How do you correct crowding using Invisalign?

Invisalign can be an excellent way to correct minor anterior crowding. Without extracting teeth there are two methods dentists use to create the space needed. We can either push teeth out to create a greater circumference to an arch form or we can 'slenderize' some of the teeth. If a patients teeth are already in the right place (in relationship to their lips) than slenderization is the technique I most commonly employ. This involves using interproximal diamond coated strips to slightly abrade the proximal surfaces of teeth as needed. The amounts removed usually are from .2-.5mm per surface and when done properly, 'stripping' of the proximal enamel surfaces does no real harm.