Orthodontic services are critical today because they perfect your smile. Sometimes, even strong and healthy teeth feel imperfect because they are misaligned, crowded, or uncomfortable in the mouth. Imperfect teeth will affect your teeth’s general function and your smile and confidence. Orthodontists have a wide range of treatments to correct an imperfect smile, and Invisalign is one of them.
Invisalign straightens your teeth discreetly and gradually, giving you the perfect smile you have always desired. This treatment also corrects major dental problems, like bad bites and overcrowding, which are major causes of some of the most severe oral problems, like cavities and gum disease.
However, you have to determine your suitability for Invisalign before booking an appointment for the installation. You can do this with your dentist, who examines your teeth and gums and reviews your treatment history to help you in decision-making.
Determining Your Suitability for Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment aiming to straighten crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth. It ensures your teeth are perfectly aligned with your jaws to correct bite issues and give you a perfect and confident smile. Invisalign also makes brushing and flossing seamless, which is critical in preventing severe dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
This treatment entails the installation of plastic trays on your teeth. The trays, which are shaped like your teeth, are fitted on the upper and lower teeth to gradually align your teeth. They work almost the same way as traditional braces. Thus, you must keep the installation on your teeth for the recommended period for the treatment to work.
The plastic trays used in this treatment are generally clear, which makes the entire treatment discreet. Unlike traditional metal braces, no one needs to know about your treatment unless you inform them. The retainers are usually invisible, even to someone standing beside you. This makes this treatment suitable for all people, including adults and celebrities, who want to correct their smile and bite discreetly.
The plastic retainers are also very safe for your teeth and general health. They are made from a safe plastic material that does not cause any adverse effects on your health. Thus, you can trust that your health will be secure as you start and continue the treatment for the recommended period.
However, the effectiveness of the treatment relies mainly on you. Since the retainers are removable, dentists recommend wearing them for at least 22 hours daily. You can remove them for cleaning or eating and then wear them back immediately. You must also regularly visit your dentist for the next set of retainers to keep the treatment ongoing until you achieve the desired results.
Some people prefer traditional metal braces for aligning crooked or misaligned teeth. However, most people today prefer the discreet Invisalign. Here are some of the indications that you need or can benefit from Invisalign:
Your Teeth are Misaligned
Many people today are dealing with all kinds of dental or oral problems that affect their smile, confidence, and self-esteem. Everyone desires to have a perfect smile and healthy teeth, as this improves how you socialize and your self-image. Teeth misalignment is a problem that compels many to seek orthodontic treatment. This is because misaligned teeth affect your general appearance and the functionality of your teeth. In addition to affecting your smile and confidence, misaligned teeth cause major dental problems.
For example, since it is challenging to keep misaligned teeth clean, you are more prone to cavities and gum disease. The harmful bacteria thrive best in dirty areas. It causes buildup on your teeth and gums, which produces a dangerous acid that weakens your enamel to cause cavities. The buildup also causes inflammation in your gums, which starts mildly as gingivitis and escalates into periodontal disease. These conditions can spread to your other teeth and parts of your mouth. They could also cause a severe infection that affects your general health.
Misaligned teeth also affect your bite. Bite problems occur when your teeth do not come together perfectly when you bite down. This stresses your jaw joints, resulting in painful TMJ disorders. Bad bites also affect your speech and other functions of your teeth, including biting and chewing. If your teeth cannot chew well, you will likely experience digestive issues from consuming foods that are not adequately chewed.
If your teeth are misaligned, an orthodontic treatment that aligns them will fix these and many other problems. Speaking to your dentist about your treatment options is advisable to start a journey that will improve your general appearance, confidence, and teeth functionality. Invisalign is highly recommended for misaligned teeth. If a skilled orthodontist does the installation and you follow the treatment plan, you will be satisfied with the results.
Your Bite is Misaligned
A misaligned bite is also a significant problem as it causes various dental issues, including TMJ disorders. When your bite is aligned correctly, you experience little or zero strain on your jaw muscles when you speak, chew, or bite. It also reduces your risk of periodontal disease and dental decay, improves speech, and gives you a more beautiful smile. A misaligned bite causes significant problems affecting how you chew and speak. These problems can also result in headaches and painful jaws.
Invisalign is a highly recommended treatment for a misaligned bite. It can significantly improve your chewing function, reducing your risk of digestive issues. Remember that when your teeth are misaligned, you do not chew your food properly, causing you to swallow foods that later affect your digestion. Once you correct your bite, there will be equal pressure distribution on all your teeth, improving how you bite and chew. This makes it possible to break down all the foods you consume before swallowing.
