When teeth don’t have enough space in the jaw or are displaced, they begin to push together, overlap, and sometimes rotate. This is called teeth crowding, and it can occur anywhere in the upper or lower dental arches. Although the majority of cases are not cause for serious medical concern, teeth crowding can make it difficult to maintain proper dental hygiene, and lead to an increased risk of cavities.
Invisalign is a popular clear aligner treatment used to correct this issue, for both preventative and aesthetic reasons. In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Invisalign as a crowding treatment, as well as several alternatives if Invisalign isn’t the right fit for you.
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Whether it’s an entire row of overlapping teeth or just two that refuse to line up with the others, crowding can be a nuisance. It doesn’t just make oral hygiene difficult. It can also discourage you from smiling for photos or laughing with friends. But don’t worry — you’re not stuck with crowded teeth for life. It’s easy to treat, and you’ve got a few quality options.
Invisalign is a popular choice, for both preventative and aesthetic reasons. In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of Invisalign as a crowding treatment, as well as several alternatives if Invisalign isn’t the right fit for you.
What Is Teeth Crowding?
When teeth don’t have enough space in the jaw or get displaced, they push together, overlap, and sometimes rotate. This is called teeth crowding, and while it most commonly appears in the front six top or bottom teeth, it can occur anywhere on the upper or lower dental arches.
Although most cases are not cause for serious medical concern, teeth crowding can make flossing and brushing more difficult, not to mention decrease the confidence you have in your smile. Those are reasons enough to get your teeth straightened, but they’re not the only potential symptoms.
Since crowded teeth distribute your bite pressure unevenly, they can cause jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on your enamel. They can also trap plaque in hard-to-reach places, making them harder to clean. That puts you at greater risk of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
What Causes Teeth Crowding?
Crowding is often an issue of insufficient space — like a jaw that’s too small for the teeth, or simply too many teeth for the space available. This forces them to compete for space, often pushing together and overlapping.
However, crowding can also occur if you lose your baby teeth too early or too late. Losing them prematurely can cause your permanent teeth to drift, while losing them too late can make them erupt at an irregular angle.
Finally, teeth can shift and crowd as we get older. As the jaw bone and its connecting ligaments weaken with age, it’s quite common for middle-aged and older adults to notice crowding — especially overlapping bottom front teeth — that may not have been present at a younger age.
Can Invisalign Correct Teeth Crowding?
Yes! Cases of crowding and spacing were Invisalign’s specialty when the technology first emerged 20 years ago, and it remains a highly effective treatment option to this day. Invisalign offers a treatment that’s less intrusive than traditional braces without sacrificing results, all for around the same cost ($5,000 on average).
That’s not to say Invisalign hasn’t evolved over the years. They’ve leveraged advances in dental technology to expand their capabilities and effectively treat more conditions. So, even if your case of crowding is compounded by a bite misalignment like overbite or underbite, Invisalign may still be a viable option for you.
When paired with appliances like elastics and palatal expanders, or procedures like tooth shaving and extraction, Invisalign can achieve drastic smile transformations. Dentists can also employ Invisalign’s “Smartforce” attachments — small tooth-colored shapes affixed to individual teeth that allow for more intricate movements. These attachments allow your dentist to shift a specific tooth, as opposed to the entire top or bottom row. While many tooth crowding cases only require standard clear aligners, these supplemental treatments give your dentist a variety of tools to craft a program that delivers the specific results you desire.
That said, Invisalign isn’t the most affordable option on the market. Even though you might receive insurance coverage (depending on your plan), the average cost of Invisalign is $3,000–$8,000. Yet given their power, quality, and long track record of stunning results, that cost might just be worth it for you.
What’s It Like to Wear Invisalign?
Adults often favor Invisalign over braces because they’re 1) clear, and 2) removable. This means that they’re much less noticeable, and you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or attend an important meeting or other special occasion. If your treatment plan includes Smartforce attachments, they’ll stay on the entire time — but again, they’re hardly noticeable.
