Can Aligners Fix Teeth That Have Been Moved Due to Habits?

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Can Aligners Fix Teeth That Shifted Due to Thumb-Sucking or Tongue Thrusting?

Oral habits such as thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting may seem harmless in early childhood—but when they persist, they can lead to noticeable dental misalignment. These habits can push teeth out of position, affect bite development, and even change jaw shape over time. Yes, aligners can correct teeth that have shifted due to habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. By applying gentle, consistent pressure, aligners guide the teeth back into proper alignment—restoring both function and aesthetics.

How Thumb-Sucking and Tongue Thrusting Affect Teeth

These habits apply repeated force to the front teeth and palate, often resulting in:

  • Protruding front teeth (buck teeth)

  • Open bite (where front teeth don’t meet when biting down)

  • Speech issues such as lisping

  • Narrowing of the upper jaw

  • Tongue posture problems and bite instability

Left untreated, these problems can affect not only your smile but also your chewing, swallowing, and facial structure.

How Aligners Help Correct the Damage

Clear aligners like Invisalign are an effective tool for reversing the dental misalignment caused by these habits. Here’s how they work:

Aligners Can:

  • Gradually retract protruding teeth

  • Help close open bites

  • Improve arch symmetry and spacing

  • Address mild to moderate tongue pressure issues

  • Support bite realignment over time

Each aligner is worn for 1–2 weeks, progressively guiding teeth into their ideal positions. The treatment is fully planned in advance using 3D digital scans, ensuring precision and predictability.

The Importance of Addressing the Habit

To ensure lasting results, it’s crucial to correct the underlying habit—not just the symptoms. This may involve:

  • Myofunctional therapy (exercises to retrain tongue and facial muscles)

  • Habit-breaking appliances or oral shields

  • Parental coaching and behavioral strategies for younger patients

  • Collaboration with speech-language pathologists in certain cases

Without breaking the habit, even successful orthodontic treatment can relapse, leading to future shifting of the teeth.

What to Expect

  • Treatment duration: 6 to 18 months, depending on severity

  • Wear time: 20–22 hours per day

  • Monitoring: Regular in-office or virtual check-ins

  • Comfort: Smooth, invisible trays—ideal for kids, teens, and adults

  • Post-treatment: Retainers to keep your results stable for life

Dr. Bak’s Expertise in Habit-Related Orthodontics

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen combines advanced clear aligner treatment with habit correction strategies for long-term success. His holistic approach ensures your smile is not only beautifully aligned—but stable, healthy, and supported by proper oral function.

Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).

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Yes, aligners can move teeth vertically, but this is generally more challenging than moving teeth horizontally. Vertical movements might be slower and may require additional tools such as attachments to ensure the teeth move as planned. The aligners
Oui, les aligneurs peuvent être efficaces pour traiter une occlusion croisée, en particulier lorsque le problème concerne le positionnement des dents plutôt que l'os de la mâchoire. Les aligneurs fonctionnent en appliq

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