Overcrowded teeth are both an aesthetic and an oral health issue. They may make you embarrassed to smile. Worse yet, they may trap food between them and make it difficult for you to prevent bad breath and tooth decay. What can you do to relieve the crowding in your mouth and achieve a healthier, more attractive smile? A cosmetic dentist in Allen is here to discuss some treatment options.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use a series of brackets and wires to reposition teeth, thus relieving crowding and providing a more comfortable bite. They are a time-tested method for addressing all manner of orthodontic issues and are appropriate for most patients. The average treatment time with traditional braces is at least 18 months.
Invisalign
Invisalign in Allen is a popular alternative to braces. Many patients prefer it because instead of using highly visible brackets and wires to move teeth, it uses a series of clear plastic aligners. You simply wear each aligner for 20 – 22 hours each day for about two weeks before moving on to the next in the series. After you finish wearing the aligners, a retainer will help you to keep your new smile in place. Invisalign takes about 12 months on average to finish its job.
Appliances and Retainers
A retainer is usually used to help patients maintain the results of traditional or clear braces. However, a retainer might be able to relieve a degree of crowding on its own. There are various types of retainers; some are removable and are worn only at night, while others are permanently fixed in the mouth.
An appliance that is fixed in the mouth may be able to correct overcrowding by addressing anatomical problems in the jaw. They are generally faster than braces and easier for an orthodontist to install.
Perfecting Your New Smile
In some cases, extractions are necessary to relieve overcrowding. Once one or more teeth has been removed, orthodontic appliances are better able to move the teeth into proper alignment. In some cases, however, there might actually be slight gap left between the teeth after orthodontic treatment. In other cases, traditional braces might leave the teeth looking slightly discolored (the braces themselves do not cause staining, but their effect on oral hygiene might contribute to it).
If your smile is still not perfect after orthodontics relieves your overcrowding, talk to a local cosmetic dentist. Veneers may be able to close that annoying gap, and teeth whitening may be the perfect solution for discoloration.
Crowded teeth stop your smile from reaching its true potential. Your dentist can help you arrange the treatments you need to look and feel your best.
About the Author
Dr. Keyvan Kar is a prosthodontist, general dentist, and cosmetic in Allen. He offers a range of treatments to help patients love the look and feel of their teeth, including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and much more. If you would like to speak to him about addressing your overcrowded teeth or other issues that are affecting your smile’s health and appearance, contact our office at 214-260-9911.