Invisalign is also typically more comfortable than braces. Since they’re made of plastic, clear aligners irritate the cheeks and tongue far less than metal wires and brackets. Of course, moving your teeth always causes some discomfort, no matter which treatment you pick. Most people find Invisalign the most uncomfortable the first few days after starting a new set of aligners, which you’ll typically do about once every two weeks. But overall, Invisalign offers more comfort and flexibility than conventional braces.
On the flip side, Invisalign treatment requires a lot more discipline than traditional braces. Since Invisalign trays are removable, you have to wear them for 22 hrs each day to align your teeth and jaws successfully and finish your treatment on schedule. If you’re not motivated enough to play through the pain for the long-term payout — or frequently forget to wear them — Invisalign might be TOO flexible of an option for you.
Alternative Invisible Aligners
While Invisalign pioneered the mass-market clear aligner and remains among the most popular providers out there, there are a few other clear aligner brands that can match them in effectiveness and efficiency. Plus, there’s a whole new industry on the rise for at-home teeth aligner brands that don’t require a single trip to the dentist.
Whether you’re simply interested in an alternative clear aligner brand or you’re looking to correct your crowding from home, there’s most likely a solution on this list for you. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most popular alternatives to Invisalign.
In-Office Brands
Align Tech (makers of Invisalign) is no longer the only company that partners with dentists and orthodontists to provide treatment with clear aligners. Like Invisalign, these treatments include regular in-person care from your dentist or orthodontist, and they can all incorporate attachments and appliances to correct severe cases of crowding and even bite issues.
- ClearCorrect: Founded in 2006, ClearCorrect isn’t as experienced as Invisalign, but they’ve still been delivering quality results for over a decade. They typically charge dentists and orthodontists less for lab fees, which can make their aligners slightly more affordable. Plus, they have multiple treatment plans — including one where you pay per aligner — so they can tailor your plan to your condition.
Check out our full ClearCorrect review to learn more.
- SureSmile: Another one of Invisalign’s oldest competitors, SureSmile launched its clear aligners in 2007. It can treat the same scope of misalignments as Invisalign, and the company says that their patients are less likely to need refinements after treatment. Despite this, they boast lower prices and, since they don’t have a specific mandatory scanner, providers can save money and pass those savings on to you.
Interested? Read through our complete SureSmile review for more.
- 3M Clarity Aligners: 3M — the company behind Scotch Tape and Post-Its — creates clear aligners with incredible teeth-moving power thanks to their unique attachment placement. They’re only available to orthodontists, who can use two different proprietary materials to deliver a treatment highly customized to your condition. Since 3M also makes Clarity Clear Braces, orthodontists can also design a combination treatment that uses them simultaneously with aligners.
Our full 3M Clarity Aligners review has a ton more information.
Home Invisible Aligners:
In recent years, several online companies have entered the industry to provide a more affordable option for adults seeking to correct mild tooth and jaw misalignments from home. Similar to Invisalign, you’ll receive a set of clear, removable aligners customized to your teeth by a dental professional. But unlike Invisalign, they don’t require any trips to the dentist’s office — and treatment often costs a lot less. They can’t handle severe misalignments or significant bite issues, but they’re a convenient choice for milder cases.
- Byte: Byte’s claim to fame is their ability to deliver impressive results even faster than the competition — their average treatment plan length is just 4–5 months. Plus, they put a lifetime guarantee on your smile, and for those who’d prefer to straighten their teeth at night, they offer “At-Night” aligners designed with premium materials to withstand nighttime teeth grinding.
See our comprehensive review of Byte for an in-depth look at their services.
- Candid: Candid started as a fully remote clear aligner service, but have since shifted to a hybrid treatment that combines elements of in-office and at-home care. After an initial in-person consultation and examination with a local dentist, you’ll check in virtually via their CandidMonitoring service every 14 days for the rest of your treatment. It usually costs $3,500 or more, but you’ll get a higher level of care than other at-home options.
Our complete Candid review has a lot more important information.
- SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub was one of the first companies to offer at-home clear aligner treatment and continues to be the most popular option. Founded in 2014, SmileDirectClub has treated over 1.5 million patients to date. With SmileShops across the country where you can get a free teeth scan, they’ve also gone the extra mile to make the treatment process as easy as possible. Plus, they have a lifetime smile guarantee and extensive refund policies.
Check out our SmileDirectClub review for a deep dive into their treatment.
Other Treatment Options
Braces
If you think you’d have trouble integrating Invisalign into your day-to-day routine, it might be worth considering traditional braces instead. Braces are one of the most trusted and time-tested treatment options for teeth crowding, especially more severe or complex cases. Adults might shy away from the metal brackets involved, but their transformative results are undeniable. Not to mention that recent dental technology has engendered the development of new, less visible styles, like clear braces that blend in with your teeth and lingual braces that are positioned behind them.
Traditional braces generally take 12–30 months and the average cost of braces is $3,000–7,000. However, teeth crowding cases are usually much simpler than, for example, bite misalignments, so they often fall into the lower end of both ranges. Read more about types, effectiveness, outcomes and much more in our guide to correcting tooth crowding with braces.
Palatal Expanders
Certain cases of teeth crowding stem from an undersized upper and/or lower jaw, and in these cases, widening the roof of the mouth (the palate) or lower dental arch may correct the issue. Expanders are metal devices that a dentist bonds to the inside of the upper or lower dental arches. By adjusting the expander, your dentist can control the widening of each arch, providing more space for your teeth to move into alignment.
Dentists sometimes pair palatal expanders with other orthodontic treatments, but they can also work on their own, depending on your specific issue. After examining your crowding, a dentist can tell you if palatal expanders could be an effective solution.
Final Thoughts
With decades of proven results, Invisalign has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and effective treatments for teeth crowding. The program can transform smiles like traditional braces, with the added benefit of being invisible and removable. But no treatment is without its downsides. Invisalign requires more discipline than braces, and costs significantly more than home teeth aligners.
Weigh the pros and cons of each treatment to find one that’s right for your specific circumstances. You should also visit a dentist for a professional analysis of your teeth. With all this information in your pocket, you can choose the ideal path for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix teeth crowding?
You’ve got several options, but the best one depends on your specific case and circumstances. Braces are a popular solution, particularly for severe crowding and cases that involve a bite misalignment. Invisalign is similarly powerful and a good option for people who want or need in-person care, but would rather avoid brackets and wires. If you have a milder case, you can also complete treatment remotely with an at-home clear aligner service like Byte or SmileDirectClub.
What happens if you don’t fix teeth crowding?
In the near term, it probably won’t cause any serious issues. However, crowded teeth can wear down your enamel unevenly, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
What causes dental crowding?
Crowding typically comes from insufficient space — because your jaw is too small for your teeth, your teeth are too big, or you have extra teeth. When these teeth compete for limited space, they can overlap each other. It can also develop from losing baby teeth too soon or too late.
Do overcrowded teeth hurt?
Sometimes, but it’s usually not excruciating. Since crowded teeth can distribute your bite pressure unevenly, it can cause soreness in certain teeth, your gums, and your jaw.
How long does Invisalign take to fix crowded teeth?
Invisalign treatment often takes 12–18 months, but it depends almost entirely on the severity of your crowding. Minor cases can take just a few months, while severe ones might take even longer.
Can crowded teeth get worse?
Yes. As your teeth continue to push on each other, and as your misalignment continues to cause uneven wear on them, your crowding can worsen. Additionally, the bone density loss that comes with age can shrink your jaw, pushing your teeth even closer together.
Will insurance help pay for Invisalign?
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment could be covered in part or in full. To learn more, visit our guide on insurance coverage for Invisalign.
Are at-home aligners a good Invisalign alternative?
Only if you are making cosmetic changes to your tooth alignment. If you have larger or complex shifts to make, you must use an in-office treatment. If you are unsure where your case falls, most remote clear aligner companies will refund the cost of your impression kit if you are not a candidate.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Not in the same way that braces do. Braces irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and cause tenderness of the teeth. Aligners can also cause tenderness to bite pressure, but they rarely hurt the soft tissues unless they’re cut wrong.
