What orthodontic treatment is best for my crowded teeth?

No two mouths are created equal, and that means every orthodontic journey will be different for each person. Many people who have crowded teeth want to achieve a straighter smile because crowded teeth can not only have an impact on your appearance and potentially make you feel self-conscious, but it can also impact your oral health. In the worst cases, teeth that aren’t aligned correctly can cause problems with eating and speaking, and a misaligned bite can lead to more serious dental issues later on in life.

If you have crowded teeth and are looking to achieve a prettier smile, the dental team at King Dental in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has a solution for you. Whether it is Invisalign clear aligners, traditional metal braces, retainers, or palate expanders, the knowledgeable team at King Dental will find the best solution to make your smile more aesthetically pleasing. Read on to learn more about the orthodontic solutions available at King Dental.

Invisalign for Mild to Moderate Crowding

When you think of orthodontics, braces may be the first word that comes to mind. However, thanks to developments in dental technology, Invisalign clear aligners are now available for those with mild to moderate crowding of their teeth. Invisalign works best for those who have:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowding
• Gaps between the teeth
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Overbite
• Underbite

Invisalign aligners work by applying pressure to gently move teeth into their proper positions. Every week or two, you will switch to a new aligner, which will change the pressure and help shift your teeth into a new position. Invisalign aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day, but they can be taken out to eat, brush your teeth, and participate in physical activities.

Many patients like the versatility and ease of using Invisalign aligners versus having traditional braces because they are less noticeable. The average Invisalign treatment length is about a year, but this is dependent on the initial state of a patient’s teeth.

Palatal and Mandibular Expanders

If your child or teen is already showing signs of crowded teeth, King Dental has options for early intervention. 

Palatal and mandibular expanders are orthodontic devices that are designed for those with narrow jaws. In general, expanders are used to create more space in the mouth for your child’s adult teeth to come in so they can avoid complex orthodontic treatments later in life. Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw, or palate, and mandibular expanders are used on the lower jaw.

There are several types of these devices, including fixed, removable, rapid expanders, and surgical or implant-supported expanders. No matter which type your child needs, these orthodontic devices are custom-fit specifically for your child. The expanders work to gently apply pressure to the jawbones and slowly widen the jaw over time. For this reason, they will need to be periodically adjusted by your child’s dentist until the correct space is achieved. Most expanders are worn for about a year.

Traditional Braces for Severe Crowding

While Invisalign is a great option for people with mild to moderate crowding, it is not always the best treatment option for those with more complex issues. If your teeth are severely crowded or you’re looking to correct severe bite issues, the best option for you might be traditional metal braces. 

Traditional metal braces require that a metal bracket be affixed to each tooth with flexible wires connecting them together. Through a series of adjustments every few weeks by your orthodontist, the pressure of the wires will slowly shift the teeth into proper alignment. Traditional metal braces are usually worn for about two years to achieve desired results. Often, a retainer is recommended once the braces have been removed to ensure your teeth don’t shift back to their original places. 

Find out which option is right for you!

Because each person’s teeth alignment and bite are different, their orthodontic journey will be different, too. That is why it is so important to book a consultation with King Dental in Virginia Beach to learn about the options available to you.

During a consultation, our knowledgeable team will give you a thorough dental evaluation with X-rays to get a better idea of how your jaw and teeth are aligned. From there, we will discuss what options are best suited for your personal dental situation. Contact us today to begin your journey to straighter teeth and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.