Brushing, flossing and regular dental exams are the basics of proper dental hygiene. However, some people have more serious dental needs. Others may have wide gaps in their front teeth or suffer from dental malocclusions, which need to be treated.
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, Invisalign corrects a variety of dental issues without the pain and hassle of traditional braces. Read on to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you.
Bree speaks about her favorite parts of being the Manager of Orthodontics
Invisalign in a Nutshell
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that’s used for both cosmetic and dental restoration purposes. Created out of pliable, medical-grade plastic, Invisalign retainers are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth.
Similar to traditional metal braces, Invisalign gently shifts your teeth into their proper position. However, unlike metal braces that are cemented to your teeth, Invisalign retainers can be removed when you want, like when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.
The Benefits You Can Expect From Invisalign
In addition to being removable, Invisalign also offers other benefits as well. Here is a list of benefits Invisalign can provide for you:
Fixes Bite-Related Issues
Invisalign can help fix underbites, overbites and crossbites. Most people develop these types of malocclusions in childhood. If left untreated, they can cause issues with eating and opening or closing the mouth. For example, overbites that aren’t treated in childhood could cause temporomandibular joint disorder in adulthood.
The temporomandibular joint is what connects your jaw to your skull. When you suffer from TMJ, you may hear clicking when you open your mouth. Over time, TMJ can restrict jaw movement and limit your ability to chew properly. It can also cause pain with movement. Invisalign can correct the overbite and reduce the symptoms of TMJ as well.
Corrects Overcrowding
Crowded teeth can also cause misalignment of your teeth. Since there’s not enough room inside your mouth, your teeth may start to shift and possibly cause pain. You might also have difficulty chewing certain foods. Invisalign gently repositions your teeth to straighten your smile.
Increases Confidence and Self-Esteem
Having a less-than-perfect smile can lower your self-esteem. Teeth that are misaligned can become a source of embarrassment, so much so that you may avoid showing your teeth.
Invisalign makes perfecting your smile easy. Since the retainers are clear, no one needs to know you’re wearing them. Over time, as your teeth begin to shift into their proper position, you will slowly decrease the time you need to wear them each day.
What Are the Differences?
There are differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. As stated above Invisalign retainers are removable aligners, which makes eating and cleaning them easier. Traditional braces are affixed to your teeth and remain in place until treatment is completed, which can range from two to four years.
Treatment time with Invisalign also varies, but it is usually shorter than traditional braces. Finally, the biggest difference between the two types of braces is that the Invisalign retainers are barely, if at all, noticeable. You can perfect your smile without anyone even knowing, which makes it the perfect choice for adults.
Whether you suffer from dental malocclusions or simply want to improve your smile, Invisalign may be right for you. As with any type of dental restoration, for cosmetic reasons or out of necessity, the first step is a private consultation.
At Sierra Dental Care in Modesto, perfecting your smile is what we do best. Contact us today at 209-575-2400 to learn how Invisalign can help you.