with gentle force, you could move teeth to a better position.

Nowadays, straightening your teeth is much easier with Invisalign, and there’s no animal gut in sight. Invisalign is made from a patented medical-grade plastic called SmartTrack. It feels comfortable against the inside of your mouth, and it’s perfectly safe.

3. Teeth Straightening Is for All Ages

Many of the problems with the position of your teeth are there from a young age. If these issues aren’t corrected, you may face further oral health concerns later. Misaligned teeth increase the potential for tooth decay and put strain across your jaw, which could cause pain in your face, neck, head, and shoulders.

Although teens often get braces or aligners, you can straighten your teeth at any age. Invisalign’s subtle, removable aligners ensure you can fix your smile without impacting your routine or lifestyle. So, whatever your age, it’s never too late to straighten your smile.

4. Straightening Your Smile Has Other Benefits

If you have misaligned teeth, aesthetic concerns are probably your biggest concern. But there are other reasons to fix your smile.

Straighter teeth are easier to care for, meaning you’ll reduce the risk of tooth decay. Straightening your teeth can also fix bite issues that cause discomfort in your jaw.

During your Invisalign treatment, we’ll give you a series of aligners. Your new aligners progress your treatment.

5. Treatment Lengths Vary

How long it takes to correct the position of your teeth depends on how much they need to move. Some treatments are shorter; some are longer. But the average treatment length is around 12 months.

When being assessed for Invisalign, we’ll take digital scans and use some great software to determine what your smile will look like and how long it will take to achieve it. They’ll even show you pictures of your predicted smile.

6. Invisalign Is Discreet and Comfortable

Although there are many great benefits to straightening your teeth, potential discomfort could put you off seeking treatment. Thankfully, Invisalign is the easiest way to straighten teeth, and you’ll barely feel a thing.

When you wear Invisalign aligners, you’ll get used to how they feel in your mouth very quickly because they’re lightweight and smooth. Best of all, the transparent aligners don’t stand out, either.

Invisalign at Durham Dental

At Durham Dental, we’ve helped many people restore lost confidence by giving them a smile they like using Invisalign.

If you’re unhappy with the position of your teeth, call us today to arrange your Invisalign consultation.