Invisalign® An Overview
“I want to straighten my crooked teeth but do not want the embarrassment or hassle of metal braces.”
Invisalign® is a discreet, effective, and minimally invasive way to straighten teeth for teens and adults that will make little to no impact on their daily lives. Ideal for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, Invisalign can correct crooked teeth and malocclusion. Invisalign uses 3-D digital technology to specially design and fabricate a series of aligners. The series of aligners are worn in succession and comfortably and gradually realign crooked teeth.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
When people want to straighten crooked teeth, it’s usually because they don’t like the look of them. It can make you insecure about your smile. You should have a smile that you’re proud to show off, not hide. But crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue. They actually have a large impact on your oral health.
When teeth are crooked, they come together at odd angles and are often cramped and jumbled. It can be difficult for even our specialized dental tools to clean every spot on your teeth properly. Even if you’re taking care of your mouth properly, plaque and tartar still build up in the areas that can’t be cleaned. You’re still at risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
When our bite comes together, the pressure from the bite is supposed to be evenly distributed across all of our teeth. When our teeth are crooked, the pressure isn’t even. Some of our teeth take on more pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster than the others and are more prone to chip or break. Restorative dentistry may be needed to ensure that you can keep using your teeth.
Uneven bites are one of the biggest causes of TMJ disorders, too. Your jawbone doesn’t track properly, and the muscles that move your jaw can become tight and strained. The longer you let things go, the worse the consequences may be. You may experience pain throughout your jaw, face, and head. Your jaw can start popping and clicking, and you may experience trouble opening and closing your mouth.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has changed the way dentists straighten teeth. An effective alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment offers a range of added benefits.
- Clear Aligners: The aligners are made of clear plastic and are designed to fit securely to the surface of the teeth. The aligners are barely visible to others, and most people will not notice the aligners at all. When properly secured in the mouth, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Patients are able to perform professionally and socially without much interruption.
- Provide Optimal Comfort: Made of a hard-soft plastic, Invisalign aligners cause less damage to the soft tissue and enamel of the teeth. The plastic is smooth and will not irritate or damage the gums the way metal brackets can. Because patients are able to perform their normal daily oral hygiene, patients also experience less color and enamel damage often associated with metal braces.
- Removable Aligners: Removable aligners provide several advantages. Patients are able to remove the aligners for oral hygiene and for eating. Patients are able to enjoy a diet without restriction and can brush and floss normally. Teeth can also be cleaned professionally during the duration of the Invisalign treatment reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Invisalign can effectively and comfortably straighten crooked teeth. It is never too late to straighten crooked teeth. Patients enjoy a more confident and beautiful smile after treatment. They also enjoy the long-term benefits of having a stable and secure oral foundation.