Case Study: Invisalign for Over-Crowding

It’s a common misconception that Invisalign can only be used if you need minimal straightening, and anything that requires more attention needs metal brackets. A patient of Dr. Kelly’s came in with severe crowding that they wanted to fix. Below are before and after images of what Invisalign can do to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Before

The entire treatment process took about a year. Dr. Kelly placed a permanent wire retainer on the bottom row of teeth to ensure no movement over time and a removable clear top retainer.

After

Before the patient even commits to Invisalign treatment the Doctors at Southview Dentistry can show them a time-lapse video of what to expect throughout the course of their treatment. See the videos below.

Why are more adults getting braces?
As braces have become less bulky and visible in recent years, more and more adults are wearing them, for a variety of reasons. Some adults want to correct problems with their teeth or jaws before they cause serious or further damage. Others want to feel better about their appearance by addressing longstanding cosmetic concerns. Keep in mind that even “cosmetic” problems can cause real damage over time. Teeth and jaws that are not aligned properly can lead to premature wear and tear, advanced tooth decay and gum disease, dentures or other reconstructive solutions and even more extensive surgery to correct serious problems.

New techniques and the advent of clear, less noticeable braces means that adults are increasingly turning to braces to correct:

• Gaps between teeth (spacing)
• Teeth that push against one another (crowding)
• Crooked teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites

How do I know if adult braces are right for me?
If you think you might benefit from braces, ask your dentist. They will look at your teeth and maybe take X-rays to study the underlying bone structure. Based on what they find, a treatment plan will be recommended. While braces are a popular option for fixing misaligned teeth, a dentist can tell you whether you may benefit more from other types of orthodontics like removable retainers, headgear or aligners.

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