Many people are anxious about showing their smiles due to alignment issues like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites, which can lead them to consider straightening their teeth with treatments like Invisalign. While Invisalign can certainly help an orthodontic patient achieve a more beautiful smile, it can also provide a range of important oral and overall health benefits. Here’s a quick look at how Invisalign works, who it can help, and how it can keep you healthy.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign can address many mild to moderate alignment issues, and the process begins with a consultation at your dentist’s office. If you are approved for the treatment, your dentist will scan your teeth with a specialized device to create a three-dimensional map of your smile. This data will be used to craft a customized sequence of dental trays designed to shift your teeth into healthier and more visibly pleasing positions. You’ll need to wear each set of aligners for at least twenty hours a day while practicing excellent oral hygiene to achieve a gorgeous and functional smile that you’ll be eager to show off.
How Can Invisalign Help My Oral and Overall Health?
In addition to enhancing the beauty of your smile, Invisalign can provide benefits like:
- Shifting the teeth into positions that make them easier to clean and safer from injury.
- Protecting the gums from food debris that can injure or become lodged in them.
- Addressing the bite alignment to reduce strain on the jaw joints, which can prevent TMJ issues and the head, neck, face, and back pain they can cause.
- Making it easier to speak clearly and chew thoroughly.
- Reducing unnecessary enamel wear by shifting the teeth into a more even bite alignment.
- Helping you feel confident in your appearance so you can have an easier time making friends, engaging socially, and leaving positive first impressions in professional situations.
Don’t let your dental misalignment set you up for a host of nasty oral and overall health consequences. Consutling with your dentist can help you understand how to achieve and maintain a gorgeous and healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin earned her dental degree at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and has completed advanced courses in implantology, endodontics, BOTOX®, and CEREC dental crowns. Her office in Wayne offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental services as well as Invisalign treatment. To schedule your consultation for Invisalign, contact her practice online or dial (732) 638-0600.