Our Advice for Perfect Teeth Alignment

2 April 2025 | Dr. Frédéric Lavoie

Teeth misalignment can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, modern orthodontics offers a range of treatments to correct these problems. Among the options available, Invisalign® stands out for its innovative approach and effectiveness in treating many malocclusion problems.

Occlusion and Teeth Alignment

Dental occlusion, also known as bite, refers to the way upper and lower teeth fit together. Optimal or “normal” occlusion means ideal teeth and jaw alignment.

Normal occlusion is crucial for many functions, including swallowing, chewing and speaking. It also influences bite force, i.e. the distribution of forces exerted on the teeth, jaw joints and chewing muscles.

On the other hand, an abnormal occlusion, or malocclusion, can lead to multiple difficulties if left untreated. In particular, bite problems can lead to jaw pain and headaches. They can also lead to premature tooth wear and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.

The Different Classes of Malocclusions

Malocclusions are a common problem requiring orthodontic care. During your first visit to the clinic, your orthodontist will analyze the position of your teeth and determine the class of malocclusion you have.

Class 1 Malocclusion

Class 1 dental malocclusions are particularly common. They affect almost 50% of young people aged between the ages of 6 and 17.

In a class 1 malocclusion, the upper and lower molars are well aligned and the jaws are in the correct position. The problem lies in the alignment of the other teeth, where overlapping, spacing or rotation may be observed.

Class 2 Malocclusion

A class 2 malocclusion is characterized by an abnormal relationship between the jaws. The upper jaw is too far forward in relation to the lower jaw. The result is a mismatch between the upper and lower teeth, where the upper front teeth sit in front of the lower ones in a prominent way.

Class 3 Malocclusion

In class 3 malocclusion, the lower jaw is too far forward compared to the upper jaw. This often results in the bottom teeth being positioned in front of the upper ones.

Professional advice is essential if you are dealing with a bad bite. Early treatment helps prevent complications and maintain optimal oral health. At F. Lavoie Orthodontics, we provide personalized orthodontic treatment designed to meet your needs and the alignment issues you face.

Invisalign®: The Technology of Choice for Straightening Your Teeth

With its virtually transparent aligners, Invisalign® is a modern, discreet alternative to traditional braces. Thanks to their smooth plastic design, Invisalign® aligners offer comfortable and effective orthodontic treatment, without sacrificing aesthetics.

Invisalign® aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. This feature makes it much easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment. However, in order for the aligners to be effective, they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. So it’s essential not to let convenience compromise the success of treatment by limiting the time spent wearing them.

Keeping Teeth in Their Final Position After Treatment

The longevity of a treatment like Invisalign® over time depends on several factors, all of which focus on consistency and follow-up.

Orthodontic Retainers

The first step in ensuring that your teeth remain aligned after treatment is the diligent use of the retainers prescribed by your orthodontist. These play an essential role in stabilizing teeth in their corrected position and preventing them from reverting to their original state. Orthodontic retainers can be fixed, using  a discreet wire bonded behind the teeth, or removable, like Invisalign® aligners.

Impeccable Oral Hygiene

Healthy gums and teeth are also important for the longevity of any orthodontic treatment. Regular brushing, flossing and thorough cleaning of removable retainers are all crucial habits to maintain.

Regular Orthodontic Follow-up

Follow-up visits don’t stop at the end of treatment, as they are essential to ensure treatment stability, avoid complications and detect signs of recurrence. At these appointments, the orthodontist can adjust the retainers if necessary and make sure that everything is in order.

If you have any questions regarding dental alignment or how to choose the right orthodontic treatment, contact our team at F. Lavoie Orthodontics. You’ll receive personalized support and follow-up every step of the way. Make an appointment today to start the process towards a perfectly aligned, radiant smile.