Many people seek out orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® with dreams of a beautiful smile of straight teeth. But did you know Invisalign can also improve your oral health?
Invisalign is a subtle way to improve the alignment of your teeth, which can improve your bite and prevent many problems including gum disease, cavities, cracks, and even TMJ disorder.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways Invisalign can improve your oral health!
INVISALIGN CREATES A BETTER BITE
Ideally, your teeth work as a team. Properly aligned teeth share the pressure of your bite evenly. Misalignments like crowded, tilted, spaced, or rotated teeth prevent the even distribution of pressure in your bite.
That puts excessive pressure on fewer contact points and can cause serious damage to your teeth over time. An imperfect bite can lead to the enamel wearing down as well as putting the teeth at higher risk for chipping, cracks, and fractures.
In severe cases, this uneven pressure can even damage the bone and ligaments that support the teeth, causing teeth to become loose.
CLEAR ALIGNERS CAN REDUCE TEETH GRINDING
Poorly aligned teeth can cause grinding and clenching. When your teeth can’t match up evenly, your jaw may have trouble finding a stable position to rest.
As your jaw looks for a stable resting position, the pattern of movement frequently becomes grinding and clenching habits called bruxism. This may happen mostly at night when you’re not even aware it’s happening.
Bruxism can damage the nerves of the teeth, making your teeth sensitive.
As mentioned earlier, uneven pressure on the teeth can also make them loose by damaging the bone that supports the teeth and keeps them in place. Grinding and clenching can make this process worse.
Because bruxism strains the jaw joints and chewing muscles, it leads to problems like chronic headaches, TMJ disorder, even pain in the neck and upper back.
Improving your bite with Invisalign, along with other interventions like BOTOX or a night guard, can improve bruxism and prevent further damage. It may even help you sleep better!
STRAIGHT TEETH ARE EASIER TO CLEAN
Did you know Invisalign can improve your gums and even prevent cavities? Rotated, crowded, and improperly spaced teeth can be difficult to keep clean. Not only does misalignment create traps for plaque and food debris; it’s also harder to brush and floss properly.
Invisalign decreases your risks for gingivitis and tooth decay by making it easier to keep your teeth clean. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss properly, which is key to preventing gum inflammation and cavities.
On top of better brushing, the friction of your tongue, cheeks, and even rough foods can all disrupt plaque and provide cleansing throughout the day. Straight teeth build up less plaque and are less likely to trap food.
INVISALIGN CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE IN YOUR SMILE
Feeling confident in your smile is good for your health, too! If crooked teeth make you want to hide your smile, it can impact your social life and even job prospects. Invisalign can help give you a smile you love, boosting your emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Because your teeth are easier to keep clean, they’ll also be less likely to build up stain, meaning your straighter teeth will stay brighter so you’ll truly love showing off your smile!
ASK US IF INVISALIGN IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Invisalign has the potential to make significant improvements to your oral health. Unfortunately, it’s not the right solution for everyone.
Clear aligners like Invisalign don’t work for all types of misalignments. Traditional orthodontics may be more appropriate if you have significant problems with tooth positioning. Invisalign is a great option for people who need certain types of adjustments, or who have had orthodontic treatment in the past, but the teeth have shifted since then.
If you’re wondering whether Invisalign is right for you, we’re more than happy to discuss your options! Schedule your Invisalign consultation in Winter Park, FL or ask us at your next check-up. We can’t wait to help you enjoy better oral health and a smile you’ll love for life!