Invisalign®: A Great Alternative to Traditional Braces Your teeth perform many essential functions every single day. They are responsible for biting and chewing as well as for speaking. The teeth also play an integral role in the health of your jawbone. In addition to these functional purposes, your teeth are also essential for providing you with a gorgeous, confident smile. When your teeth are crooked, you may be faced with several oral health issues. Your smile may also be significantly affected. Traditionally, metal braces have been used to correct misaligned teeth. However, metal braces can cause more embarrassment than crooked teeth. At Raptou Family Dental, we can provide you with an alternative to traditional orthodontics with Invisalign.Effects of Crooked TeethWhen your teeth are crooked, your smile is significantly impacted. Crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious, which can then cause you to try and hide your smile from those around you, an action that can affect the impressions you leave. Crooked teeth do more than just affect your smile. They can also impact your oral health and your quality of life. Misaligned teeth provide hiding places for bacteria and plaque, increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. You may experience uneven tooth wear. You can also suffer bruxism or TMJ pain, both of which can make moving your mouth difficult and painful. Traditional Orthodontic TreatmentTraditional orthodontic treatment involves the use of metal braces. This treatment uses metal brackets and wires to realign your teeth and improve your smile. While an incredibly effective treatment, there are several disadvantages. One of the biggest drawbacks to traditional treatment is that the brackets and wires are prominent in your smile. They can cause you to feel more self-conscious than if you were to leave your teeth untreated. Metal braces can also cause significant discomfort. Brackets can rub your intraoral tissues, causing sores. Additionally, if the wires break, they can poke your cheeks, causing pain. What Is Invisalign®?Invisalign® is a unique treatment that provides an alternative to traditional orthodontics. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that work to gradually straighten your teeth. The aligners resemble mouthguards in appearance and are made to fit over your entire arch of teeth. The aligners are completely clear and disappear from view when placed over your teeth. Additionally, the aligners are removable. However, they should only be removed to eat and to brush your teeth. For optimal results in the shortest period, you should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. How Does Invisalign Work?Invisalign® uses a series of clear plastic aligners. Each set is slightly different from the one before it and is made to be worn for two weeks at a time before switching to the next set. The gradual changes in your aligners help to gently guide your teeth into the proper alignment. The rigid plastic of the aligners works to move your teeth. The plastic puts pressure on your teeth, which puts pressure on the periodontal ligaments. With the teeth loosened, they can then easily be guided to where they need to go. When your treatment is complete, you are provided with a retainer to help maintain your new smile. Benefits of InvisalignInvisalign provides several benefits. These benefits include:
If you want to correct the alignment of your teeth, but want to avoid traditional orthodontics, Invisalign® may be the solution you have been searching for. For more information, and to find out if you are a candidate, call Raptou Family Dental at (614) 427-0449 to schedule your consultation today. |
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