Many people know Invisalign for its ability to straighten teeth and create a more beautiful smile. However, Invisalign treatment can also be used to create a wider, more radiant smile. 

Smile widening is the process of changing the shape of the mouth, or moving the teeth, to create a wider smile. Sometimes, it can be as simple as shifting overcrowded teeth to a more natural posting, allowing them the correct amount of spacing. Other times, however, it can be a bit more complicated. 

What is a narrow smile?

A narrow smile is noticeable when only a few front teeth are visible when smiling. If six or fewer teeth are visible when smiling, it is generally considered to be a narrow smile. While narrow smiles don’t often cause any sort of medical problems, many people want to have their smile corrected to make it wider and more appealing. There are times, however, when a narrow smile can create larger problems. 

A narrow smile is often caused by a misshapen maxillary arch (the upper part of the mouth). The maxillary arch is supposed to be curved, giving it the traditional U shape that allows teeth to grow into a curved pattern. If the maxillary arch tapers and starts to take on more of a V shape, the opening of the mouth narrows. Teeth can then start to tilt inward, and there ends up being extra space between the teeth and the cheeks. This can create a narrower jawline, and the cheeks can even start to appeal sunken-in. 

In severe cases, a narrow smile can accompany other dental problems like overbite, underbite, or crossbite. If the jaw alignment is off so that the mouth cannot close correctly, the patient could develop a speech impediment or could even suffer from difficulty breathing.  

Can a narrow smile be fixed?

Fortunately, a narrow smile can be fixed. Most people with a narrow smile do not experience medical problems and do not need medical intervention. However, it is common for people with a narrow smile to want it fixed for cosmetic reasons.  A wider smile is often seen as more appealing and can make life easier. 

Depending on the severity of the narrow smile, the patient might need surgery or might be able to use a less invasive procedure like traditional metal braces or Invisalign. For children under the age of 13, many orthodontists will use a palate expander to widen the maxillary arch before it is fully formed. After the age of 13 though, the arch is no longer malleable. For adults with an overly narrow maxillary arch, surgery is needed to expand the palate to the correct width. 

If the maxillary arch is wide enough that it does not need to be expanded, or if palate-expanding surgery is complete, Invisalign can be used to shift the teeth into the correct position and widen the smile. Invisalign does not actually change the shape of the palate or the jawbone. It merely shifts the teeth once the other corrective action has already taken place. Once the teeth have been shifted into a wider position, the smile will appear wider. Even minute shifts can have a huge impact on the smile. 

If you are considering Invisalign treatment for smile widening, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. For mild adjustments, Invisalign can be a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. However, metal braces can be a better fit for more severe spacing problems. Your orthodontists will be able to help you find the right solution for your particular situation. 

How does Invisalign widen a smile?

Many people prefer Invisalign to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is more discreet, less painful, and easily removable. The cost is comparable to metal braces in most cases. However, Invisalign is not for everyone. Invisalign tends to work well for minor spacing problems like overcrowding, small gaps, or slightly crooked teeth. For cases of moderate to severe gaps, overcrowding, or crossbite, metal braces are often a better choice. 

If Dr. Aller agrees that Invisalign is right for you, here’s what you can expect:

Invisalign treatment length can last as little as 6, or as long as 18 months, but results are seen along the way. You will receive clear plastic aligners designed to fit snugly over your teeth. Though you will need to remove the aligners while eating and drinking, you will wear them for the majority of the day. The aligners gently move the teeth into position over time to create the desired result — a wider smile and a better bite. 

While your smile is widening, you can expect your upper teeth to shift slightly outward. If your teeth were previously crowded, they will begin to space out to sit side-by-side. Once your teeth are properly spaced and shifted, your smile will appear wider. 

If you are hoping to have your smile widened, contact Miracle Smile to find out which treatment is right for you.