If you are unhappy with the alignment of your teeth or your teen expresses dissatisfaction with their smile, one of the first steps is to determine whether gaps or crowding are the issue. Some people qualify for braces and Invisalign, and some patients benefit from one treatment over the other. No matter what’s happening, orthodontics can correct misalignment with time, patience, and compliance.
Mind the Tooth Gaps with Invisalign
Gaps between teeth indicate there is room in your mouth, and that means moving teeth together can be done effectively and efficiently with various orthodontic treatments. For many people, Invisalign or Invisalign Teen are the top choices and get the job done discreetly.
Clear aligners do not draw attention to your teeth or announce that you’re wearing orthodontics, and their efforts are noticeable within weeks, especially if gaps are the only concern. Closing spaces between teeth alone is one of the simpler orthodontic journeys, especially when compared to gaining space, which is much more challenging.
Expand the Palate for Braces
People who have crowded teeth need to start as early as possible to make major changes to their mouth, palate, and alignment. Ideally, a child with crowded teeth or problematic bite is taken to the orthodontist by age 7 or 8 and prescribed a palatal expander if needed.
Worn for a brief period and adjusted daily at home, this semi-permanent appliance moves the palate apart so there is more room for permanent teeth to erupt without crowding. Expander patients typically need a full round of conventional braces once they reach adolescence, but the timeline may be reduced because of early intervention.
The Common Correction for Crowded Teeth
It’s not always easy to find or create space in the mouth for teeth, which is why expanders are so important. Kids with extremely crowded teeth are not always likely candidates for Invisalign, but starting early with orthodontics can help avoid in-depth braces later – and, remember, braces are available in metal, ceramic, and clear formations so some versions can be as discreet as wearing Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, even if you don’t get the benefits or removing the trays when you prefer.
Causes of Tooth Gaps and Crowding
Teeth with a lot of space between them might be unusually small, protruding, or surrounded by excess gum tissue. A structural abnormality or growth differences in the jaw can influence crowding of teeth. These imbalances can’t be prevented – genetics are a powerful thing – but repositioning of teeth and jawbone can happen with braces and Invisalign.
Ultimately, your Lawrenceville orthodontists will let you know the best type of treatment for the misalignment. Some patients are better suited to braces because of their age while others are good candidates for Invisalign because of their lifestyle and enjoy braces not interfering with their appearance.
All types of orthodontics are a good idea, because not only does this kind of treatment make your smile straight and look its best, it contributes to a healthy mouth, making teeth easier to clean and reducing the number of oral health complications caused by misalignment.
Schedule a consultation with the orthodontists and certified Invisalign providers at Lawrenceville Orthodontics in Lawrenceville or Philadelphia to learn about braces and Invisalign for yourself or your child.