Invisalign is not just about looking gorgeous. Sure, beautiful, straight teeth are a selling point of this successful treatment, but there are so many benefits to Invisalign that are beyond the vanity. At Docklands Dental Studios in Docklands, VIC, we not only provide the most comprehensive Invisalign treatments, but today, we are sharing the benefits of Invisalign that reach far beyond that straight smile.
Properly aligned teeth help preserve oral health and prevent more complex problems from developing in the future. Listed below are six ways that Invisalign can improve your wellbeing and overall quality of life.
#1 A Fix for Overbites
Do you suffer from an overbite? Invisalign clear retainers can help with that. Overbites make up a vast percentage of dental disorders among children. Although a vast number of treatments exist to fix them, Invisalign has proven to be one of the most effective in correcting them. Not only are Invisalign clear aligners comfortable to wear, but they are very transparent. Studies show that 7 out of 10 dental disorders are overbites. Additionally, there are two types of overbites. The first is horizontal and the second is vertical. While horizontal overbites are classified as teeth that protrude out in front of the bottom teeth, vertical overbites happen when top teeth extend far beyond the bottom teeth.
In addition to overbites, Invisalign can address a number of common orthodontic issues. In fact, today, most of the problems that can be corrected with traditional braces can also be address with Invisalign. This includes underbites, crossbites, open bites, spacing, and more.
#2 Proper Position of Jaw
Did you know that Invisalign clear aligners can help with the positioning of your jaw? If you wake up each day with a pounding headache or a sore jaw, then chances are you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). This condition can exacerbate jaw issues, and in some cases, it can lead to the development of TMJ disorder. Not only can teeth grinding lead to eroded enamel, chipped or cracked teeth, but it can cause your facial muscles to hurt.
Malocclusion – or orthodontic misalignment – can also lead to jaw problems. When teeth are crooked, the stress on the jaw joint can create soreness and discomfort. Additionally, if the teeth do not meet together properly, the jaw muscles overcompensate, which leads to increased pain and discomfort. When teeth are aligned as they should be, the temporomandibular joint opens and closes freely and with no pain.
#3 Better Brushing and Flossing
Another benefit to your Invisalign clear aligners is better brushing and flossing. Think about this: You have a row of drinking cups to wash. You set those cups in a nice and neat row, so that you can be assured that you wash every drinking cup. But someone unknowingly places a cup behind another cup, and then you miss washing that cup. The same premise holds true with your teeth. When your teeth are straight, the better able you are to see them, to clean and floss them. Overlapped or crooked teeth are much more difficult to clean. Constant neglect of those teeth can lead to other dental problems such as cavities and periodontal disease. Even if you are able to see those crooked teeth, you may not able to angle your toothbrush or floss effectively enough to remove plaque and bacteria. The straighter your teeth are, the easier it is to maintain them. Invisalign clear retainers are the solution for perfectly aligned teeth that you can see.
#4 Better Speech
Your ability to effectively pronounce words is determined by the position of your teeth. Occasionally, orthodontic misalignment can interfere with proper speech. When the teeth are in the correct alignment, these issues improve. Oftentimes, mispronunciation of words with “s” and “t” are tremendously difficult. As your teeth shift and straighten, your palate and arch will widen. This will give your tongue more room to move.
Many patients are concerned that wearing Invisalign trays will cause them to lisp. Though some individuals require a short adjustment period, most can speak normally within a day or two.
#5 Better Dental Visits and Cleanings
As aforementioned, straighter teeth are easier to clean at home. Your dental hygienist will also find your teeth easier to clean, as well! When teeth are crooked, it takes additional time to place instruments between them. Your hygienist will have to do a bit more work on cleaning crooked or overlapped teeth. There is a chance that all bacteria and plaque may not be removed, despite best efforts. Invisalign can straighten your smile, ensuring that each tooth receives a thorough cleaning.
#6 Less Pain
Traditional braces require a tremendous amount of maintenance. Additionally, some patients find them uncomfortable, especially when they are tightened. Generally, traditional braces are tightened once a month. The process is a tedious one. First, the elastics on each bracket are removed. Next, the arch wire itself is removed. Once the dentist assesses your progress, he or she replaces the arch wire, tightens them to the appropriate pressure, and places new elastics on the brackets to hold everything in place. Conversely, with Invisalign, there are no metal wires to tighten. Each set of aligner trays moves your teeth closer to their ideal positions using gentle, subtle force.
Your Invisalign clear aligners are a wonderful alternative to traditional metal braces, while helping to maintain your overall oral health. They are clear, easy to clean, and highly effective.
Contact Docklands Dental Studio Today
Docklands Dental Studio is conveniently located in the Victoria Harbour Precinct in Docklands, Melbourne. It is easy to get to us from Southbank via cars (through the city or M1 then Wurundjeri Way) or by foot (20-minute walk).
Are you ready to take the first step toward straighter and healthier teeth? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We can design a fully personalized treatment plan to meet your needs and budget. Dial (03) 9021 9487 and let us help you begin the road to a stellar smile with Invisalign clear aligners.