Treatment for Overcrowded Teeth
Orthodontic misalignment, such as crowded, crooked, overlapped, or gapped teeth, can have a negative impact on your appearance and your overall oral health. At our Philadelphia, PA practice, we offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments, which can correct alignment issues for a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Today, Dr. Bruce Wilderman and our team at Artistic Expressions Dentistry discusses treatment for overcrowded teeth.
Why Address Overcrowded Teeth?
In addition to detracting from an attractive smile, overcrowded teeth can be more difficult to clean. As a result, patients with this type of misalignment are more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Further, a balanced bite reduces unnecessary pressure on the jaw joints, resulting in a more functional, healthy smile.
All elements of your smile work together for optimal oral health. Therefore, correcting overcrowded teeth can save you time and money in the long run.
Treatments for Overcrowded Teeth
There are several options for addressing overcrowded teeth. The treatment recommended for you will depend on the severity of the condition and your personal long-term goals. Mild overcrowding may be treatable with dental bonding or porcelain veneers, while more advanced cases often require orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign®
Some individuals do not like the idea of wearing metal braces for one to two years. That is why so many of our patients take advantage of the Invisalign system.
Rather than using metal bands, brackets, and wires to straighten the teeth, Invisalign uses a sequence of custom-made thermoplastic aligner trays. Patients simply switch out the current trays for the next set in the series approximately every two weeks until the desired result is achieved.
Traditional Braces
In certain cases, traditional orthodontics may be more suitable for overcrowded teeth. This is particularly true if the misalignment is severe, or if there are bite issues present.
If your doctor recommends this treatment option, he or she will work alongside a trusted orthodontist to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Dental Bonding
Individuals with mild misalignment may be able to conceal the issue with dental bonding.
To perform this procedure, your dentist will apply a composite resin material to the surfaces of the affected teeth to change their shape and size. In some cases, this can mask the crowding and make the teeth appear straighter and flusher.
Keep in mind this treatment will not work for everyone. Therefore, it is important to discuss your treatment options during a consultation with your dentist.
Porcelain Veneers
Like dental bonding, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment designed to conceal aesthetic flaws. Porcelain veneers are thin, yet strong and durable tooth-shaped fabrications that are affixed to the front surfaces of the teeth.
To prepare the teeth for veneers, some natural enamel must be removed. Therefore, patients who choose this option will need to have their veneers replaced at some point. With proper care and maintenance, however, veneers can last upwards of 20 years.
Contact Artistic Expressions Dentistry
If you are self-conscious about overcrowded teeth or other forms of misalignment, cosmetic treatments at our practice could be a solution for you. We can help design a plan customized to meet your needs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilderman, contact us online or give us a call at (215) 340-1199.
