The Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry uses Invisalign to beautifully align teeth without the headache of traditional braces.

Below is an inquiry from a patient of another dental practice on whether or not Invisalign can help with crowded teeth.

I’m in my mid-40s and had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 17. When I had the teeth extracted, they told me I wouldn’t need braces because having my wisdom teeth removed would allow space for my other teeth. Over the years, my teeth have become somewhat crowded and it’s becoming obvious I will have to do something to fix it if I ever want a nice smile again. Is this something Invisalign can fix? Thanks. Dimitri

Response

Dear Dimitri,

This is a great question that a lot of people might want to know the answer to. We’ll discuss common causes of crowding and how Invisalign can help.

Causes of Crowding Teeth

When teeth start pushing against one another, often seen with front teeth, it’s called overcrowding. Your teeth aren’t permanently set in place; they can and do move around some. That’s why braces or Invisalign can move teeth into alignment. With this in mind, your overcrowding could be a recent development or a genetic inclination. Some common reasons for crowding and shifting teeth are highlighted below.

  • Genetics: Some people have naturally smaller jaws or have teeth that are too wide for their jaws. Others have narrow palates and other oral conditions that can cause tooth malalignment. When teeth don’t come together in a natural way, the constant force of biting can push them out of place.
  • Grinding: Regularly applied force of any kind can shift teeth, just like braces do. Grinding, particularly at night, is a big culprit for adults.
  • Tooth Loss: If a tooth is missing, the other teeth will begin to close the gap, similar to the way water will rush into a hole carved on a sandy beach. It can gradually occur.
  • Oral Health: If you don’t maintain regular cleaning appointments and good care at home, you’ll develop periodontal disease. In the early stage, it can cause bleeding gums, but when it progresses to an advanced stage, you’ll likely have bone loss in your jaw, as well as loose teeth.
  • Poor Dental Work: When dental repairs are not properly completed, poorly shaped crowns, fillings, bridges, and other work may change the bite or begin to push teeth out of alignment.
  • Failure to Wear a Retainer: Because your teeth can move, many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night for life or having a permanent fixed retainer attached to the back of your teeth. Failure to follow the orthodontist’s advice after braces will likely result in some shifting.

Invisalign Can Work for Crowding

If you want your teeth aligned with precision, find out if Invisalign is right for you. The dentists at Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are Invisalign Preferred Providers. Call us to schedule an appointment, or complete our Request an Appointment form.