Adults who are interested in Invisalign treatment usually have one primary concern: aesthetics. Many have spent decades of their lives feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their smiles, but are put off by the idea of having metal braces as adults. Invisalign offers them the opportunity to achieve the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted, without drawing attention to the fact that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
The benefits of Invisalign go far beyond aesthetics, though. When you choose to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, you’ll experience improved oral health too. Here’s how Invisalign works to help you have a healthier smile for years to come.
Invisalign Can Improve Periodontal Health
Quite simply, it’s harder to keep crooked teeth clean. Crowding can make flossing difficult and teeth that overlap are impossible to brush adequately. When plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, it can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease, a serious chronic infection that compromises your overall oral health.
An improper bite can also cause your gums to recede. Gum recession is often no more than an aesthetic concern, but it may cause painful tooth sensitivity and leave the newly exposed tooth roots at higher risk for decay.
Invisalign Helps Preserve Your Natural Teeth
When you have an overbite, underbite, or cross bite, it affects your facial profile, but it also causes your teeth to meet together in an unnatural way when you bite and chew. The result of this improper bite, or malocclusion, is that your teeth experience an uneven amount of wear—the teeth on one side of your mouth may be shorter and flatter than the other, for example.
In the long-term, patients with malocclusion are more likely to have cracked, chipped, and broken teeth because of this abnormal wear. Invisalign corrects malocclusion and can prevent the need for costly restorative dental treatments.
Invisalign Prepares Your Teeth for Restorative Work
Invisalign can be used as a first step in a complete smile makeover in order to align the teeth in preparation for restorative and cosmetic treatments. Invisalign can create the space needed for dental implants and maximize the lifespan of crowns, bridges, and veneers by ensuring proper bite.
Invisalign Can Promote Long-Term Health
Your oral health and your overall health are closely linked. Compromised teeth make it harder to eat the balanced diet needed for optimal health; gum disease can cause inflammation throughout your body and increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. By improving your dental and periodontal health, Invisalign can contribute to your overall health as well.
Learn More About the Benefits of Invisalign
If you’d like to discuss the aesthetic and oral health benefits of Invisalign, contact us today at 203-227-2520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Geni and Dr. Dean.