Can Clear Aligners Fix Severe Crowding, Rotated Teeth or Bite Issues?

Introduction

Clear aligners are a growing orthodontic treatment approach for crooked or misaligned teeth. Many patients are now asking for this alternative option to fixed braces, but the question is, can clear aligners treat cases with severe crowding, rotations or bite problems?  In this blog, we will discuss the concept of crowded or misaligned teeth, whether clear aligners can effectively fix them, how to know if you’re a good candidate, what the typical treatment time looks like and what to expect during the clear aligner treatment process.

What are Crooked, Crowded or Misaligned Teeth?

Dental crowding is defined as an inconsistency between tooth size and arch dimension that results in malocclusion; it occurs because of a lack of coordination between tooth size and arch dimensions [1]. When teeth are “crooked” or “misaligned” i.e. when the upper and lower teeth do not align properly when biting, it might have an effect on esthetics, function and your oral health [2]. Some common examples of misaligned teeth include: severe crowding or overlapping teeth, large gaps, overbite or underbite, crossbite, open bite, deep bite, rotated teeth, missing teeth. The good news is that these malocclusions are more common than you think and can be resolved with clear aligner treatment!

Can Clear Aligners Fix Crowded or Misaligned Teeth?

Many patients with severe crowding, rotated teeth, or bite issues assume that aligners only work for mild spacing, however, clear aligners can correct moderate to complex cases safely under doctor supervision [3]. To further showcase this point, here is the link that shows real patient results before and after aligner treatment along with some patient testimonials.

Am I a Candidate for Clear Aligners if My Teeth are Crowded, Rotated or Misaligned?

If you notice that your teeth are crowded or misaligned, clear aligners are usually a good treatment option for you. However, only a detailed consultation with an Eon Aligner provider and a 3D Scan of your teeth can confirm how suitable of a candidate you are for a clear aligner treatment. You may benefit from aligners if you have one or more of the following:

• Bite problems (overbite, underbite, open bite, deep bite)
• Jaw alignment concerns
• Significant crowding or spacing
• Multiple rotated teeth
• Missing teeth

You can read more about the cases and malocclusions that can be treated with clear aligners in the attached blog.

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Usually Take?

This is understandably a major concern for patients as treatment time is an important factor when deciding which treatment option to take. It is difficult to give a specific timeline as every patient’s case is unique. Therefore, treatment time can vary depending on patient factors including compliance, case severity, the presence of challenging movements, whether or not you will need refinements, the wear cycle recommended by your doctor and more [4].

 The timelines below are rough estimates based on the Eon Aligner packages currently available, your actual duration will only be determined after a consultation with an Eon Aligner doctor and a custom treatment plan. You can click on this link to learn more about how long clear aligner treatments take.

Typical Timelines by Case Type:

• Mild Cases: 3–6 months
• Moderate Cases: 6–12 months
• Severe Cases: 12–24+ months

What Are the Usual Steps in Clear Aligner Treatment?

Step 1: Consultation + Scan

This is the step where your doctor evaluates your teeth and bite and takes either a physical impression or a 3D scan using an intraoral scanner. The doctor will check your teeth and assess along with Eon Aligner whether or not you are a suitable candidate for clear aligner treatment.

Step 2: Custom Plan

If your case is deemed fit for clear aligner treatment, your scans will be sent to the Eon Aligner team where an optimized digital treatment plan will be created which shows how your teeth will move and what your smile could look like after treatment.

Step 3: Aligner Wear Cycle & Compliance

Aligners are typically changed every 1–2 weeks. Wear cycles usually depend on your periodontal health and whether or not there are challenging movements in your case. Aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day and it is important to know that compliance is a major factor for a successful clear aligner treatment [5].

Step 4: Monitoring

Once the plan is approved by your doctor, the aligners will be manufactured and shipped. Attachments, IPR, and other auxiliaries are then added based on the plan. Your doctor will follow your progress regularly to ensure teeth move as planned. 

Step 5: Final Adjustments

In some cases, there might be a need for some extra steps, which are called refinements and may be needed to achieve perfect results.

You can learn more about your aligner journey in more details by clicking the following link. 

Conclusion

Eon Aligner can help treat crowded, rotated, or misaligned teeth and can help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. With advanced treatment planning, experienced doctors, and regular monitoring, complex cases can be treated effectively with clear aligners. You can schedule a consultation with an Eon Aligner doctor to see if clear aligners are right for your smile!

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