Mary Swift, DDS – General Dentist & Morgan Petty, DDS – General Dentist
Oct
If seeking treatment for teeth that are gapped or crowded, a preferred Invisalign® provider can address this problem using invisible aligners that are designed to shift the teeth into a more desirable position. Learn what it means for a dental professional to be a preferred provider and discover how Invisalign® is used to address gaps in the teeth or overcrowding.
There are several reasons why a person may seek orthodontic care. Teeth that are gapped are crowded are common problems that can affect both a person’s appearance and dental health.
Large gaps in between teeth can make it easy for food to get stuck, while a gap in the front of the mouth can make a person feel self-conscious. Thumb sucking or extended pacifier use are common causes of gapped teeth in children.
Crowded teeth often occur if a person has teeth that are larger than the jaw or if a primary tooth is lost too early. Teeth that are overcrowded are pushed too close together and can cause one tooth or multiple teeth or rotate or overlap. It can be difficult for people to completely remove food and plaque stuck between the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
When the dentist examines the teeth, they will check how big the gaps are and whether the patient is dealing with gum disease as a result of the dental conditions. If the gap is just a few millimeters wide, veneers or dental bonding may be the best treatment. While orthodontic treatment is not always necessary, if the gaps are affecting the patient’s dental health, the dentist will likely advise the patient to get it.
Invisalign is one option available to people seeking treatment for issues with the position of the teeth and jaw. A preferred invisalign provider is experienced in this type of treatment and can address the issues of gapped or crowded teeth.
Prior training is required for any dental professional to treat patients using Invisalign and to become a certified preferred Invisalign provider. However, some dentists or orthodontists are given the preferred provider title depending on how many patients they treat with Invisalign within a given time period and how many people they have successfully treated overall. There are four main tiers used to rank providers based on these criteria:
– Preferred Provider
– Premier Provider
– Elite Provider
– Top 1% Provider
A preferred provider begins by offering the patient a consultation appointment where the doctor can review the individual’s dental history and determine what orthodontic issues are present. By identifying the cause of any gaps or overcrowding, the dental professional can determine if the patient is a good candidate for clear aligners.
Next, the provider scans the patient’s teeth and sends the images to a lab to make the aligners. Patients are provided a set of trays designed to fit tightly around the teeth and gradually shift them. The trays are numbered and each worn for a week or two until the treatment process is over.
Depending on the cause of the issue, the jaw may be widened for teeth that are too close together or gapped teeth may be pushed in closer together. The provider monitors the process over the course of scheduled check-up appointments and makes alterations as needed.
Invisalign’s transparent and removable aligners transform a patient’s smile over time. Traditional metal braces are a terrific solution, but these clear aligners are nearly invisible, so no one will know that the patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment. Individuals can eat, brush, and floss normally since the aligners are removable.
Invisalign can correct most instances of moderate to severe tooth crowding effectively. Before beginning the Invisalign treatment, patients may need to have additional procedures like tooth extraction or teeth shaving if the crowding is really severe and the patient’s bite is unfavorable. The dentist may suggest extending the arch to widen the palate and create more room for the teeth.
The invisible, custom-made aligners are designed to straighten your teeth without disrupting the patient’s daily routine. Patients will only need to rinse and brush their aligners once a night and replace them every two to three weeks.
By meeting with a Preferred Invisalign Provider, you can discover if invisible aligners can help with your gapped or crowded teeth. Schedule an initial consultation to learn more.
Request an appointment here or call Dallas Laser Dentistry at (469) 838-5292 for an appointment in our Dallas office.