Protruding teeth are a common issue in children and adults; the upper teeth will frequently jut out over the lower teeth or otherwise sit at odd angles. Also known as an overbite or buck teeth, they are often a very visible issue and can subsequently cause both self-consciousness and difficulties with chewing. There isn’t any one specific reason why this issue occurs with people’s teeth — it can become evident during childhood, develop during adolescence or even emerge as an issue during adulthood.
But the good news is that it’s an issue that can usually be corrected with relative ease. Invisalign is emerging as an increasingly popular option for correcting protruding teeth, thanks to its discreet appearance and overall efficacy.
Why do teeth protrude?
Before we get into the ways in which Invisalign can correct protruding teeth, it is helpful to understand what causes protruding teeth. The most common cause of protruding teeth is genetics. Just like other physical features, jaw shape and protruding teeth can be passed down through generations.
Other causes of protruding teeth include bad habits such as thumb sucking or extensive sucking on a dummy as a child. If you suck your thumb or dummy while your permanent teeth are growing, the sucking pressure can cause them to grow at an abnormal angle and cause protruding teeth.
Can invisible aligners fix protruding teeth?
Many people with protruding teeth wonder if invisible aligners can fix their teeth — and more specifically, if Invisalign can fix protruding teeth. The simple answer is “Yes”. While the most common treatment for protruding teeth is traditional braces, Invisalign has become a highly favoured alternative for its effectiveness and near-invisible aesthetic.
How Invisalign works to correct protruding teeth
Invisalign tends to be most effective in cases where the teeth are protruding due to their angle in the gum. Sometimes, the cause of protruding teeth is skeletal (often in more severe overbites) and Invisalign might have to be used in conjunction with surgery or another orthodontic treatment.
To begin your journey with Invisalign, you’ll need to visit a qualified dentist to have your teeth scanned, so your aligners can be custom-made to fit your mouth. Once your aligners are ready, you will wear a specific set of aligners for two weeks at a time while they slowly but surely move your teeth to fit each particular mould. After every two weeks, you will move onto your next set of aligners to make the successive dental movements. This process is repeated until your teeth have been shifted, corrected and are no longer protruding.
Why Invisalign is perfect for protruding teeth
While everybody is different and no two dental cases are exactly the same, the last thing some kids and adults with protruding teeth want is to put additional focus on their teeth through prominent metal braces. Almost invisible, unnoticeable and effective in moving protruding teeth, Invisalign is a desirable solution for fixing dental problems.
Fix your protruding teeth with Invisalign today
If you’re considering Invisalign for your protruding teeth, reach out to us at Smile Team. With more than 50 years in the industry, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge solutions to meet your orthodontic needs. Book your free Invisalign consultation at any of our clinics in New South Wales today.
For more information about the length of the treatment, costs and the general Invisalign process, our team is known as a Diamond Invisalign provider. We will be happy to help — call us on (02) 4220 5300.
FAQs
Does Invisalign make teeth perfectly straight?
As long as you are committed to wearing your aligners and caring for your teeth, you can expect to have completely straight teeth by the end of your Invisalign journey.
How long does it take for Invisalign to fix protruding teeth?
Some cases will take longer than others and may require additional orthodontic treatment. For example, if you have a severe skeletal over or underbite.
How can I fix my protruding teeth without braces?
There are two leading causes of protruding teeth: dental and skeletal. Dental cases of protruding teeth (for example, tongue thrusting, thumb or dummy sucking) do not necessarily affect your bone or jaw structure but the actual angle in which your teeth sit in your gums. In these cases, alternatives to braces such as Invisalign can be highly effective in fixing protruding teeth.
However, if the cause of your protruding teeth is skeletal, your dentist or orthodontist might suggest alternative treatment such as surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatments like traditional braces or Invisalign.
Can you get Invisalign for only the bottom teeth?
While most people are usually concerned with the appearance of their protruding upper teeth, your lower teeth can also protrude. Suitable for both the upper and the lower teeth, Invisalign trays can be made to correct protruding teeth and give you a straighter smile.
What does the surgery to fix protruding teeth entail?
In the case that your jaw or bone structure is the cause of your protruding teeth, and you are not growing anymore, you may require surgery. This kind of surgery is known as orthognathic surgery. Usually, it involves moving the upper jaw bones (the maxilla bones) backwards or moving the lower jaw (the mandible) forward to correct an overbite. Once your jaw is fixed, you may still require other orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign to correct the angle at which your teeth sit in your gums, to close gaps or better align your teeth for a picture-perfect smile.
