Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth: Is Invisalign Right for You?

Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic issue. Having teeth that are correctly aligned can also improve your health. And one of the best ways to straighten your teeth is with Invisalign®. In this blog, Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults discusses what Invisalign is and how the treatment can improve your smile and your health.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an aligner system that uses clear, removable plastic trays. After your teeth are analyzed, a number of aligner sets are made, each one slightly adjusted. Then you’re given the aligner sets, and every week or two, you replace one set with another. By the time you take out your last set, you have a straight smile. Most patients only need to wear Invisalign aligners for 12-18 months to see the desired results.

Although anyone can use Invisalign, the system is especially popular with adults who don’t want to wear traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are clear and not noticeable unless you look really close at them. Another benefit is that you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, and for special occasions. They’re also more comfortable than metal braces.

How can Invisalign help your health?

Invisalign can boost your health by fixing many dental issues, including the following:

Overbites

An overbite is a condition in which your upper teeth significantly hang over your lower teeth. Although this condition may make you feel self-conscious, it’s more significant than that. 

Overbites can lead to other problems, such as gum irritation, excessive wear on your lower teeth, as well as jaw and mouth pain. Invisalign treatments can put your teeth back in alignment.

Underbites

With an underbite, your lower teeth protrude beyond your upper teeth. Much like an overbite, an underbite is more than just a cosmetic problem.

Underbites can cause wear on your upper teeth, cause jaw and facial pain, and prevent the normal functioning of your front teeth. Invisalign can get your teeth back in alignment.

Crossbites

A crossbite occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t align. This condition can cause your upper and lower teeth to wear unevenly.

As with underbites and overbites, a crossbite can affect more than just your appearance. Untreated crossbites can lead to chewing problems, gum disease, as well as facial and jaw pain.

Crowding

Crowded teeth can make it more difficult for you to brush and floss. And if you’re not able to brush or floss well in certain areas, this can lead to the development of cavities. Furthermore, it can lead to the development of gum disease, which can lead to the development of serious health problems, such as heart disease. By aligning your teeth with Invisalign, you can open up space so you can care for your teeth and gums better.

To learn more about Invisalign and to see if it can help you get a great smile and improve your health, book an appointment online or over the phone with Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults today.