September 12, 2023
About 76% of people base first impressions on another person’s smile. Another 68% say people who smile are more trustworthy, confident, and approachable. Unfortunately, three in five Americans hate how their smile looks in photos.
If you’re unhappy with your smile, SouthShore Orthodontics offers Invisalign treatment options for all ages. Schedule a free consultation with one of our board-certified orthodontists today to see if Invisalign is right for you. Discover 7 amazing benefits of this orthodontic treatment!
1. Avoid Decay
Plaque, bacteria, and food particles have more places to hide when your teeth stick out. The gaps between your teeth can also make it more difficult for you to effectively brush and floss. Without orthodontic care, your risk of tooth decay could increase.
Tooth decay begins when food and bacteria mix, forming plaque. Plaque is the tacky, clear substance that clings onto and between your teeth.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign will give food particles and bacteria fewer places to hide.
2. Promote Healthier Gums
You can get straight teeth and close the gaps between your teeth with Invisalign treatment. Failing to thoroughly brush and floss in between the gaps in your teeth can lead to plaque formation. Excessive plaque can increase your risk of gum disease as well.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath (that doesn’t go away)
- Sensitivity
- Red or swollen gums
- Changes in your bite
- Gums that recede from your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Tender gums
If these symptoms sound familiar, seek treatment for gingivitis right away. When left untreated, gum disease can progress. As your gums recede, your risk of losing teeth will increase.
3. Prevent Teeth Grinding
You might start grinding your teeth if they’re not properly aligned. Bruxism (teeth grinding) throughout the night can wear down your protective tooth enamel. Your risk of tooth decay could increase as a result.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can help. Wearing clear, plastic aligners at night can protect your teeth from bruxism. Neglecting treatment, on the other hand, can lead to complications.
4. Open Your Airways
Orthodontic issues can cause you to develop sleep apnea. Symptoms include morning headaches, gasping for air while you sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Failing to get enough sleep at night will affect your ability to function during the day.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign could treat the underlying cause of your sleep apnea. You’ll have an easier time falling and staying asleep each night.
Neglecting treatment can increase your risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
5. Create Implant Space
Are you missing a tooth? The surrounding teeth might begin leaning toward the gap, and your teeth may begin appearing crooked while also leaving no space for a dental implant.
Beginning orthodontic treatment with Invisalign can help create space for an implant. Once your implant is in place, you can avoid other issues.
Together, these treatment options can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.
6. Get a Confidence Boost
One of the top benefits of Invisalign treatment is its ability to improve self-confidence.
Straightening your teeth will make you feel more comfortable smiling in public or for photos. Smiling will boost the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin.
Invisalign is also a discrete treatment option, making it ideal for adults.
You won’t have to feel self-conscious about someone noticing your aligners. They’re created from clear, thin plastic. While metal braces and wires will affect the appearance of your smile, Invisalign won’t!
7. Correct Your Bite
Invisalign treatment can help correct a variety of bite issues. The most common bite issues include:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
You can talk to your orthodontist to determine if Invisalign will treat your bite issues. Its effectiveness will depend on the severity of your orthodontic problem.
Overbite
An overbite, or an overjet, will cause the top teeth to stick out from the lower teeth. This gap between your teeth can cause additional issues. For example, your teeth will appear exposed when you close your mouth.
Your risk of sustaining an injury could increase as a result.
An overbite can also cause discomfort or make it more difficult to chew. Over time, you might develop jaw pain or speech problems.
Invisalign will gradually move your jaws into alignment. They can help you achieve a healthy gap between your lower and upper teeth.
Underbite
An underbite indicates your bottom teeth are in front of your top teeth when you close your mouth. You can develop an underbite due to:
- Tumors
- Trauma
- Genetics
- Sucking your thumb as a child
You could develop sleep apnea, mouth breathing, or difficulty chewing from an underbite.
It’s easier to treat underbites in younger patients who still have developing jaws. However, treatment is ideal for adults as well. The aligners will readjust your lower jaw to ensure that it’s in the proper position.
Crossbite
If you have a crossbite, your bottom teeth sit in front of your upper teeth. Patients either have a front or backcross bite. You can develop a crossbite due to poor oral care habits, genetics, or an early loss of your baby teeth.
Your aligners will pull the teeth that are sticking out back into place. You can achieve proper alignment to improve your smile.
If you have a crossbite due to a jaw development issue, you might need to combine multiple treatments. Talk to your local orthodontists. They’ll evaluate your dental health to determine the best option.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the bottom and top teeth don’t touch or overlap when you close your mouth. This is the least common alignment issue of the four. However, it can still affect your oral and physical well-being.
Neglecting to fix an open bite can lead to speech issues.
Over time, you could wear down the protective tooth enamel on your back teeth. Your risk of breaking or chipping a tooth will increase.
Get Invisalign in Riverview Today
If you need orthodontic treatment, look no further! Getting Invisalign in Riverview, Fla., will more than straighten your smile. It will also benefit your oral and overall health.
Our expert orthodontists will take the time to review your unique situation to help create a personalized Invisalign treatment plan just for you.
Contact SouthShore Orthodontics today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your Invisalign treatment options.