Invisalign® Clear Aligners - Woodland Hills, CA

Ease Tooth Crowding With Invisalign®

Schedule Your Appointment

Get Started

Your Straight Smile Is Within Reach!

Do you deal with crowded or crooked teeth? While braces are a traditional treatment, they’re not always your only option. Modern orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can help address tooth crowding and provide patients with a straight, healthy smile.

To learn more about Invisalign for crowded teeth, schedule an Invisalign consultation with our Woodland Hills dentist today by calling 818-491-7294. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Chaves can help you achieve your perfect smile and the best oral health.

Compared to bulky wire braces, Invisalign offers an alternative that can help straighten even the most severely misaligned teeth.

What Is Tooth Crowding?

Tooth crowding, a condition where teeth overlap or push against each other due to a lack of space in the jaw, is a common dental concern. It not only affects the aesthetics of your smile but can also lead to oral health problems if left untreated. When this happens, teeth can become twisted or misaligned, which can lead to problems with chewing and speaking, as well as difficulty cleaning teeth. In severe cases, tooth crowding can also affect the shape of the face and cause jaw pain.

Several factors contribute to tooth crowding, including:

  • Genetics: Hereditary traits like small jaws or large teeth can lead to insufficient space for proper tooth alignment.
  • Early tooth loss: When baby teeth fall out prematurely, adult teeth may erupt into the vacated space, causing crowding when permanent teeth come in.
  • Improper jaw development: Underdeveloped jaws can cause teeth to overlap as they erupt.
  • Habits: Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting in childhood can exert pressure on teeth, leading to misalignment.
cosmetic dentistry patient smiling in exam chair

Signs of Tooth Crowding

If you’re dealing with any of the following signs, your teeth are likely overcrowded:

  • Overlapping teeth: This is the most noticeable sign, where some teeth appear to be pushed on top of or behind others.
  • Misaligned teeth: Teeth may be crooked or angled outward or inward due to lack of space.
  • Difficulty flossing: Crowded teeth can make it challenging to clean between them properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Speech impediments: In severe cases, crowding can affect speech by impacting tongue placement.

Benefits of Invisalign for Tooth Crowding over Traditional Braces

When it comes to treating crowded teeth with Invisalign, patients can experience the following benefits:

  • Discreet: Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the noticeable metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.
  • Removable: Unlike braces, Invisalign treatment allows you to remove the aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, offering greater flexibility and ease of maintenance.
  • Comfort: The smooth plastic aligners are generally more comfortable to wear than metal braces, which can irritate the cheeks and gums.
  • Fewer Adjustments: Invisalign requires fewer adjustments compared to braces, reducing the number of orthodontic visits needed.
  • Diet Freedom: You won’t have to restrict your diet with Invisalign as you would with braces, which can be difficult to clean around.

 

Ready to fix crowded teeth? Contact our cosmetic dentist in Woodland Hills by calling 818-491-7294 today to set up your appointment.

patient smiling at the dentist
sedation patient

How Invisalign Fixes Tooth Crowding

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that can be used to treat tooth crowding. It uses clear, removable aligners to gently move teeth into their proper position over time. Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces, as it’s virtually invisible and doesn’t require any brackets or wires.

Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made aligners that are created specifically for each patient. The aligners are made from a clear, flexible plastic material that is comfortable to wear and easy to clean. Patients wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series.

The time it takes for Invisalign to correct tooth crowding varies significantly from person to person, depending on the severity of the crowding and how often and consistently the aligners are worn. It could take anywhere from several months to a few years.

When Tooth Crowding Gets Left Untreated

If you decide not to seek treatment for tooth crowding, several issues can arise, including:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Crowded teeth can make it difficult to clean all the surfaces of your teeth properly. This can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and gum disease.
  • Increased Tooth Wear: Overlapping and crowded teeth may lead to increased wear on certain teeth. This can eventually result in a loss of tooth enamel and an increased risk of cavities or even tooth loss.
  • Aesthetic Concerns: Many people feel self-conscious about having crowded teeth, which can affect their self-esteem and confidence.
  • Difficulty Chewing: Severe crowding can affect the alignment of your bite, making it more difficult to chew food effectively.
  • Speech Difficulties: In some cases, the misalignment caused by crowded teeth can lead to speech problems, such as a lisp.
  • Increased Risk of Accidental Damage: Crowded teeth, especially those that protrude, are more susceptible to being chipped or broken in an accident.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems: In some cases, crowding and misalignment can contribute to TMJ disorders, causing jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms.
woman holding her Invisalign tray

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, tooth crowding can lead to other dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty cleaning teeth. This is because crooked or overcrowded teeth can make it more challenging to brush and floss properly, allowing bacteria to build up and cause dental issues.

In some cases, crowded teeth may be corrected without orthodontic treatment if the crowding is mild. However, if the crowding is severe or causes dental problems, orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign may be necessary to properly align the teeth.

Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. However, treatment time will vary depending on the severity of the tooth crowding and if you have crowding in the upper and lower teeth.

Yes, tooth crowding can get worse over time if left untreated. This is because the pressure from crowded teeth can cause them to shift even further out of place, which can make the problem more severe.

Achieve Your Dream Smile With Invisalign in Woodland Hills!

If you're self-conscious about your smile or experiencing discomfort due to tooth crowding, it's time to act. Dr. Chaves and our team of dental professionals are here to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted with the help of Invisalign clear aligners. Contact our Woodland Hills dental office today at 818-491-7294 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a straighter, more confident smile.
Name(Required)

Please prove you are human by selecting the tree.

I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.

schedule appointment

Name(Required)

Please prove you are human by selecting the flag.