Will Invisalign or veneers help correct the appearance of inward leaning teeth? (photos)

Hey there! I see you're considering your options for orthodontic treatment and are curious about combining Invisalign with veneers, especially concerning the spacing and positioning of your teeth and the impact on your breathing. It's great that you're thinking ahead about both the aesthetic and functional aspects of dental treatment. Let's break this down a bit!
Invisalign BasicsInvisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into a better position. It's a popular choice for many because it's less noticeable than traditional braces.It can correct a variety of dental issues, including crowding, spacing, and some bite problems.Veneers for AestheticsVeneers are thin coverings placed over the front part of the teeth. They're used to improve the appearance of teeth by changing their color, shape, size, or length.Veneers might be considered after orthodontic treatment if there are concerns about the shape or size of the teeth, or if you want a more "uniform" look.Addressing Teeth Position and BreathingIf your teeth are positioned inward and you're worried they'll be more so after treatment, this is something that should be discussed with your orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, can not only straighten teeth but also adjust their position in your jaw, which can affect your facial profile and potentially breathing.If breathing is a concern, it's important to evaluate how the position of your teeth and jaw affect your airways. Sometimes orthodontic treatment can help improve airway space, but this depends on the individual case.Expanding Space Between TeethThe idea of expanding space between your teeth and then filling the gaps can be a part of orthodontic treatment. This is typically done when there's a need to create more room in the mouth, for example, to correct crowding or to improve the bite.After the space has been created and your teeth are aligned properly, veneers could be used to adjust the final appearance if there are still aesthetic concerns.What's the Best Procedure?The best procedure for you would depend on a detailed evaluation of your dental and facial structure, your specific concerns (both aesthetic and functional), and what you hope to achieve with treatment.A comprehensive approach may involve orthodontics (like Invisalign) to correct the position and alignment of your teeth and jaws, followed by cosmetic procedures such as veneers for any additional aesthetic enhancements.Consulting with both an orthodontist and a cosmetic dentist will give you a clearer picture of what can be achieved and the best approach for your unique situation.Remember, every case is unique, and what works for one person might not be the best for another. It's fantastic that you're gathering information, but make sure to have these detailed discussions with your dental professionals to get a tailored plan that suits your needs. Keep in mind, the goal is not only a great smile but also a healthy and functional bite!

Lack of space in the dental arches is a daily problem faced by by many patients who have had orthodontic extractions at a young age. In your photos I see you had premolar extractions.

Despite the fact that the extractions immediately create more space which allows for orthodontic alignment, they can lead to negative outcomes that are frequently ignored.

EXTRACTION OF TEETH FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT CAN LEAD TO:
1) Less support for the upper lip. As the teeth are pulled back after the extractions, the facial profile becomes less attractive (flat face, flat cheeks, nose sticking out), which can result in wrinkles and lines and overall aged appearance.

2) Less space for the tongue. The arches become smaller, forcing the tongue to take a backward position, leading to blockage of the throat (airway), snoring and increased risk for mouth breathing. Breathing through the mouth is very bad for oral and general health.

3) Higher risk for sleep apnea. With the restricted space, the tongue fully relaxes during deep sleep, blocking the entrance of air and leading to interrupted sleep due to poor breathing. With low oxygen intake and chronic sleep deprivation, there is more risk for hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

4) Higher risk for chronic pain and functional issues. In retracted arches, tongue can end up on top of the lower teeth; this can create and worsen bite issues that can lead to migraines, headaches, neck aches, ear problems, problems in the jaw joints, limited opening of the mouth, sinus issues, posture problems, etc.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION:
Through another round of orthodontics, the space of the extracted teeth can be reopened along with other possible spacing to procline the smile teeth while expanding the dental arches. This can increase airway and tongue space, solving all breathing and space issues and increasing overall balance in the mouth, wellbeing and life quality.

This, many times, be done through clear aligner therapy or with conventional braces. After opening the spaces, a cosmetic dentist can restore function and cosmetics with the use of veneers, bonding, implant and crowns.

I understand your concern of your teeth that tip inward. There are functional, esthetic, and breathing improvements that can be achieved with expanding your smile by straightening teeth that are tipped like yours. Congratulations, I think we can achieve a great outcome! It appears that you have had orthodontics including tooth removal in the past which does make your smile smaller. Orthodontics (one type is Invisalign) can upright and straighten your teeth to improve the health of your bite, create more space for your tongue, and also improve your ability to breathe. Sometimes orthodontics is the only treatment that is needed to achieve this wonderful outcome. Sometimes after orthodontics veneers are planned to change the size, color, and appearance of a person’s teeth and to possibly fill in spaces that are created after orthodontic tooth movement. Based on your pictures, I think you could benefit from both treatments and we could achieve an amazing result! It would be great to have you come in for a comprehensive dental examination so I could more thoroughly evaluate your overall dental health and also discuss our options to see how they can fit your needs.