Can Invisalign Widen My Smile?
28 Sep 2021 | 0 Comments
Have you ever wondered, “Can Invisalign widen my smile?” The answer is yes, although it isn’t successful in every instance. The ability of Invisalign to create a wider smile depends on the severity of the initial alignment problem being corrected.
Understanding a Narrow Smile
If you have ever been told you have a narrow smile you may be interested in whether Invisalign® can widen your smile. Let’s begin with the basic definition of a narrow smile. If you smile and there are six or fewer teeth visible, you may have a narrow smile.
View this post on Instagram
Although having a narrow smile is a fairly common condition, not everyone is satisfied with their overall appearance. The defining characteristic is the palate and upper jaw being more tapered, forming almost a slight point at the front. The normal palate looks like a “U” where the narrow mouth may look more like a “V” shape.
As with many of our facial attributes, a narrow smile is often a hereditary trait. There can also be some narrowing with age, as teeth may begin to shift inward, narrowing the maxillary arch. This can also cause the cheeks to gain a sunken look.
In some extreme cases, a narrow smile may cause orthodontic issues such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. These malocclusions may also contribute to breathing problems if the jaw alignment does not allow the mouth to fully close. Other problems with speech may also be a result of a narrow smile, such as difficulty with the pronunciation of certain words or a lisp.
Palatal Expanders Might Be an Option
When the problem is the actual shape of the palate, Invisalign or braces may not be effective in correcting a narrow smile. In those instances, other orthodontic measures must be taken before the alignment issues can be addressed.
Correcting a Narrow Smile in Children
While not every narrow smile can present dental problems, some do. When it is noticed during a child’s initial examination, it can be corrected early to prevent any further problems.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that a child see an orthodontist by the time they reach age seven. The specific age is based on natural growth patterns for children. At age seven they have lost most of the primary (baby) teeth and have a good number of adult teeth in place or poised to erupt. That is the prime time to correct potential problems and use the child’s natural growth to make treatment easier.
One of the treatment methods in use for children ages 7 to 12 is palatal expanders. This is an adjustable device that attaches to the back teeth and extends across the roof of the mouth. By gradually expanding the device outward, the upper jaw bone is widened. Because the doctor can use the natural growth of the child, this procedure is safe and effective.
Palatal Expanders for Adults
Once a child is around 13 years old, the bones in their face and jaw begin to permanently fuse, making the expansion of the palate a bit more intense than with younger patients. Rather than the retainer-like palatal expander, adults require oral surgery or an implant-supported device.
In cases where the palate requires expansion, that must be accomplished before braces or Invisalign will be effective in correcting alignment issues.
Can Invisalign Widen Your Smile — Yes
Can Invisalign widen your smile? To understand if Invisalign can widen your smile you need to have a base understanding of how Invisalign works. This almost invisible tray alignment system uses the principle of constant, gentle pressure to create force. The force is what moves teeth into alignment.
Additional force can be applied using SmartForce® attachments. These small tabs attach directly to teeth and add pressure. The doctor places the tabs so they can act as handles for the tray aligners. This guided pressure can move teeth quicker. The ultimate goal is to achieve better tooth alignment and a wider smile.
View this post on Instagram
Unfortunately, the success of Invisalign depends on the original malocclusion. In some instances, it will not be as effective as you may desire. If the problem is orthodontic, Invisalign can be very effective. If the problem is structurally based, Invisalign may create a better appearance. However, it cannot move or correct bone structure.
As Invisalign works to straighten your teeth, they will become less crowded. Crooked teeth will be aligned side by side and maintain proper spacing. This alone can create the appearance of a wider smile. Another advantage of Invisalign treatment is the degree of self-esteem and confidence you will have with a straight and beautiful smile. This small fact may cause a wider smile by removing any embarrassment that you may have had.
Are Braces the Better Option for You?
Although knowing that Invisalign can widen your smile, in some instances, traditional braces may be the better option. Because braces can apply more force they may be recommended by the doctor. Invisalign works using pressure, or by pushing teeth into alignment. Braces create force by using tension which pulls teeth into alignment.
The simple act of pulling rather than gently pushing allows a more aggressive approach to correct serious malocclusions.
Limitations of Both Braces and Invisalign
At times, the information may seem to be conflicting and this is because every smile is different. Even in identical twins, the treatment recommendations may be different from one another.
Although braces and Invisalign can move teeth into alignment and create the appearance of a wider smile, they cannot change the shape of the arch (roof of the mouth or palate). When caught early, the treatment can be unobtrusive, effective, and set a child up for a great smile. In adults, when palatal expansion is necessary, the process requires much more than Invisalign to widen a smile.
Find Out Soon — Can Invisalign Widen Your Smile
Find out your answer to the question, “Can Invisalign widen my smile,” with Spain Orthodontics. You can begin right now with a free Virtual Consultation. Simply follow the directions to upload images of your smile and submit the form!
If you are ready to arrange an in-person appointment, you may use the Scheduling Widget to set up your appointment. Once you set up your appointment you’ll receive an email with new patient forms to complete to make your first appointment run smoothly.
The answer to the question, “Can Invisalign widen my smile?” is yes, in many instances.