Customer Ratings
- Results: 1 through 29 out of 29 resultsLyndsey R.Lexington, SC11 months ago
Before
ProgressMy teeth have always been crooked. For a long time, I simply didn’t care. It was one of the few things about myself that didn’t make me self conscious. But once I turned 30, I started to feel like I had the smile of a middle schooler and I became a lot more conscious of it. So I finally decided to take the plunge and do it. I’m glad I did. I’m only on tray 11 of 33, so my progress is by no means amazing, but I can see that my arch has widened and my teeth are moving. I can’t wait to have straight teeth. The first week of Invisalign is awful, but it doesn’t take long to adjust and now I barely notice my aligners. They’re only a minor inconvenience. Discomfort has been minimal and so far I seem to be tracking as expected. The only complaint I have is that it seems providers aren’t as forthcoming or transparent about certain aspects of treatment. Many patients don’t know about attachments, the lisp, the possibility of IPR or bands, rescans and tracking issues, refinements (!!), and retainers for life. I knew a few of these things from my own research, but the dentist’s office didn’t tell me any of this ahead of time. And judging from the Invisalign support group I’m a member of on Facebook, this seems to be a trend across the board, not just with my provider. So my advice is to do your research and most of all comply with all the guidelines. It takes some discipline, but it’s worth it for pretty teeth!
Danica C.Saint Johnsbury, Vermont1 year ago
Before-ProgressI had been self conscious about my smile all of my life. I should have had braces as a teen, but it was not in my family’s budget. I am getting married in October of 2021 and I decided to finally get a smile I love before my wedding. My main concern was crowding and over jet. I read other reviews about clear aligners and decided to go with Invisalign through a local orthodontist. The impression process was very quick and easy. The tech took a digital impression of my teeth to send to Invisalign and then I received my aligners in about 4 weeks.
I have attachments (or buttons) on most of my teeth, which make the aligners a little more noticeable than I would have liked, but the attachments help move the teeth more efficiently. They are still far less noticeable than traditional braces and most people don’t even notice I have them until I mention it. The first week was rough. I had an extremely hard time getting the aligners off of my teeth because of the attachments.
Once you get the hang of it the process becomes much more manageable. I can now pop my aligners out in a few seconds. I change my trays once a week and my teeth are usually sore the first day of a new tray. For me it is very manageable with Tylenol. I am only 13 weeks in of my initial 30 trays and I LOVE the results I see so far. My top front teeth were the ones I have always been the most self conscious about. They already look so much better! I don’t have insurance and am paying out of pocket. The price for me was pretty steep at $7500.
My orthodontist allows me to make monthly payments that are manageable for me. The price includes my initial treatment, all my office visits, and refinements if needed. Overall, I feel it is worth it to be confident in my smile. I highly recommend Invisalign through an experienced orthodontist!
Lakyn H.Houston, TX2 years ago
Before
Before
Progress
ProgressWhenever I was deciding on clear aligners, I was initially going to do Smile Direct Club. After doing some research and joining a group on social media that discusses the process of having Smile Direct, I was nervous and afraid to use them. I saw people complaining of receiving the wrong aligner in the mail or receiving a cracked aligner, then I also saw people complaining about customer service and the overall process. After hearing all of these complaints, I decided to use Invisalign to correct my teeth crowding.
I went into my dentist’s office to get a 3D scan of my teeth and then about 6 weeks later I came back to the office to receive my aligners. One thing I wish I had known ahead of time about Invisalign is that most cases need “buttons” or the little teeth colored anchor points to be glued onto your teeth so that the aligners are able to shift and adjust. At first, I was intimated by the buttons on my teeth and was worried about it making my Invisalign trays more noticeable, but now I don’t even notice them! The process of getting the buttons on my teeth took a few hours, but now I just go to the dentist’s office every 30 days for a check-up to ensure my teeth are tracking correctly and my dentist gives me 3 trays at a time.
