5 Non-Aesthetic Reasons to Get Invisalign
Written by Torrey Hills Dental
Are you considering orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health? If so, you may hesitate to try traditional braces due to their visible appearance and potential discomfort. Fortunately, Torrey Hill Dental in San Diego has another option: Invisalign.
While Invisalign is often sought after for its ability to discreetly straighten teeth, there are many other reasons to consider this treatment other than how these “invisible braces” look.
How Invisalign Works
Before diving into the benefits of Invisalign, it’s important to understand how the treatment works. Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth. The Invisalign procedure typically begins with a consultation with our Carmel Valley dentist, who will evaluate your teeth and create a customized treatment plan.
A digital scan or impression of your teeth is taken to create a series of aligners that will gradually shift your teeth into their desired position. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set.
Throughout the treatment, you’ll visit us periodically to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned. With proper care and adherence to the treatment plan, Invisalign can help you achieve a straight, healthy smile.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
While traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to shift teeth into place, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible. In fact, most people can’t tell you’re wearing them. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
Non-Cosmetic Benefits of Invisalign
What are the benefits of Invisalign that have nothing to do with how they make your teeth look? Some of the most common reasons our San Diego dentist recommends Invisalign might surprise you.
Improved Oral Health: When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Crooked teeth can be more difficult to clean, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. By straightening your teeth with Invisalign, you can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of these conditions. In fact, crooked and misaligned teeth are statistically more likely to develop cavities and periodontal infections.
Reduced Risk of TMJ Disorders: Misaligned teeth can cause issues with your bite and jaw alignment, which can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These conditions can cause pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Invisalign can help to correct these issues and reduce your risk of TMJ disorders by improving the way your teeth fit together and function when you eat.
Less Discomfort Than Traditional Braces: While traditional braces can cause discomfort and soreness, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic and are less likely to irritate your mouth. Additionally, there are no metal brackets or wires that can break or cause discomfort. Plus, you’re changing them out every two weeks, reducing soreness throughout orthodontic procedures.
Reduced Risk of Tooth Wear: When teeth don’t fit together correctly, they can create pressure points where certain teeth hit others more prominently than they ought to. Over time, this can lead to accelerated tooth wear, flat teeth, and chipped enamel.
Ideal for Adults of All Ages: There’s no age maximum for Invisalign, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re “too old” to finally enjoy the straight teeth you’ve always wanted.
Caring for Teeth with Invisalign
To ensure the best results with Invisalign, it’s important to care for your teeth and aligners properly. You should brush and floss your teeth regularly and clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything while wearing your aligners, as food debris or liquids can get trapped under the trays and pose a risk to your dental health.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re considering Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified Invisalign provider. At Torrey Hills Dental in San Diego, we offer comprehensive Invisalign treatment to help our patients achieve a straight, healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and you can see the benefits of Invisalign for yourself!