The 8 kinds of smiles that people get straightened the most.

Back in the ‘olden days’ as my girls call it, when I was a teen (FYI it was the ’90s) my mum gave me the option of getting braces.

I, thanks to mum, have an overbite and a pretty crowded mouth, which means there are a few teeth being pushed out a bit further than they are meant to, including what I like to call my ‘Dracula fangs’ at the front.

At the time I said no because braces meant the obvious silver metal train tracks that seemed to be stuck on people’s teeth ‘forever’ and appeared to be the source of great annoyance (food regularly getting stuck), inconvenience (frequent orthodontic checks) and…pain. So, I decided that I preferred my fangs.

But now thanks to different technology, teeth straightening isn’t just restricted to braces. There’s Invisalign treatment, which involves clear plastic removable orthodontic aligners that gently move teeth, and are prescribed by Invisalign-trained orthodontists and dentists. It’s not nearly as daunting as what many of my friends with braces went through.

Knowing this, and also what I do about how teeth (to some extent) can be shaped by our parent’s oral DNA, I am currently carefully monitoring my own daughter’s teeth to see if they might follow in my vampire-esque footsteps.

In the meantime, I can preview what my own smile could look like, fang-free. Invisalign SmileView Technology is a simulation tool that lets you view within 60 seconds what your teeth could look like with straighter teeth. I tried it below:

Cool, right? The SmileView technology uses an algorithm which draws from data from an Invisalign database of more than eight million smiles to show you a simulation of what your smile could look like with straighter teeth.

Here's a list of eight common issues that can benefit from teeth-straightening treatment, according to Invisalign doctors:

Crowded teeth.

Beginning with one I know well, crowded teeth. Teeth are considered to be crowded when there is not enough room in your jaw for them to fit comfortably. This makes your teeth bunch up, twist, overlap, or like me, get pushed to the front or the back.

This means issues cleaning and flossing them properly, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Overbite

An overbite is when your upper teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Although most people have a slight overbite, when it's too large it can cause problems including your teeth wearing down and jaw pain.

Gap teeth

When you have extra space between two or more of your teeth your doctor or dentist will call it ‘spacing issues’ or gap teeth. An issue with gaps in the teeth is that they can create pockets between your teeth and gums where food can get stuck making your gums tender and can even lead to gum disease.

Underbite

The opposite to an overbite, the underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. This may be a problem due to your lower jaw being too far forward.

This can make it harder for you to chew properly or even speak clearly and may cause your teeth to wear down more quickly.

Crossbite

A crossbite is when you close your mouth and some of your upper teeth are sitting inside the lower teeth, rather than on the outside where they normally would be. Crossbites can cause your teeth to chip and can also cause issues such as gum recession.

Open bite

When your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth (so there is space in between them) is an open bite. This can make it hard to chew or bite some foods, like apples.

Baby and permanent teeth

As children are growing their smile and jaw does too. For some, this can be a good time to start treatment as it can be used as a preventative measure to make adequate room for existing and incoming teeth.

Treatment can also prevent pre-existing bite issues, fix existing teeth that may not be straight, help with oral habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, help with crowding, spacing and narrow dental arches and of course improve their smile.

Generally straighter teeth

For some people who are generally pretty happy with their smile, but just want straighter teeth for personal reasons, or for a special life moment like a wedding, milestone birthday or graduation.

An Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist will be able to tell you what type of smile you have. For more information, visit invisalign.com.au.

Feature image: Getty.

SmileView outcome simulator is a computer-generated simulation of how your smile might look after teeth-straightening treatment. Not available for use for people with chipped and/or missing teeth. Invisalign treatment is a series of clear plastic removable orthodontic aligners that gently move patients’ teeth. Actual results may vary and you should contact an Invisalign provider to assess your treatment needs and whether Invisalign is suitable for you. You should always read and follow their directions for use. 2020 © Invisalign Australia Pty Limited.

The writer of this post has not received Invisalign treatment, but have received payment as part of a paid partnership with Mamamia.