Crooked and crowded teeth are very common among Americans. In 2015, an estimated four million Americans were wearing braces to get their teeth back into alignment.
Crowded teeth create more problems than just altering our appearance. Crowded teeth increase your risk of gum disease and speech problems. They lead to difficulties in chewing and are responsible for chronic bad breath.
The good news is there are easy ways to repair teeth crowding. Let’s explore how to fix crowded teeth once and for all.
Table of Contents
1. How to Fix Crowded Teeth Using Invisalign
Invisalign is a set of clear and removable aligners. Each set is custom-made for the individual using it. Your Invisalign provider will use 3D imaging to take mouth measurements and determine the size of your aligners.
Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth back into place. Each tray of aligners moves teeth .25 mm. Every two weeks, you receive a new set of trays. Each new tray is slightly straighter than the previous ones.
As the teeth shift into alignment, more space opens up around your mouth. Overcrowding reduces as teeth fall into their correct positions. For some people, Invisalign treats overcrowding within a few months. For severe overcrowding, Invisalign may take a couple of years to get all of the teeth back into place.
People love Invisalign thanks to its clear appearance. Compared to metal braces, Invisalign is almost invisible. It also doesn’t restrict users from what they can drink or eat. Instead, individuals can remove and replace the trays when they’re finished eating.
2. Repair Crowded Teeth Using a Retainer
Retainers function similar to braces by slowly moving teeth into their proper places. Most retainers are custom-made for optimal fits.
A retainer uses pressure to move overcrowded teeth. Braces and Invisalign may be needed for severe teeth crowding, but a retainer can be used in minor overcrowding cases. There are two types of retainers commonly used to fix teeth crowding.
Fixed retainers attach to the surface of teeth using dental cement. The sides of the retainer push teeth outward to create more room in the mouth. Fixed retainers are used in the upper or lower jaw.
Hawley retainers are made using metal wires and acrylic. They are made from a dental impression of the teeth and are best for repositioning lower and upper teeth.
Retainers are a viable solution for teeth overcrowding because they are easy to manage. Individuals with minor overcrowding can just wear a retainer at night to keep their teeth aligned.
3. Try Veneers for Crowded Teeth
Veneers can be used when crowding and crookedness isn’t severe. Veneers may not actually straighten your teeth. Instead, they cover up crooked areas to make your teeth appear straighter.
You can get veneers installed by a dentist. Just search porcelain veneers near me on google. Keep in mind veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry. That means the procedure enhances your teeth’s appearance, but may not resolve underlying problems caused by crooked teeth. It also means your insurance may not cover the cost of veneers.
Explore More Lifestyle Topics
Every person is different when it comes to oral care. Invisalign, veneers, and retainers are all suitable options for realigning your teeth. The type of treatment you choose comes down to your individual needs. For example, you can also polish your teeth with the orthodontist in Thousand Oaks.
Now that you know how to fix crowded teeth, explore more health topics on our wellness blog. We have updated articles on beauty trends, sleeping tips, immune health, and more.