Many people want straighter smiles but don’t want to deal with the hassle and frustration of traditional braces. Thankfully, many dentists offer Invisalign, a clear alternative to standard orthodontics. Instead of brittle metal brackets, this treatment utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them to their proper places.
This solution continues to gain popularity because it’s more visually discreet, but that’s not the only benefit of choosing Invisalign. Continue reading to learn 3 additional advantages that make this method more than cosmetic!
Perk #1: It’s Easy to Clean
Traditional orthodontics are notoriously tricky to clean because standard toothbrushes and floss can’t reach between or around them. As a result, plaque and bacteria are more likely to thrive and contribute to dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Patients often invest in specially designed interproximal brushes and waterpiks to avoid developing a problem.
Thankfully, Invisalign is removable, so completing your twice-daily dental hygiene routine is much simpler. Be sure to also scrub your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the surface and rinse them thoroughly after meals to prevent them from trapping germs and debris against your teeth all day.
Perk #2: It Safeguards Your Smile
Many patients develop dental misalignments because they suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. This condition wears down your enamel prematurely, increasing your vulnerability to cavities or physical trauma. On top of that, the added pressure can push your pearly whites out of their proper places.
If you’re worried that your constant clenching will damage your Invisalign and render you ineligible for treatment, you’re in luck! You might wear down the trays faster than those who don’t grind their teeth, but they’re only intended to be worn for a week or two before switching to the next set, anyway! Plus, they cushion your grin to prevent potential injuries.
Perk #3: It Protects Your Jaw
Did you know that crooked teeth can lead to facial, jaw, head, or neck pain? If your arches don’t come together correctly when you close your mouth, you may have a malocclusion (or bite misalignment). If your jaw isn’t lined up correctly, it works overtime to perform basic tasks, like eating and speaking. Eventually, the joints can become inflamed, leading to a painful TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. This can cause headaches, facial tension, and a stiff or locked jaw.
Your dentist can use Invisalign to correct overbites, underbites, and other malocclusions and alleviate the associated aches.
Invisalign is a versatile solution that can enhance your appearance and improve your oral health!
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop has 30+ years of experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles to increase their daily quality of life. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and completed a periodontal specialty residency at the Emory University School of Dentistry. Now, he provides a full array of services conveniently under one roof to streamline your dental care. He combines personalized services with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you can request a consultation on the website or call (239) 939-7299.