Do you have crooked or overcrowded teeth, but are not sold on the idea of traditional braces? Here, our Langley orthodontists discuss the use of Invisalign for crowded teeth and why it is important to address this orthodontic issue.
What does it mean to have crowded teeth?
Dental crowding is a form of malocclusion, also known as a 'bad bite,' that can result from a lack of space. When teeth don't have enough room, they may grow in unnatural positions to find space, leading to crooked, crowded teeth that don't align properly.
What causes crowded teeth?
Crowded teeth are typically a genetic issue with jaw size, meaning teeth don’t often have all the space they require when they grow. This, they push each other into unnatural, crooked positions.
Some of the other factors that can lead to crowded teeth include:
- Thumb-sucking past the age of three
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Loss of a permanent tooth or teeth, which can lead to shifting
Whatever the cause, crowded teeth are a common dental issue which can be addressed with orthodontic treatment.
Why is it important to have crowded teeth realigned?
Setting aside the aesthetic reasons as to why you may want to have crowded teeth realigned, there are many other reasons why you should address this issue.
Crowded teeth can:
- Make it difficult to chew correctly.
- Cause speech difficulties.
- Result in strained facial and jaw muscles.
- Increase the risk of breaking a tooth.
- Make it difficult to maintain proper dental hygiene.
- Increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities and gingivitis.
Does Invisalign work for crowded teeth?
The answer is yes. If you have crowded teeth, Invisalign may be able to help. While traditional braces may be recommended for severe crowding, it can sometimes be difficult to fit a conventional bracket on very crooked teeth, where some teeth are pushed back or rotated. Invisalign, on the other hand, can help realign teeth without considering the exposed tooth surface, because it is custom-fitted to your teeth and doesn't require brackets.
How does Invisalign work for crowded teeth?
During your first consultation, your orthodontist will discuss your case to determine if you're a good candidate for Invisalign. They will then take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These will be used to create a digital 3D image of your mouth, based on which your orthodontist will map out your personalized treatment plan, the movements of your teeth, and the approximate length of treatment.
A series of custom-made clear aligners will be created specifically for you. You'll wear them throughout the day, removing them only to eat, brush and floss your teeth. As you progress to each new set of aligners, your teeth will slowly shift into place. Every two weeks or so, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners and advance to the next stage of your treatment. You will also attend occasional checkups with your orthodontist to monitor your progress. These happen about every six weeks or so.
At your final appointment in this treatment process, your orthodontist will determine if you will need to wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new position.
How long does it take for Invisalign to straighten crowded teeth?
As with all orthodontic treatments, treatment time depends on the severity of your case. Your orthodontist will provide you with the expected timeline during your consultation. Of course, treatment time also depends on how well you adhere to your treatment plan.
For the best results, Invisalign needs to be worn for 20 - 22 hours each day. This means you should only take your invisible aligners out when eating or brushing your teeth. Because patients are free to remove Invisalign trays, those who leave them off for extended periods, for example, may find they don’t finish treatment as quickly as those who wear them as prescribed.
You will also need to see your orthodontist for regular checkups throughout treatment. These checkups allow your orthodontist to monitor your treatment progress and spot any issues early. Without these checkups, potential complications will not be promptly addressed, which can result in prolonged treatment.
Braces or Invisalign: What should you choose for crowded teeth?
Ultimately, the type of orthodontic treatment you undergo will depend on the complexity of your dental health issues and your lifestyle.
Both traditional braces and Invisalign have factors to take into consideration, such as how disciplined you will be in following your treatment plan, your dietary preferences, and whether you have aesthetic preferences.
No matter which treatment path you take, our orthodontists at Langley Orthodontics are here to guide you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to showing off your new smile.