Invisalign Didn't Fix my Flared out Teeth?

Question

Before my treatment, I had very mild flared out teeth but after my treatment they are still flared out a a bit, all it did was straighten my teeth that weren't straight. My ortho said this is the best they can do. Could invisalign fix this in the first place?

Richard Shin, DDS, MS · Answer

Without any pre- and post-Invisalign photos of your teeth, it would be hard to make accurate diagnosis and recommendations. 

	 

	However, in general, if your teeth were flared to begin with, and you wanted to "straighten" your teeth, this needs to be clearly defined. When lay people talk about "straightening" the teeth, it could mean anything from just align them by proclining, or tipping, the teeth in a straight line, to uprighting the teeth by retracting them. 

	Aligning the front teeth is simple. The question is whether you wanted the teeth to be retracted back ("pushed back in") or proclined ("pushed/tipped outwards") is the question. This is something that no orthodontist will be able to just do it because everyone's idea of straight teeth is different. Some orthodontists (including myself) will be very specific with the patient at the initial consultation what exactly the patient wants done: for his or her front teeth to be "pushed in or out". Of course, I will complete thorough clinical exam and study the study models and radiographic measurements. But unless the crowding is so severe that extraction is highly warranted, most of the time, if the crowding is mild (<4mm) or mild-to-moderate (4-6mm), I would discuss this with the patient and talk about the options of extraction vs. non-extraction. 

	 

	A lot of other biological factors play in this decision as well. For example, sex, age and race of the patient play key role in what would ultimately look best in the long run.

	 

	So, back to your original question. Can Invisalign fix the flared out teeth originally treated with braces that started out being flared out? No. Not unless you change the treatment plan which probably would require extraction of four first bicuspids (most likely). If you choose non-extraction option again with Invisalign, then the most you would do is reshaping of your teeth again, and the teeth will stay in more or less similar position (ie. be flared).

	 

	I would highly recommend that you speak to at least two, three or four orthodontists before you start your treatment again. Good luck.

Janet H. Stoess-Allen, DMD · Answer

Yes. Invisalign is often used to eliminate flaring of teeth. Speak to your orthodontist and ask if there might be other options to address your concern.

Jacqueline Demko, DDS, MSD · Answer

I would see an orthodontist and usually flared teeth require extrractions and full braces. If this is all aliners can do then you have one choice left to get what you want. Talk to a orthodontist and find out all the pros and cons and what will give you what you desire

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Without any pre- and post-Invisalign photos of your teeth, it would be hard to make accurate diagnosis and recommendations.  Was your dentist clear on what you wanted to accomplish.

Rob van den Berg, DDS, MS · Answer

Invisalign can move flared out teeth back, if space is present or if space can be created. For retracting the teeth a small amount, needed space can be created by:

	
		Widening the arch in the back
	
		Recontouring the side surfaces of the teeth


	Your orthodontist will be able to tell you which options are suitable for your case. For example the bite with the lower teeth can limit how much the upper teeth can be moved back.

Invisalign Didn't Fix my Flared out Teeth?

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Answer: Fixing flared teeth with invisalign.

Answer: Fixing flared out teeth with Invisalign

Answer: Fixing flared out teeth with Invisalign

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Invisalign Didn't Fix my Flared out Teeth?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fixing flared teeth with invisalign.

Answer: Fixing flared teeth with invisalign.

Answer: Fixing flared out teeth with Invisalign

Answer: Fixing flared out teeth with Invisalign

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.