Crowded teeth are a common dental problem among both children and adults. When teeth sit too close together or push through the gum line in areas with no available space, this causes serious problems that call for orthodontic intervention. At Advanced Dental Health Center, our team is proud to offer a way to create a healthier smile by adding space – Invisalign in Green Hills. While many believe only metal braces can be effective at straightening teeth, that’s simply not true. Invisalign offers a clear alternative for patients seeking a more subtle approach to orthodontic treatment. If your oral health is experiencing a negative impact because of crowded teeth, call us to schedule an appointment today.
What Happens When Crowded Teeth Are Left Untreated?
If you take a look at the various oral and health-related problems that can occur as a result of crowded teeth, you’ll see:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological conditions
The items listed above are not the only problems you can face with overcrowding, but they are the most common. Typically, when an individual has crowded teeth, it makes it harder for them to clean between teeth and remove harmful bacteria. If it is allowed to grow and spread, it can cause tooth decay and cavities, as well as gum disease.
If caught in the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, it can be reversed with thorough dental cleanings and proper at-home oral hygiene habits; however, if left untreated, it can advance into periodontitis and result in bone or tooth loss. At this stage, you are more likely to experience health-related issues such as cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions because of the infection that can enter the bloodstream.
The Invisalign Treatment
To prevent any of the problems listed above from occurring, it is best if you seek treatment for your crowded teeth as soon as you can. Your cosmetic dentist in Green Hills will need to evaluate your smile and take X-rays to get a better look at what is happening underneath the gum line before making a decision as to whether you are a candidate for Invisalign.
If so, we will take digital impressions of your mouth to serve as a map and blueprint. The former will allow us to show you a step-by-step process of how your smile will move throughout treatment, and the latter will enable lab technicians to customize your aligners.
Once they are ready, you will return to our office to have the first set placed. You will need to wear your clear trays for 20-22 hours each day for 1-2 weeks. The duration of each set worn will be dependent on the recommendation from our dentists.
When it’s time to switch sets, you will begin to notice your teeth gently shifting in the right direction. This will cause your crowded teeth to open up and create the necessary space that will make it possible to effectively and thoroughly clean them. They will also become straighter in the process, moving into proper alignment. You might experience some minor discomfort, but luckily, it lasts only a few days and can be controlled with a pain reliever medicine.
Throughout your treatment, you will need to remember to remove your aligners prior to eating and/or drinking, and you will need to clean them every morning and night. Once you are finished with treatment, which can typically last, on average, 12-18 months, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from moving back into their original position.