An aligned bite will also reduce your risk of dental problems. Some bite problems, like overbites and underbites, affect how you brush and floss your teeth. You should practice these dental hygiene habits, which work perfectly daily to prevent cavities and gum disease. If your teeth alignment affects how you practice these habits, some foods and dirt will remain in the mouth, encouraging the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Bite alignment also reduces the strain or pressure on your jaws, keeping you safe from unnecessary headaches and painful jaws. You do not have to use more pressure to chew or bite your food. It also reduces your speech problems, making you more fluent and confident as you socialize. An aligned bite will also improve your general appearance, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Some common bite problems you can correct using Invisalign include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Once you consult an orthodontist, they will develop a treatment plan to align your teeth and restore your confidence.
You Prefer an Orthodontic Treatment with Few Dental Appointments
Different people have different preferences when it comes to the kind of dental treatment they prefer. Some people choose dental treatments based on the number of dental appointments they need to complete treatment. Some will also consider how long each treatment session will take to decide. If your teeth are misaligned and your dentist recommends orthodontic treatment, you can choose one of the many treatments based on how many treatment sessions you prefer. Lucky for you, Invisalign also requires a few treatment sessions before you enjoy perfect results with your smile, confidence, and teeth functionality.
Generally, orthodontic treatment will require you to have more than one session with your dentist. The first session will include a general examination of your teeth and gums to determine the actual problem with your teeth. The dentist will recommend and develop a treatment plan during this session. The subsequent sessions will depend on the type of orthodontic treatment you choose. If you have a busy or unpredictable schedule, traditional braces will not be your best choice because they require specific appointments with your dentist for adjustments. You enjoy more flexibility with Invisalign.
Invisalign treatment includes a more improved treatment that fits everyone’s schedule. Thus, it can work for you regardless of your busy schedule. The first schedule will determine the health and strength of your teeth and jaw. Dentists conduct these exams to assess your suitability for this treatment. The dentist will also examine your teeth’s underlying structures to predict how your teeth and jaw will align during the treatment period to obtain the desired outcome. Your dentist can also take a few images of your teeth and mouth to get the actual structure of your teeth.
They will use these images to design the plastic trays you wear during treatment. Remember that you will need different sets of Invisalign for every treatment stage. You will also need a second appointment for the initial installation and a few more sessions to change the treatment to a more fitting set. Your orthodontist will determine the number of treatment sessions you need according to the extent of your teeth misalignment and treatment plan. If you abide by the treatment schedule, your treatment will go as planned.
You Prefer Comfortable and Discreet Orthodontic Treatment
Comfort is also key when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Remember that this treatment takes a while. You will wear the plastic aligners for several months to achieve the desired results. Comfort is an excellent concern since you are expected to speak, smile, bite, and chew with the aligners in place. When compared to metal braces, Invisalign offers more comfort. Plastic aligners are easier to use. Although it will take a few days to become fully accustomed to them, they will be much more comfortable than alternative treatment.
Remember that life must continue even while on orthodontic treatment. You cannot stop speaking, eating, or enjoying life for two or more years because you have teeth aligners on. That is why you must consider your comfort while on treatment. Additionally, you can remove the aligners when eating and cleaning your teeth for comfort and convenience.
Additionally, Invisalign is the proper treatment for discreetly aligning your teeth. Children and teenagers mainly wear metal aligners because they do not worry much about wearing them. An adult will feel awkward wearing metal aligners, primarily if you socialize a lot. A more discreet treatment offers you all the benefits of teeth aligners without telling the entire world about it.
You Are Highly Disciplined
Invisalign mainly benefits people who are disciplined enough to follow through with the treatment. There are dos and don’ts that your orthodontist will discuss before the treatment to ensure you agree with them for effective results. An example is ensuring you wear the aligners for the recommended period every day. Since plastic aligners are removable, many people remove and wear them as they please. Dentists insist on wearing them for at least 22 hours daily for better results. You are only required to remove them when eating and brushing.
You must also go for regular checkups and adjustments according to your treatment plan. Your dentist will develop the plan based on the severity of your teeth misalignment. The plan will include the number of sessions you must visit the dentist’s office and how regularly you must change your aligners.
If you are disciplined enough to wear the aligners for the required period and to keep up with your treatment schedule, you will enjoy excellent results.
Find a Competent Orthodontist Near Me
Invisalign is one of the newest orthodontic treatments in dentistry today. It offers several benefits because it effectively aligns misaligned teeth and is discreet. People who cannot wear metal braces because they prefer discretion can benefit significantly from Invisalign. This is also a convenient way to align your teeth since plastic aligners are usually removable. You can easily remove and wear them back without your dentist’s assistance.
However, not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. Our orthodontists at The Lakewood Dentist examine your teeth, gums, and underlying structures to determine your suitability for Invisalign. You must also consider other factors before making the final choice of the best orthodontic treatment for yourself. For example, you can consider your preferences, the goals you wish to achieve, and your discipline. Call us at 562-423-1441 if you seek orthodontic treatment in Lakewood. We have in-depth information regarding Invisalign to help you make your decision.