Creating a pleasant smile requires your teeth to have good colour, shape and alignment as shown in the graphic below:
Colour
Improving colour of your teeth generally starts with teeth whitening, but some stains do not respond to treatment.
In this case, we can use a veneer to cover the stained tooth and ensure uniformity of colour among your teeth.
Alignment
Lines that gradually taper look pleasant.
Lines that suddenly jut up and down look stark.
Further to that, regular-spaced gaps between teeth also create a pleasant appearance.
Veneers can create a more pleasant visual aspect of your teeth by smoothing lines and creating uniform gaps.
Shape
Uniformity and symmetry create harmony in your smile.
Sometimes, due to damage or genetics, we have teeth that don’t mirror well.
In this case, a veneer can create symmetry and uniformity.
We have more information about the colour and shape aspects of crafting a perfect smile here, so in this article, we’ll solely focus on how we achieve the ideal alignment for your teeth.
The benefits of having well-aligned teeth include having aesthetically-pleasing teeth that give you a harmoniously aligned, symmetrical and balanced smile that complements your facial aesthetics. Our patients generally want to boost their self-confidence and to make their smile a focal point of their self-expression.
The other reason involves teeth longevity due to good dental characteristics. Well-aligned teeth can help you reduce grinding, poor chewing and remove opportunities for food to get trapped between teeth.
Ideal Teeth Alignment
Ideal teeth alignment is characterised by several key attributes. First and foremost, there should be no pain, pressure, or signs of wear on specific areas of the teeth. This reflects the principle that form is equal to function; well-aligned teeth not only look aesthetically pleasing but also function more effectively.
In an ideal alignment, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the bottom teeth. However, this overlap should not be excessive, as that would result in an overbite.
Proper alignment ensures that the upper teeth fit well into the lower teeth, which helps reduce issues such as grinding or poor chewing. Additionally, symmetrical upper and lower jawlines contribute to a balanced and harmonious appearance, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Imperfect Bites
Here’s a video showing the different imperfect bites:
Crossbite: A misalignment where upper teeth sit inside lower teeth when biting, causing potential jaw and tooth issues.
Crowded Teeth: Insufficient space in the jaw causing teeth to overlap, leading to misalignment and dental hygiene challenges.
Gap Teeth: Spaces between teeth, resulting from missing teeth or irregular dental arches.
Open Bite: Front upper and lower teeth don’t meet when biting, causing speech and chewing difficulties.
Underbite: Lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth, causing an abnormal bite relationship and possible functional issues.
Overbite: Upper teeth excessively cover the lower teeth, potentially leading to jaw problems and aesthetic concerns.
As you can see, these imperfect bites don’t have the alignment, symmetry and balance required for a smile that Singaporeans would consider aesthetically pleasant. They can also cause dental issues down the line.
Achieving The Perfect Aesthetic Alignment
If your goal is to have good-looking teeth, consider this scenario. You start your alignment process and then a few months later you have a wedding to attend. Could even be your wedding – alignments take months to years and somewhere in between your partner could propose to you. What will you see in the photos – teeth (with Invisalign removed) or teeth with braces?
Achieving the perfect aesthetic alignment of teeth is often a blend of art and science, requiring orthodontic interventions such as Invisalign or braces. The choice between these two methods depends on the specific needs and lifestyle preferences of the patient, but only with Invisalign can you remove them whenever you want.
Braces
That’s not to say braces don’t have a place in alignment treatments – braces are typically used for more severe corrections. They stay in the mouth at all times, ensuring continuous alignment pressure. This consistency is particularly beneficial for patients who might struggle with the discipline required for removable aligners. However, braces require meticulous cleaning with special brushes, and sometimes teeth need to be removed to create space for the brackets.
Invisalign
Invisalign, on the other hand, offers a less invasive and more convenient alternative. These clear aligners have advanced significantly over the years, with some clinicians now comfortable using them to treat even severe misalignments without the need for traditional braces.
One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign is the ease of maintaining oral hygiene. Because the aligners are removable, patients can brush and floss their teeth without obstruction, reducing the risk of plaque build-up and decay.
The treatment timeline for Invisalign typically ranges from 6 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Patients usually have virtual checkups weekly and in-person appointments every 10 to 20 weeks to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments
Perfect Alignment Means Good Dental Characteristics
Good dental characteristics are integral to both oral health and overall well-being.
Reduced Tooth Wear And Damage Risk
One of the primary benefits of properly aligned teeth is the reduction in tooth wear and damage. When teeth are well-aligned, the forces exerted during chewing are distributed evenly, preventing pressure points that could lead to fractures or chips.
Easier To Maintain Dental Hygiene
Moreover, well-aligned teeth are significantly easier to clean and floss. Misaligned teeth often create hard-to-reach areas where food particles can get trapped, making it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. This can lead to plaque growth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Proper alignment, therefore, simplifies the daily routine of brushing and flossing, contributing to healthier teeth and gums.
Helps Jaw Function
Correct alignment of the teeth reduces strain on the jaw, which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement.
Furthermore, correct alignment allows for proper jaw functioning, reducing the tendency to grind teeth (bruxism). Teeth don’t grow back and hence protecting your teeth from unnecessary wear is important.
