Enhancing Oral Health with Invisalign: A Comprehensive Guide

Want straight teeth without metal braces? The Invisalign method might be right for you!

Say goodbye to metal wires. Say goodbye to crooked brackets. Say hello to clear, removable aligners that work invisibly to give you straight teeth.

The thing is…

Invisalign isn’t just about cosmetic fixes to your smile. These treatments can also have a major impact on the overall health of your mouth in ways that most people don’t realize.

In This Guide:

• Why Oral Health and Teeth Alignment Go Hand in Hand
• How Invisalign Works to Improve Your Smile
• Oral Health Benefits You Can Expect
• Who Makes a Good Candidate
• Tips for Getting the Best Results

Why Oral Health and Teeth Alignment Go Hand in Hand

Crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic concern. They also create hard-to-clean spaces that bacteria can thrive in. Food particles and plaque easily get trapped in between teeth that don’t line up properly. This often leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Think about how overlapping teeth make it difficult for your toothbrush bristles to reach into tight spaces. It’s the same with floss. If you can’t easily brush or floss certain areas of your teeth, those spaces become a haven for the bacteria that cause oral health issues.

The research bears this out. Studies show that almost two-thirds of American adults have a clinically meaningful malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. This number is a huge portion of the population who may be dealing with oral health issues as a result of teeth that don’t fit together quite right.

Which is where invisalign treatment comes into play. Clear aligners can help straighten misaligned teeth so that your toothbrush and floss can work better for you.

Simple, right?

How Invisalign Works to Improve Your Smile

Invisalign dental treatment uses a series of removable clear aligners to gradually move your teeth over time.

Let’s talk about exactly how it works…

Your dentist first takes digital scans of your teeth. Software programs then map out the path your teeth need to take to get into their ideal positions. A set of aligners that are made specifically for your mouth is then fabricated.

The dentist will prescribe a set period of time for each set of aligners. This is usually around 2 weeks. After that amount of time, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in the series. Each set of Invisalign aligners moves your teeth a small amount in the right direction.

You’ll remove the aligners when you eat or brush and floss. Aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic that is barely noticeable when worn. But because you can take them out, cleaning your teeth is a lot easier than with metal braces.

Treatment times will depend on your individual case. Some people take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may take 18 months or more.

The Oral Health Benefits You Can Expect

Straight teeth achieved through the Invisalign system can offer a number of oral health benefits:

Easier Cleaning

When your teeth are aligned properly, brushing and flossing become much more effective. There are no more missed spots that are hard to reach. No more food getting stuck in places where teeth overlap each other. Your normal oral hygiene routine just works a lot better.

Healthier Gums

Misaligned teeth can lead to red, swollen gums as well. Teeth that fit together in the right way help gum tissue to wrap around them. This creates a tighter seal against bacterial infection and periodontal disease.

Better Bite Function

Teeth that are out of alignment also put uneven pressure on the jaw when biting down. This can lead to excessive wear on certain teeth. It can even cause jaw pain and headaches. Proper teeth alignment will distribute biting forces across all of your teeth evenly.

Reduced Wear and Damage

Crooked teeth can also grind against each other in unnatural ways. This can wear down enamel faster than is ideal. Aligning your teeth properly will help protect them from this unnecessary damage.

The use of Invisalign has become extremely popular in recent years. In fact, over 18 million people worldwide have used the Invisalign system to transform their smiles and their oral health.

Who Makes a Good Candidate

The Invisalign system can treat many different types of teeth misalignment.

These include:

• Overlapping teeth that crowd each other
• Spaces and gaps between teeth
• Overbites with upper teeth sitting too far over lower teeth
• Underbites where lower teeth are too far forward of upper teeth
• Crossbites in which some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth

But something important to note…

Not every single case can be treated with clear aligners. Severe cases of misaligned teeth may need to be treated with traditional braces or other orthodontic methods. Bite issues can sometimes require greater precision than Invisalign can offer.

The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can examine your teeth and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your situation.

Adults of any age have used Invisalign to improve the health of their smiles.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your Invisalign treatment:

• Wear Aligners Consistently – This is the most important rule. Aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day in order to be effective. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and when you’re brushing and flossing. Neglecting to wear your aligners will add time to your treatment and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Keep Aligners Clean – Rinse your aligners each time you remove them. Brush the aligners gently with a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water as this can cause the plastic to warp. Cleaning the aligners regularly keeps them free of bacteria and keeps them looking clear and invisible.
• Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene – Remember to brush after every meal before replacing your aligners. Floss daily. Particles of food that get trapped between your teeth and aligners create the perfect breeding ground for tooth decay. Excellent oral hygiene is especially important while you’re undergoing treatment.
• Attend All Scheduled Check-Ins – Your dentist will want to see you regularly to track your progress. Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments. If you’re on track, you’ll have the chance to check your teeth as they continue to shift. If you fall behind on appointments, your treatment may take longer.
• Use Your Retainer After Treatment – After you complete your treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. Teeth have a tendency to move back to where they were before treatment. The retainer will help prevent this from happening.

The Bottom Line

The Invisalign method is a great way to not only improve the appearance of your smile, but also the health of your entire mouth.

Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, keep your gums healthier, have better bite function, and will be less likely to suffer from unnecessary wear and damage. Clear aligners are convenient and discrete for busy adults.

Let’s remember these 5 points:

• Misaligned teeth can cause oral health issues beyond the cosmetic
• The Invisalign system shifts teeth over time with custom clear aligners
• Proper alignment allows for daily oral hygiene to be more effective
• Consistency is key to achieving maximum benefits
• Consult with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate

Improving your teeth alignment is more than just about your looks. It’s an investment in your long-term oral health.