My total treatment plan was 27 trays for 10 days, so about 270 days total. I am over 1/3 of the way done with my treatment and I am happy with the improvement to my smile! The trays don’t bother me at all and I have adjusted my lifestyle to fit the Invisalign, by snacking less, brushing more, and hardly ever drinking dark-colored liquids. I would highly recommend Invisalign for someone who can afford to pay a little more than the competitors to ensure that you are getting the best quality service and you are going to have a great smile in the end!
Grace F.Chicago9 months ago
Before
Before
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ProgressI decided to do Invisalign because I was self-conscious about my smile and heard from other friends that they were very satisfied with their Invisalign treatment. My dentist Dr. Hoffman has been very helpful throughout the whole process. I was impressed to see results in just the first month of wearing them and now it’s been almost 6 months and I’m very pleased. Unfortunately I was hoping I could be done with them in 5 months and it is going to be longer – maybe about 8 months. But I’m not being charged any extra money for the longer treatment and think it’s worth it to put the time and effort in now.
Monali P.Glassboro, NJ9 months ago
Before
Before
ProgressFor me, I never has braces as a kid. While my teeth were not horrible, I did have one tooth that was crooked that prevented me from taking picture with my left side prominent. I always loved a beautiful smile and thought I needed to focus on mine. I chose Dr. Bowen bc she is an orthodontist and she was nice with a brand new office and fair pricing. I did have issues with cankersores in the beginning but those resolved after a few trays. I am pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to wear and I am happy I went with them.
Yasmine R.San Diego9 months ago
Before
ProgressI wanted Invisalign because I was tired of feeling insecure every time I had to smile. I chose this current office due to the friendliness of the staff and the very reasonable price for the entire treatment. Previously, I had contacted multiple offices but they did not have as great of an offer as San Diego Smile Pros did. I recommend San Diego Smile Pros and I also recommend the Invisalign treatment to those who want to feel confident when they smile. My treatment is not over yet but I am very happy with the progress. I feel happy smiling now and will be even happier once the entire process is complete. The first two weeks were the most painful but after that, everything became easy and I love that I can still eat whatever foods I want to. Something else that I love is how you have to keep your trays and teeth clean after every meal so this makes you brush your teeth multiple times a day. I love Invisalign.
Stephanie K.Lakewood CO1 year ago
Before
ProgressI was told by a few different dentists that I had TMJ and an overbite slightly from that. I also grind my teeth at night and my enamel was wearing off so the aligned would help train my jaw to separate my teeth from grinding and my jaw to go back to being aligned straight again.
I chose my dentist and this company because my dentist was an acclaimed Invisalign expert and he has a patent on modifiers that are added into my trays to help my jaw, where I can’t get that anywhere else. The process for getting the best results and proper treatment was much more through than a mail at home kit. It is much pricier than other companies but I can already feel my jaw alignment has changed in a few weeks alone. I can see and feel progress in my jaw especially.
Leslie H.Rapid City, SD1 year ago
Before
ProgressUsing Invisalign has been pretty easy and mostly painless. I am seeking to correct overjet, crowding, overbite, and bite issues. It’s mostly cosmetic but my confidence is already through the roof!
For me, it’s a struggle to remember to brush and put them back in immediately after drinking coffee or eating. I thought I’d have to give up eating as much or drinking coffee, but that really hasn’t been the case! Personally, i don’t think my buttons on my teeth have stained, either. As far as pain goes, the first few days in a tray (I change weekly) are a little uncomfortable but it was never unbearable.
I went through a local orthodontist for my Invisalign – although the price was pretty steep, I recommend it highly. The scan was a little uncomfortable. They take 1,000s of photos of your teeth with a little tool while prying your mouth open. For anyone who’s had to do a dental impression, it’s way more accurate and not as awful as that. No bad tasting goo!
My advice is to at least get a consultation to see how much it’ll be. And make sure you articulate your desired results to your otho/provider. It’s important that they know what you want out of this, as well!
