Invisalign® and Teeth Crowding | Chicago Dentist Near You

Alleviate Crowded Teeth Discomfort with Invisalign Care

Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. The good news is, a solution exists that is both highly effective and discreet. Invisalign offers a modern, nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without the hassle of metal wires or brackets. At Contos Smile Center, home of the best dentist in Chicago, Dr. Contos helps patients achieve beautifully aligned smiles with Invisalign** for teeth crowding**.

Your path to a more spacious smile begins with a simple, friendly conversation. If you’re in the Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or West Loop areas and are ready to explore the treatment options, we invite you to connect with us. Call (773) 973-0531 for your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Why Choose Dr. Contos for Local Invisalign Treatment?

When considering Invisalign, choosing a local dental provider is a crucial step that can significantly impact your treatment experience and results. At Contos Smile Center in Chicago, we offer a personal approach that sets us apart. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made for each patient using advanced 3D imaging technology. We believe your orthodontic journey should be built on trust, convenience, and a shared commitment to your long-term oral health.

Choosing a local practice like Contos Smile Center means you’re not just a number—you’re a valued member of our community. We are proud to serve patients in Chicago and are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you’ll love for years to come.

What Causes Crowded Teeth?

Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough space in your jaw to accommodate all of your teeth properly, which can become a serious dental issue. This can be caused by a variety of factors:

Genetics: The size of your jaw and the size of your teeth are often inherited traits. If you have a small jaw and large teeth, crowding is more likely to occur.
Early Tooth Loss: If a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth may erupt into a different position, causing crowding.
Late Eruption of Teeth: Conversely, if a permanent tooth is slow to erupt, other teeth can shift and take up its space, leaving no room for it to come in correctly.
Oral Habits: Habits like prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use in childhood can also contribute to dental crowding.
Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause existing teeth to become crowded if there is not enough space.

When Does Tooth Crowding Need to Be Addressed?

While some people consider minor crowding a cosmetic issue, it can lead to more significant problems, including tooth decay, that should be addressed by a Chicago dentist near you.

Dental Health Concerns: Crowded teeth are harder to clean effectively, leading to an increased risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign for teeth crowding can help you achieve a smile that is both beautiful and easier to maintain.
Bite and Jaw Issues: When teeth are misaligned, they may not come together properly. This can lead to uneven wear on the teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches.
Aesthetic and Confidence: For many, crowded teeth can cause self-consciousness, affecting their willingness to smile and their self-esteem.
Enamel Damage: When teeth are crowded, it increases the risk of tooth enamel chipping and damage.

How Does Invisalign Help Correct Overcrowded Teeth?

Invisalign is a highly effective way to correct overcrowding. The process uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gently and progressively move your teeth into their proper places.

Digital Planning: The treatment begins with a precise 3D scan of your teeth. Dr. Contos uses this scan to map out every single tooth movement, creating a plan for your crowded teeth treatment that is both predictable and efficient.
Controlled Pressure: Each aligner applies targeted pressure to your teeth to gradually shift them. For more complex cases of severe crowding, Dr. Contos may use Invisalign attachments for crowding to provide the extra grip and force needed for effective movement.
Creating Space: To create the necessary space for crowded teeth, a technique called interproximal reduction (IPR) may be used. This involves gently filing a tiny amount of enamel from between the teeth to create a bit of room for them to move into alignment.
No Extractions Needed: In many cases, Invisalign can fix crowded teeth without the need for tooth extractions.

Maintaining Your Invisalign Results

After your teeth are perfectly aligned, the journey is not over. To ensure your beautiful new smile lasts a lifetime, you must follow the retention plan provided by your orthodontist.

Consistent Retainer Use: The most important step for maintaining your results is wearing your retainer as directed by Dr. Contos. Your retainer will hold your teeth in their new positions, preventing them from shifting back.
Good Oral Hygiene: Continue the excellent oral health with the habits you developed during your treatment. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for keeping your smile healthy and stable.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins with your dental professional are vital to monitor your smile and retainer, ensuring that the results of correcting crowded teeth with Invisalign treatment are lasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Invisalign effective for correcting severe teeth crowding?

Invisalign is a versatile tool for orthodontic correction and can be effective for many types of crowding. While it is excellent for mild crowding, it can also be used for severe crowding. Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing for better oral hygiene compared to traditional braces. Dr. Contos will assess your specific condition during your consultation to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

How long does the treatment take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment for teeth crowding varies depending on the severity of the case. On average, treatment can last anywhere from six to 18 months, but some cases may be shorter or longer, especially if crowding is left untreated. Treatment for crowded teeth varies based on severity and can last from several months to a few years. Dr. Contos will provide a more precise timeline during your initial consultation after reviewing your unique dental situation.

Will I need to wear a retainer after my teeth crowding correction treatment is complete?

Yes, wearing a retainer after your orthodontic treatment for crowding is crucial. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Dr. Contos will provide you with a custom retainer and give you instructions on how often and for how long you need to wear it, particularly if you have moderate crowding.

How does Invisalign treat crowded teeth?

Invisalign creates space for crowded teeth in several ways, including pushing the teeth into a wider arch and a process called interproximal reduction (IPR). IPR involves gently filing a tiny amount of enamel from between the teeth, creating small spaces for the teeth to move into. This is a common part of the process and helps to achieve a healthy alignment, especially when combined with proper oral hygiene.

Say Goodbye to Overlapping Teeth and Hello to a New Smile With Invisalign!

Your smile is a powerful tool for connection and confidence. Crowded teeth should not hold you back from living your life to the fullest. At Contos Smile Center, we have witnessed the profound change that a corrected, confident smile can bring.

If you’re a resident of the Belmont Cragin, Avondale, or Irving Park neighborhoods, we understand your unique needs and are ready to serve you. Your journey to a healthier, happier bite is just a phone call away. Call our Chicago dental office at (773) 973-0531 today to schedule your consultation and begin your transformation.