If your teeth do not have enough space, they can become severely misaligned — an issue called crowded teeth. Crowding can make it difficult for teeth to function properly and may cause serious oral health concerns, so it requires swift correction. Unlike cumbersome metal braces to fix crowded teeth, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and efficient treatment option.
Invisalign is a popular clear aligner treatment we offer at 172 NYC Dental. Dr. Sang (Ben) Ahn is a member of our multidisciplinary team and one of the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign practitioners. For over 20 years, Dr. Ahn has specialized in Invisalign treatments, and he is renowned for his ability to transform overcrowded teeth into a gorgeous, harmonious, and fully functioning smile.
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What Are Crowded Teeth?
Dental crowding is an issue that occurs when you do not have enough room in your jaw for your teeth to fit as they should, resulting in misalignment. Crowded teeth can occur in the upper or lower tooth row, causing your teeth to overlap, push together, become displaced, rotate, or get pushed to the front or the back.
Crowding is often inherited. For example, a parent may have excessively large teeth, small jaws, or a combination of both issues. Certain habits and conditions can also contribute to dental crowding. Some of the typical symptoms of crowded teeth include:
- Alignment issues of the upper and lower teeth.
- Difficulties brushing or flossing teeth.
- Noticeable speech problems.
- Poor dental hygiene.
- Biting of the inner cheeks or tongue.
- Altered facial appearance.
- Discomfort when biting or chewing.
- Difficulties breathing.
Does Invisalign Work for Crowded Teeth?
Invisalign is a highly effective treatment plan for cases of crowding and poor spacing. During your initial consultation at 172 NYC Dental, we will determine if Invisalign is a viable corrective option for you by making 3D images of your teeth. These images will give your dentist all the information needed to make a detailed diagnosis.
For many of our patients, Invisalign is an excellent solution for crowded teeth. These advanced clear aligners offer many advantages, as they are:
- Customized to your teeth.
- Comfortable for all-day wear.
- Discreet.
- Convenient.
- Easily removed for cleaning and eating.
How Invisalign Can Fix Crowding
The Invisalign treatment method involves using clear plastic aligners that gradually push the overcrowded teeth into proper alignment. About every two weeks, you will put on a new set of aligners that will move the teeth bit by bit, decreasing overcrowding and creating more space in the mouth. Eventually, all teeth are moved into their correct positions.
The duration of your Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of overcrowding. Once we take impressions of your teeth, your Invisalign trays will be created. Most patients wear each set for about two weeks. The total number of aligners depends on the number of weeks needed to correct the dental crowding. Some patients require two to three months for treatment, while others wear their clear aligners for up to 18 months.