12 Reasons Invisalign isn’t just about a prettier smile
The benefits of orthodontic treatment aren’t just about having a better looking smile. Even if cosmetics aren’t your main concern, there are many reasons to consider straightening your teeth that go beyond cosmetic issues. Benefits of having straighter teeth can affect the health and function of your mouth as well as your entire body.
Straighter teeth can lead to:
- Healthier Gums
Studies have shown that straighter teeth are generally healthier teeth. With straighter teeth the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease can be reduced. Also, properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health. And since periodontal disease can have an impact on many other systemic diseases, maintaining good periodontal health is good for your whole body. - Easier homecare
Straighter teeth are easier for you to keep clean at home. Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and easier to floss. This means that between your regular visits to the dentist your homecare is more effective when you have straighter teeth. - Easier cleanings
Straight teeth are easier for the hygienist to clean. Crowded or crooked teeth provide additional nooks and crannies for plaque to linger. Misaligned teeth might even block access to removing all of the debris. Your hygienist needs to work even harder to clean your teeth when they aren’t straight. - Improved chewing and digestion
Poorly aligned teeth can reduce your ability to chew properly or make certain foods more difficult to eat. Many of these more challenging foods are healthy, and avoiding them can cause you to limit your diet to softer, often less-nutritious foods, such as ice cream and canned soup. Straighter teeth and a better ability to chew let you eat crunchy foods, such as apples and carrots; stringy foods, such as asparagus and chicken; and chewy foods, such as raisins. - Improved speech
Teeth are key to speech and proper articulation. Misaligned teeth can make it extremely difficult to correctly pronounce certain words. It can cause significant lisps, whistling or a slurring of words which can be distracting and even damaging to your social and professional relationships. - Less risk of damaged teeth
Normal chewing produces over 150 pounds of force on your molars. If this force is unequally distributed teeth can fracture, wear down and may eventually loosen. Orthodontic treatment of misaligned teeth can prevent tooth damage and tooth loss. Properly aligned teeth are less stressful on the supporting bone and jaw joints also. - Better restorative outcomes
If you begin with a compromise, you end up with a compromise. Veneers or crowns created on misaligned teeth may compromise the underlying tooth structure, are more likely to have a less than ideal appearance, are more likely to chip, fracture or fall off, and are less pleasing in the overall smile. - Longer lasting dentistry
Teeth that are properly aligned distribute bite forces more evenly along the entire arch therefore bridges, crowns, veneers and other dental restorations have a longer life expectancy.
And to round out our list here are some non-cosmetic benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces:
- They are removable
You can brush and floss normally, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. - You can still eat what you want
Because the aligners are removable you don’t have to worry about what you eat. With traditional braces certain foods are problematic. Corn on the cob or apples, for example, can hurt your teeth or damage your traditional braces. With Invisalign you can eat normally. - There’s no metal to irritate your mouth
Traditional metal braces can cause temporary gum inflammation. They can also be a concern for patients with sensitivities to nickel and other metals. With Invisalign there’s no metal. Also, with Invisalign there’s never a risk of a broken wire poking your cheek. - Cleanings are quicker and easier than with traditional orthodontics
With traditional braces, your hygienist must work around wires and brackets. With Invisalign, just remove your aligners and the hygienist can clean your teeth normally.
Bonus: Better appearance during treatment
Ok, we admit this one is a bit about cosmetics, so we didn’t include it in our count. But many adults don’t consider doing orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to be seen with a “metal mouth.” Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible so most people won’t even know you are having treatment.
All things considered, even if a more cosmetic smile is not your main concern you may still want to consider orthodontic treatment with Invisalign if your teeth are crowded, crooked or are too widely spaced. Contact our office at 215-772-3100 and schedule a consultation today.