Non-invasive and practically invisible, Invisalign successfully straightens your smile, correcting spacing problems and overbite concerns. But does it work for patients with crowded teeth?
Crowding is a dental condition that occurs when the jaw is not large enough to fit all teeth side-by-side. Left untreated, crowded teeth can:
- Cause difficulty flossing
- Increase your risk for gum disease
- Cause damage or decay
- Impact your smile’s appearance
Depending on the severity of crowding, your dentist may recommend Invisalign treatment.
Ideal Invisalign Candidates
Are you a suitable candidate for Invisalign? Consider the following treatment qualifiers:
- Common dental concerns – Invisalign corrects dental issues such as underbite, overbite, crossbite, gapped teeth, and crowded teeth. If your teeth are severely crooked or misaligned, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment.
- Commitment to straighter teeth – To see treatment results, you will need to wear your Invisalign for at least 20 hours a day. That means apart from eating, drinking, and brushing; you must wear your aligners at all times.
- Current age – Invisalign is perfect for adults or teens seeking a less noticeable treatment option. The clear, removable aligners are comfortable to wear and easily fit into your lifestyle. Alternatively, Invisalign doesn’t work for young children with growing teeth.
How It Works
Step 1: Consult with a dentist.
To ensure you receive the appropriate treatment for your crowded teeth, talk to your dentist about options. He or she should create a custom treatment plan based on your initial consultation.
Step 2: Your first appointment.
In this initial appointment, we will fit you with your first set of Invisalign trays. Then we’ll go over the instructions with you on how to insert them, how to take the trays out, when to take them out and how often to change the trays.
Note: Patients with crowded teeth often receive bonding or attachments in conjunction with Invisalign. The bonding is a small, button-like material that matches the shade of your natural smile. Attachments generally go only on a few teeth and provide a gripping point for the aligners.
Step 3: Treatment plan progression.
Invisalign treatment takes anywhere from 9 to 18 months. Throughout your treatment, you’ll schedule periodic visits to receive your next set of aligner trays. During these times, you and your dentist will review your progress, allowing you to see your teeth gradually move into place.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
If you’d like to know more about how Invisalign works for crowded teeth, contact Dentistry at East Piedmont today.
Performing a thorough visual exam, Dr. Patel will determine the best possible treatment based on your individual needs. Before we craft your unique treatment plan, we take time to learn about your concerns and desired results.
If you are ready to experience the benefits of straighter teeth with Invisalign aligners, contact us to schedule your complimentary smile consultation.
Original date published December 25, 2017.
