Invisalign for Overcrowding
If a patient has crowded teeth, the amount of space for permanent teeth to erupt is limited. This makes it harder for teeth to grow in straight, leading to misalignment and crooked teeth. Invisalign for overcrowding can straighten your teeth to make them easier to clean for a healthier mouth.
Dr. Jason Hecht and Dr. Alex Hecht customize the Invisalign® clear aligners to correct overcrowding in our Staten Island, NY, office. The aligners gently move your teeth into their correct places over time. During a consultation, our team will perform a comprehensive assessment and personalize a plan to improve your teeth and oral health.
What Causes Overcrowding?
When the teeth develop larger than the jaw, this can cause overcrowded teeth. Genetics often cause this scenario. As a result, teeth can twist, overlap, and not fit in the mouth properly. In other cases, genetics leads to people having a smaller jaw that can cause crowded teeth. If a primary tooth falls out too early, other teeth might grow into the space.
Types of Overcrowding
In our Staten Island dental office, we will determine the severity of your overcrowding. The condition can fall into the following categories:
- Mild: In mild cases, you might have one anterior tooth in the upper or lower jaw that’s slightly rotated.
- Moderate: Moderate overcrowding involves at least two or three anterior teeth in the upper or lower jaw that overlap.
- Severe: In the most severe cases, most of the anterior teeth are overcrowded in the upper or lower jaw. Patients might experience more extensive biting issues due to the severity of the misalignment.
What Is the Invisalign Process?
Dentists typically treat overcrowded teeth with braces. Qualifying patients who do not want traditional metal braces can opt for Invisalign. These aligners straighten teeth and realign the bite.
At your consultation, our dentists will examine your teeth to determine the severity of your overcrowded teeth. The doctor will take x-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to ensure the aligners fit appropriately. Lab technicians will develop a 3D model and rendering of your teeth. It also shows how your teeth will move to the correct positions.
Our office will check the models to determine their preciseness. Once we are content, we will place the order for the lab to produce the trays. It can take up to a month to receive the aligners.
How Do I Wear Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are customized and designed for you to wear in a specific order. In our Staten Island office, we will explain how to properly wear the aligners. You should wear each tray for approximately two weeks before moving to the next set in the series. Although you need to wear your aligners most of the day, you can remove them to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.
If you do not wear your aligners for the appropriate amount of time, this can delay your progress, and subsequent aligners might not fit as intended.
How Long Will I Wear Invisalign?
Since every patient is different, we cannot give an exact timeline. However, during your consultation and throughout treatment, we can provide a general timeframe.
After treatment is complete, your dentist will place retainers to keep your teeth from shifting back into their original positions. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding appropriate retainer wear following treatment.
Schedule an Invisalign Appointment
If you want to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign, schedule a consultation at our office. You can reach us at (718) 705-4434 for an appointment today.