If you have been postponing getting orthodontic treatment due to the undesirable appearance of metal braces, you might be happy to learn about Invisalign. It is a revolutionary treatment that uses clear aligners to adjust your teeth to the optimal position slowly. Created with a medical-grade polyurethane resin, San Antonio invisalign aligners are almost invisible, with their edge riding the ridgeline of your teeth.
Why should I straighten crooked teeth?
Image is often the main concern for many people looking to fix their crooked teeth. Overbites, underbites, and other dental issues can blow your self-esteem and make you feel bad about your appearance. However, straightening your teeth does more than improve your aesthetics. Crooked teeth can cause major dental issues, such as periodontal disease, when left unresolved. Straight teeth allow you to chew properly and eliminate uneven grinding on teeth. Straight teeth also align the jaw and help open airways to help people with sleep apnea.
Below are some of the surprising benefits of Invisalign
More comfort
If you have had metal braces before, you know too well about the discomfort they cause. Traditional metal braces have brackets with sharp edges that dig and cut into your lips, leaving sores that are difficult to heal. Applying wax outside the brackets may help for a short while, as the wax often falls off quickly.
On the other side, removable aligners are made with high-quality resin and have smooth edges, so you won’t have any metal digging into your mouth.
Easier to clean
One of the upsides of a removable aligner is that it allows you to clean your teeth as you would normally. But traditional braces are usually a hassle to maintain because bits of food and plaque usually stick around and inside the brackets. These are often difficult to clean properly, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Invisalign is removable, meaning you can continue with your normal oral care routine. Brushing and flossing can all be done as usual without the need for special equipment. You can also clean your aligners to ensure it has no build-up of food or bacteria. Cleaning the inside of your aligner container when you remove your aligners to eat, drink, or clean your teeth is also vital so that bacteria doesn’t build up.
Fewer dental visits
Traditional braces require frequent orthodontic visits; these visits may include changing wire size, bracket removal and replacement, tightening brackets, or wiring specific brackets together with extra wire. But invisible aligners eliminate frequent dental visits; you only need to visit between four and six weeks. Between then, you will have a set of clear aligners at home for you to switch to every two weeks.
No food adjustments
Metal braces limit the types of foods and drinks you can have, but with clear aligners, all foods and drinks are permissible. Because the metal braces can snap off or the wires bend, you should avoid crunchy, sticky, and hard foods such as popcorn, caramel, gum, and nuts.
If you have crooked teeth, consult your orthodontist at AB Dental & Oral Surgery to know if you are a good candidate for clear aligners.
