Many of the treatments that comprise cosmetic dentistry are, as the name of the entire branch of dentistry suggests, cosmetic. Of course, many of these treatments do offer benefits to a patient's oral and overall health; they are, in large part, primarily concerned with the appearance of the teeth, gums, and bite.
At first glance, Invisalign's tooth alignment treatment seems to fall squarely into this category. And, yes, Invisalign's primary aim is the improved appearance and self-confidence that come with a bright, symmetrical smile. However, the treatment also offers a variety of somewhat surprising oral and overall health benefits.
Today, we are looking at what Invisalign is, how the treatment works, and some of the less heralded health benefits that it can deliver.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment for adults and teenagers that uses clear, mouthpiece-like aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign's aligners are custom-made for each patient to ensure a comfortable, precise fit. Patients undergoing the Invisalign treatment wear different sets of aligners, for roughly two weeks each, for a period of about 12 to 18 months. Each new set of aligners gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position.
Once the Invisalign process is complete, a patient should be able to enjoy not only an improved smile but also a series of potential oral and overall health benefits. Here are a few.
Aligned Teeth Are Easier to Clean
One of the main advantages of Invisalign aligners over traditional braces is that they are virtually invisible and thus don't infringe on the aesthetics of a patient's smile. More importantly, however, is that, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign's aligners can be removed when needed, for example, when eating or brushing.
It is easy for food and bacteria to build up on the wires and brackets of traditional braces and between the teeth. And, as traditional braces are fixed in place, they can make it difficult for a person to comprehensively clean all of those nooks and crannies in their mouth. As a result, food particles and bacteria can be allowed to linger and develop into plaque and tartar, which, left untreated, can eventually develop into gum disease and tooth and jawbone loss.
As Invisalign's clear aligners are easily removable mouthpiece-like devices, they make practising good oral hygiene, like brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and regularly rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, a less cumbersome experience. This can lead to a cleaner, healthier mouth that's better protected from plaque and tartar that cause issues like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Additionally, as Invisalign can correct orthodontic issues like crowded or spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and relapses among patients who have previously had braces, the post-treatment improvement in alignment among teeth can make it easier to maintain good oral health.
Properly Aligned Teeth Can Help Prevent Jaw Pain
Improperly aligned teeth can lead to excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which, over time, can lead to accelerated and uneven tooth enamel wear, tooth sensitivity, and cracked teeth. Additionally, excessive grinding and clenching (or "bruxism"), if allowed to linger, can result in serious temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
Left untreated, these issues can adversely affect the bones and muscles that allow us to bite, chew, and speak properly and cause rather severe jaw pain and tension-related headaches. By taking corrective action to straighten their teeth, patients can reduce their risk of developing these potentially painful and harmful conditions.
Better Overall Health
At this point, it's fairly well-known that good oral health tends to go hand in hand with good overall health. Good oral hygiene has been linked to not only improved cardiovascular health but also a reduced risk of diabetes,
Additionally, a person's mouth is the body's primary entry point for the bacteria that causes not only gum disease and tooth decay but also infections that can spread throughout the body after originating in the mouth. Properly aligned teeth are easy to clean and keep healthy, making the maintenance of overall health easier.
Finally, properly aligned teeth make it far easier for a person to bite and chew their food correctly. This can not only help to prevent the jaw pain we just discussed but also allow the body to extract more nutrients from a person's diet, as food that is properly chewed is much easier for the body to digest.
Invisalign Dentist in Pascoe Vale, Victoria
As always, it is best to consult a cosmetic dentist to determine the best treatment options for your needs.
If you're in the Pascoe Vale area and would like to learn more about the Invisalign treatment process and how to maintain oral hygiene with Invisalign, contact dentist Dr Amir Kiaee and the team at Lumino Smiles to arrange a consultation appointment.