Invisalign for Crowded Teeth: Benefits, Costs, and Treatment Options

Dealing with crowded teeth can be frustrating, affecting your oral health and self-confidence. Fortunately, Invisalign offers a discreet and effective solution for straightening your smile.

Let’s explore how Invisalign treats crowded teeth, its benefits, and the considerations you should make before choosing this treatment.

How Does Invisalign Work For Crowded Teeth?

Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean, which makes them prone to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. However, Invisalign can straighten crowded or misaligned teeth, creating more room between them.

Invisalign can also help address other issues like bite problems and jaw pain, which are sometimes associated with crowded teeth. Aligning your teeth and jaws may provide relief from these conditions and improve your oral function.

Talk to your dentist to see if Invisalign is right for you. Although the long-term benefits can be enticing, you should consider other factors such as cost and other treatment options.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses a clear, custom-made aligner to gradually shift teeth into their proper position. They’re virtually invisible and removable, which means you can eat, drink, brush, and floss without any restrictions.

Here’s how treatment works:

• Treatment begins with an in-person consultation at an orthodontic or dental clinic, where they’ll scan your mouth and design a treatment plan based on those scans.
• They’ll make a series of removable aligners for your upper and lower teeth.
• You should wear them for 22+ hours per day, only taking them out to eat, drink, brush, or floss.
• Every two weeks, the aligners will straighten your teeth by 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters.
• After those two weeks, you’ll return to the orthodontist or dental office for a follow-up appointment. 
• Your orthodontist will check your progress, and you’ll receive another aligner.
• From then on, appointments will occur roughly every six weeks. You’ll continue switching your aligners every two weeks.
• After treatment ends, you’ll receive a personalized retainer to wear at night to keep your teeth straight.

How Long Does it Take Invisalign to Fix Crowded Teeth?

Invisalign may take anywhere between 3 to 18 months to fully straighten teeth. Severely crowded teeth and other complex cases will take longer.

The duration of your treatment depends on how often you wear the aligners and the severity of the misalignment or crowding. 

Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Crowded Teeth

While Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces for addressing crowded teeth, it’s important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.

Invisalign Treatment Cost for Crowded Teeth

The national average for Invisalign treatment can cost between $3,000 to $7,000. However, this can depend on a few factors, including:

• How crowded your teeth are
• The severity and complexity of your dental problem
• Your treatment provider and their location

Additionally, some dental insurance plans can partially cover the cost of Invisalign treatment. Check with your insurance provider to see how much they will cover.

Although Invisalign may not be suitable for everyone, its benefits, such as removability and comfort, make it a popular choice. By understanding the process, weighing the pros and cons, and considering the cost, you can make an informed decision about whether Invisalign is the right path to achieving your perfect smile.