There are many reasons some people are unhappy with their smile. One common reason people often complain about is crowded teeth or dental crowding.
Dental crowding is a sort of “bad bite” that’s the result of a person’s mouth not having enough room for all of the individual’s teeth. When this happens, the person’s teeth move in directions they’re not necessarily supposed to in order to fit in the individual’s mouth. This movement can lead to your teeth bunching up, overlapping, or twisting. It can also cause teeth to get pushed forward or backward.
The Causes of Crowded Teeth
A number of causes can produce crowded teeth. Here are some of the causes behind dental crowding:
- Genetics
- Having extra teeth
- Losing baby teeth well ahead of “schedule”
- Having overly large teeth
- Unusual tooth growth
Those aren’t the only factors that can lead to crowded teeth. If your wisdom teeth haven’t grown in yet, they may cause dental crowding as they grow in down the line.
Dental Crowding Indicators
As is the case with other dental conditions, there are some signals that may indicate you or your child suffer from crowded teeth. Here are some of the signs that often accompany crowded teeth:
- Tooth aches or pains
- Crooked teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Jaw pain
- Crossbite
The space between your upper and lower teeth at the front of your mouth is referred to as an “overjet.” If your overjet is excessively large, it may indicate that you have crowded teeth.
Consequences of Crowded Teeth
If dental crowding isn’t caught and treated by an orthodontist early on, it can negatively impact your oral health. Here are some of the potential consequences crowded teeth may yield:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- TMJ
How Invisalign Aligners Can Help
To prevent any of the consequences that crowded teeth have the potential to produce, it’s important to seek treatment if you suspect you suffer from dental crowding. While you may want to postpone treatment because you don’t want to get braces, there’s no reason to. Invisalign-trained orthodontists can treat crowded teeth with Invisalign clear aligners.
Invisalign treatment for crowded teeth starts with a consultation with an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist. Your healthcare provider will create a custom treatment plan for you. Your treatment plan will consist of a series of Invisalign aligners you’ll wear over time.
With each new set of Invisalign aligners, your teeth will be pushed closer to proper position. You’ll receive new aligners every few weeks or so, in accordance with the plan your doctor developed for you. You’ll wear your Invisalign aligners for most of the day and night, but you’ll be able to remove them when you eat, brush and floss. At the end of your treatment, your crowded teeth will have been corrected.
Have Your Dental Crowding Treated at Clearsmile Orthodontics
Clearsmile Orthodontics treats all sorts of orthodontic conditions, including crowded teeth. Our in-house expert, Dr. Colin Webb, has been successfully treating crowded teeth with Invisalign aligners for years, and he studied the practice under internationally celebrated orthodontists while still a resident.
Learn about our Invisalign treatment now and schedule an appointment with Dr. Webb when you’re ready to say goodbye to your crowded teeth and hello to a beautiful smile.