Leticia O.Stow, OH1 year ago
Before
ProgressI chose Invisalign over other clear aligners because I knew an orthodontist would be able to see me in person to check my progress and see me for any emergencies that may arise. I’ve also heard how other clear aligners can leave your teeth worse than before so I chose Invisalign which has been around for much longer. I have overall loved the experience!
I still have 2 months to go but I have seen so much change. The best part is not having metal braces and having to have them tightened every month. I’m also an adult and I don’t have to look like a child wearing braces. I would definitely consider Invisalign to those who qualify for it. I had braces when I was younger but my teeth crowded up again after losing my retainer. My teeth shifted much faster with Invisalign and with almost no pain and discomfort.
Mallory H.Hoboken1 year ago
After
Before
After
BeforeI considered aligners for quite a while, but only when I was wearing a mask everyday at work did I decide to move forward with a treatment. I was skeptical at how invasive or burdensome it would be, but I got used to it very quickly. I chose Invisalign because it was the most well known company, and because it included consistent oversight from a professional to avoid any issues. My original timeline was estimated to be 8 weeks, but by the end there was a space created that I wanted to close, adding on another month. Thankfully I never needed Invisalign’s customer service directly, as I met monthly with my dentist to check in. Invisalign was perfect for me since I preferred the option of having a dentist to follow the treatment, versus other companies where you are “on your own”. I started the treatment to align my front two teeth and am finally happy with my smile 🙂
Emily H.Atlanta GA1 year ago
Before
ProgressI have been wanting to mainly fix some crowding with my bottom row of teeth for some time now. I had braces as a kid and as I have grown, my teeth shifted and crowding became worse. I started my journey with Invisalign back in January and am currently on tray 16. So far the process has been fairly easy and I have been switching to a new tray once a week. Scanning was super easy at the beginning and I was just re-scanned to assess how well my teeth have already moved.
So happy I went with Invisalign, as most people can’t even tell when I have my aligners in place and they barely show up in photos. I am already so pleased with my results and can’t wait to see the final product!
Kat P.Boston, MA9 months ago
Before
ProgressI was nervous to try Invisalign because of the 22 hour per day commitment but once I got over the first few days, wearing Invisalign felt natural. My dentist varies the amount of time I wear each aligner based on the amount of teeth movement so sometimes it’s 10 days and others it is 7. It is so much more manageable than I thought. With each set of aligners, it’s so exciting to see the movement. I am really happy with my progress.
Lin Z.Alexandria11 months ago
Before
ProgressI was referred to Blessed Smile, and they way they treat their patience is with incredible courtesy, which I liked.
My bite was affecting the health of my teeth, so I decided to get Invisalign since I was not too keen on having braces as an adult.
Although the cosmetic improvements have been great to my smile, health was definitely my number one priority, which is why I ultimately look the plunge to go for it.
Leslie H.Rapid City, SD1 year ago
Before
ProgressI was hoping to correct crowding, overjet, overbite, and a smaller arch. I’ve done traditional braces before but had to stop treatment for a number of reasons – Invisalign has surpassed my expectations. I’m hardly in pain, I can talk and smile with confidence, and the results are already great. I’m only halfway through, and it’s already showing results. Teeth scan was uncomfortable but nothing like impressions. Aligners came back quickly!
Nikki S.New York1 year ago
Before
Before
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Progress
ProgressInvisalign was the best decision I’ve ever made for my teeth! I never had braces and my teeth have shifted in my life and I really wanted to have a straight smile. I found an orthodontist who is a top provider, got scanned, and got started! Scanning for the trays is so easy! It’s a tool that scans your whole mouth electronically to send to Invisalign to create trays to make your new smile. You can eat and drink whatever you want after you take the aligners out. Then just clean them and brush your teeth and put them back in for 22 out of 24 hours each day! I love them!
Juan Carlos Ceballos TorresArlington2 years ago
Before
Progress
Progress
AfterI love Invisalign, this is such a great invention and it is very effective. My treatment is almost half way and I am so happy so far. No pain, no issues. I chose Invisalign because it is most famous one and my provider advised me to choose this brand. I am hoping to correct my teeth crowding, mainly in the bottom teeth. I have no experience with customer support. I did the impressions, but my dentist did it for me. I’d totally recommend Invisalign.
