Does it sometimes feel like there’s simply not enough space for all your teeth inside your mouth? That may actually be true! Or, your teeth may just need a little direction. Either way, it’s important to visit your dentist or orthodontist to discuss your treatment options. When teeth crowd together, the proper alignment of the teeth is disrupted, which can impact your oral health, your ability to chew, your self-confidence, and more. So, you might be wondering, does Invisalign work for crowded teeth?
Crowded Teeth 101
Why Are My Teeth Crowded Together?
If you have crowded teeth, you may have bad luck to blame. Common causes of crowded teeth include genetics, a small jaw, the premature loss of baby teeth, the late arrival of permanent teeth, prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use as a child, tongue thrusting, impacted teeth, and mouth or jaw injuries. Poorly fitting dental crowns can also lead to crowded teeth.
Does It Matter That I Have Crowded Teeth?
Yes. Crowded teeth aren’t just an aesthetic concern; they can have a negative impact on your oral health as well. The following issues are common effects of crowded teeth:
- Poor Oral Health: If your teeth are packed together and out of alignment, you’ll likely struggle to clean them properly, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Over time, this will increase your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
- Tooth Wear & Jaw Issues: The misalignment of your teeth can cause premature and uneven wear. This may cause you to have an uneven bite, jaw pain, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. It can also lead to bruxism (teeth grinding) or sleep apnea.
- Speech Problems: The movement of your tongue and lips may be impeded by poorly aligned teeth, which can cause a speech impediment.
- Chewing Problems: Depending on which teeth are crowded together, you may find it tricky (or even painful) to chew your food properly. This may restrict your diet or affect your nutrition.
- Low Self-Esteem: Your crowded teeth will likely impact your smile, which may cause you to feel self-conscious. Sometimes people who dislike their smile may even try to avoid smiling or laughing, or they may hold their hand over their mouth whenever they do.
Does Invisalign Work for Crowded Teeth?
Yes! Invisalign can treat crowded teeth by slowly shifting them into proper alignment. In fact, because it can be difficult to affix a metal bracket to a tooth that’s very crooked, overlapped, or rotated, your dentist may recommend Invisalign over traditional braces. And, of course, Invisalign has many other advantages over traditional braces:
- The aligners are nearly invisible, so you won’t feel self-conscious about your smile during treatment.
- You can remove the aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing.
- You won’t have to worry about metal brackets and wires irritating your mouth, gums, and lips.
- Although it’s important to wear the aligners very often (at least 20-22 hours a day), you can take them out for special occasions or events. So, don’t worry about wearing them during a wedding, a job interview, or an important work presentation.
Keep in mind that although Invisalign is a great option in many cases, you may need to explore other treatment options as well. For example, severe crowding sometimes necessitates the extraction of teeth to make room for all the teeth to sit in proper alignment.
To learn if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, make an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist.
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Interested in Invisalign? Contact Wilkinson Dental today. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!