The Details & Benefits of Invisalign

Braces are a safe, effective solution to the problem of misaligned teeth. But traditional braces suffer from shortcomings that make many people reluctant to wear them. This is why modern Invisalign aligners are such a popular option. They provide all the benefits of alignment therapy without the nagging concerns about comfort and personal appearance.

An All Too Common Problem

Lots of people think that misaligned teeth are nothing to worry about. But this is far from the truth. In reality, dental misalignment can not only ruin your appearance, it can set you up for a lifetime of ongoing health issues. Here’s why:

• Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, create stress not only on your teeth but on the entire structure of your jaw, including the muscles that control everyday tasks such as chewing your food, speaking, and swallowing.
• Malocclusion is a progressive disorder. Minor cases will, if left untreated, only get worse over time, making everyday tasks such as eating and speaking more difficult. Even brushing and flossing can become uncomfortable.
• Misaligned teeth can put you at special risk of developing periodontal disease. You’re more likely to miss spots on your teeth when you brush, giving plaque and tartar a chance to spread and cause cavities.
• Malocclusion can impact more than your dental health. For example, many health experts believe that misaligned teeth are a major factor in causing migraine headaches, back and neck pain and other common health concerns.

Studies show that three out of four Americans have some degree of dental misalignment. While hereditary factors are the most common cause of this problem, habits such as thumb sucking and injuries to the teeth or jaw may also play a role.

Braces can correct most cases of malocclusion. Still, most people hate the idea of wearing traditional braces, which is why many dentists are recommending Invisalign aligners these days. Here’s how they work:

• Your dentist will create a 3-D map of your teeth. This data will be used to create your first set of aligners.
• You’ll wear this set for about two weeks, removing it as needed to brush, floss, and eat. The aligners are made from a clear material that creates an extremely low visual profile.
• You’ll get a new set about every 14 days as your case progresses. In most cases, the entire treatment process takes 13.5 months, though this will vary somewhat from one patient to the next.
• Once the aligners have done their job, your dentist will probably recommend that you wear a retainer at night until you enjoy full correction of the problem.

If Invisalign sounds like the answer you’re looking for, then the next step is to make an appointment with your dentist in Vintage Park soon. He or she will perform a complete oral examination and discuss your treatment options with you at that time. Soon you may be among the 2.4 million people who have benefited from this gentle, comfortable form of dental therapy. And that’s plenty of reason to smile.

About the Author

Dr. Derek Castleberry is a Navy veteran, a Houston native and a proud graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. You can reach his Louetta dental office online or by calling  (281) 320-9600.