Kate B.Ambler, Pennsylvania1 year ago
Before
ProgressI chose to get Invisalign after my teeth had shifted considerably. I had braces as a kid and got away from wearing my retainers. I looked at multiple clear aligner companies but went with Invisalign due to its history and because a well respected orthodontist in my area uses them exclusively and offers a great price. I wanted a tried and true method and to be observed by an experienced orthodontist. Everything has been great so far. I’ve been well supported and would recommend Invisalign to anyone. I think good dentistry is worth the price.
Sara S.Bellflower, CA1 year ago
Before
ProgressI got Invisalign for minor issues. A lot of people said it was a waste of time and money but I ultimately decided to go for it because all those Zoom calls looking at myself made me slightly self conscious of my smile. Plus I wanted to lose weight which did not happen. I actually ended up gaining weight! Anyways, I wouldn’t recommend for someone with very minor issues…. But if I had crooked teeth, I’d definitely get them. Provider was not good and very inpatient
Natasha C.Crystal, MN1 year ago
After
BeforeI like Invisalign because the orthodontist is working directly with my TMJ doctor to ensure the process goes smoothly. I’m still in treatment but so far it’s going well.
Tyler B.Memphis, TN2 years ago
Before-AfterOkay, let me start off by saying that if you can’t afford to do the best of the best when it comes to clear aligners, stay away from the cheaper options and wait until you can. Based on my before and after pics, you will see that I didnt need a TON of movement. This is why invisible aligners were good for me. If you have a really, really, bad set of teeth then you need to go with traditional braces, really.
I have a friend that tried to do the invisible aligners with smile direct club for about half of what I paid ($6500). He ultimately spent more than I did because after that mess, he had to go get real braces. So, if you are like me (see pictures) and have good dental health and just need a little bit of movement, save up and do it right with Invisalign.
Erica W.Lakewood, CO2 years ago
Before-AfterI do not see lot of progress. This was a big investment. I save a lot of money for this one. I was told to use metal braces. These work okay for me. I need more patience with my set. You can see my progress at my bottom teeth. Good results. Some minor changes in the others. I think this price is too high for my results. Maybe some find better results. For me it is something I might not do again. But I am not mad. I just want perfect teeth like the movie stars.
Laura C.Minneapolis, MN2 years ago
ProgressI went with Invisalign because I needed ipr and the mail order liners don’t include that. I had overcrowding and was in a hurry to get my teeth straightened before my wedding. My teeth have been tracking exactly with the Clincheck so I feel that they are well qualified with teeth movement. The process has been very easy and wearing the trays is pretty simple with very little pain and discomfort. I’ve been very happy with the process.
Madeline Q.Stafford, VA1 year ago
Before
AfterI chose to purchase aligners because I’ve never liked my smile. I chose Invisalign because it was the best option financially for me and more convenient than wearing braces at 24. So far I have 8 trays left and the experience has been AMAZING, I didn’t think Invisalign would work this great due to how bad my teeth were. I am doing my Invisalign treatment through a local dentist office and the impression kit and support has been amazing so far. I would give them 10 stars if I could.
I would definitely recommend Invisalign to anyone looking into aligners.
Natasha C.Minnesota2 years ago
Before-AfterChose Invisalign at orthodontics office next door to my TMJ pain management clinic because they work closely together. I have malocclusion, an open bite, and narrow arches that Invisalign is treating. I’m on tray 30 out of 81 so I am still in treatment.
Cameron S.Andrews, SC7 months ago
After
BeforeThe care was a breeze, and I was able to skip many dentist visits because I was able to use the scan box. I used a child size toothbrush to clean my aligners(its easier to work with and fits down in their). I was very pleased with my experience, I do wish my timeline was a little more accurate tho, I went from one year, to two.
But, My daughter is going into Invisalign next!
