Can Invisalign Treat Severe Crowding?
By Joe McIntyre, DDS on January 31, 2022
Do you suffer from severely crowded teeth? Are you hesitant to wear braces? Many of our patients from Harrisonburg, VA, Bridgewater, VA and Staunton, VA, come to us asking: “Can Invisalign® treat severely crowded teeth?” The answer is yes. Of course, each case is unique, but generally, this type of misalignment is easily treatable using Invisalign clear aligner trays.
Defining Crowded Teeth
“Crowded” sounds like an obvious description but let’s take a closer look at what that actually means in the context of crooked teeth. When your teeth bunch up, they can:
- Overlap with one another
- Become rotated or twisted
- Get pushed forward or back
This can be caused by too little room in your jaw. In very rare cases, extraction might be recommended (especially if your wisdom teeth are trying to erupt). But our dentists are skilled at treating all types of crowding and misalignment–including severe crowding–with Invisalign.
Crowded Teeth and Traditional Braces
It’s true that braces can treat many types of orthodontic issues. But a key component is the metal bracket which is bonded to each tooth. When you have severely crowded teeth, though, it can actually be difficult to place these attachments.
Invisalign consists of clear plastic trays that are molded to your bite. This facilitates dental re-alignment without the need for metal brackets. In other words, less of each tooth can be exposed than you would require for traditional braces.
Isn’t Invisalign for Minor Orthodontic Issues?
In the not-too-distant past, many people who were interested in Invisalign were told that their teeth were simply too crooked. The truth was if you wanted predictable and noticeable results, braces were the preferred treatment. But as Invisalign has evolved over the years, that has changed. More complex cases are often treated using two components called attachments and elastics.
Attachments
At any point in your treatment, your dentist might decide that you do need something similar to a bracket on one or more teeth. Invisalign attachments are small bumps, made out of the same material as white fillings, that are attached to the teeth. They provide grip to the aligners in order to more effectively guide and move the teeth.
Elastics
Elastics, or rubber bands, are not used as often in cases of crowding. If you have bite issues, however, elastics can be used to bring the upper and lower arches into alignment.
Health Benefits of Treatment
Have you ever shredded a piece of floss or gotten it stuck? You might even avoid flossing altogether. Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean than straight, evenly spaced teeth. And this problem is exacerbated in cases of severe crowding.
One of the most important benefits you could experience after treatment is the ability to brush and floss with ease. This means fewer cavities and a cascade of positive health benefits.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
Misaligned teeth can cause several issues, from feeling insecure about your appearance to experiencing pain in your jaw. If you have crowded teeth, book an appointment today to learn more about your treatment options. Fill out our easy-to-use form today or call (540) 828-2312 to get started.