Jeremy W.Atlanta8 months ago
Before
ProgressI purchased aligners with the goal of straightening my teeth, fixing my bite, managing my periodontal disease, and address bone loss in my two lower medial incisors. I chose Dr. Green because he was friendly, energetic, engaged, and a phenomenal musician. My expectations have been surpassed, as this has been such a simple and streamlined journey. Throughout treatment, I’ve received nothing but the most professional guidance from Dr. Green and his team. I laud their good work and was positively surprised with how straightforward this process has been.
Mackenzie D.Little Rock7 months ago
Progress
ProgressI have been self conscious about my very crooked bottom teeth for years. I am getting married this year, and decided it was finally time to go ahead and do Invisalign. My treatment was able to be “rushed,” meaning I will be done much sooner. This does mean I have to change aligners every week, instead of every two. They are a bit tighter/more uncomfortable when you first switch them on this time table. They are mildly inconvenient, just in terms of being out and about, and not really having a great way to clean them if you’re out to eat.
Sumeet S.Newport Beach, CA6 months ago
After
After
After
BeforeI was highly recommended to Dr. Attai for Invisalign treatment. He was a leading expert for Invisalign and also an educator for Invisalign so I trusted his expertise. I went with Invisalign over other treatment options because it has a long standing reputation of great results and allowed for more of a natural appearance (no metal braces) while in treatment. My profession requires me to be in front of customers/clients and having clear aligners helps. I had braces when I was younger, but had minor shifts that I wanted to correct and Invisalign corrected it all. I highly recommend Invisalign!
Susan F.CAMARILLO, CA6 months ago
ProgressInvisalign has been a great and challenging experience. I can see the end result and looks amazing but it’s been a struggle with clear trays. I didnt know that attachments were going to be added to several of my teeth and keeping the trays in for 22 hours is difficult. In the end though, I would do it again and would still choose to do clear trays over braces and I’m happy with the end result (hopefully only three more trays). Another added note is that the treat has taken longer than orginally discussed, however my dentist has been great if a tooth isnt tracking and new trays are needed.
Results: 1 through 29 out of 29 resultsFrequently Asked Questions
How do you fix teeth crowding?
You’ve got several options, but the best one depends on your specific case and circumstances. Braces are a popular solution, particularly for severe crowding and cases that involve a bite misalignment. Invisalign is similarly powerful and a good option for people who want or need in-person care, but would rather avoid brackets and wires. If you have a milder case, you can also complete treatment remotely with an at-home clear aligner service like Byte or SmileDirectClub.
What happens if you don’t fix teeth crowding?
In the near term, it probably won’t cause any serious issues. However, crowded teeth can wear down your enamel unevenly, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
What causes dental crowding?
Crowding typically comes from insufficient space — because your jaw is too small for your teeth, your teeth are too big, or you have extra teeth. When these teeth compete for limited space, they can overlap each other. It can also develop from losing baby teeth too soon or too late.
Do overcrowded teeth hurt?
Sometimes, but it’s usually not excruciating. Since crowded teeth can distribute your bite pressure unevenly, it can cause soreness in certain teeth, your gums, and your jaw.
How long does Invisalign take to fix crowded teeth?
Invisalign treatment often takes 12–18 months, but it depends almost entirely on the severity of your crowding. Minor cases can take just a few months, while severe ones might take even longer.
Can crowded teeth get worse?
Yes. As your teeth continue to push on each other, and as your misalignment continues to cause uneven wear on them, your crowding can worsen. Additionally, the bone density loss that comes with age can shrink your jaw, pushing your teeth even closer together.
Will insurance help pay for Invisalign?
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment could be covered in part or in full. To learn more, visit our guide on insurance coverage for Invisalign.
Are at-home aligners a good Invisalign alternative?
Only if you are making cosmetic changes to your tooth alignment. If you have larger or complex shifts to make, you must use an in-office treatment. If you are unsure where your case falls, most remote clear aligner companies will refund the cost of your impression kit if you are not a candidate.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Not in the same way that braces do. Braces irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and cause tenderness of the teeth. Aligners can also cause tenderness to bite pressure, but they rarely hurt the soft tissues unless they’re cut wrong.
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