How Invisalign Can Improve Your Life

Invisalign is the most popular clear aligner system for straightening teeth, especially for older teens and adults of all ages. Despite the simplicity of wearing Invisalign, the advanced technology and design behind the treatment process make it exceptionally effective and uniquely beneficial.

Here are eight powerful ways Invisalign can improve your oral and overall health during and after treatment.

1. Periodontitis Prevention

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease and the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Excessive plaque or tartar buildup pushing into and irritating sensitive gum tissue is most often the culprit.

Crooked teeth are more prone to developing plaque and tartar because toothbrush bristles and floss can’t reach all of the nooks and crannies easily. Reduced risk of developing periodontitis and other stages of gum diseases is one of the most important benefits of straighter teeth.

2. Decay Prevention

Tooth decay is a frustrating problem for children and adults. Although most tooth decay can be removed and the damage repaired with restorative dentistry, it can still take a toll on your oral health and even lead to the need for extractions in severe cases. 

Invisalign can be a valuable tool in the fight against tooth decay. It straightens the spacing between teeth and eliminates overlapping that often traps bacteria and encourages decay. Another bonus of Invisalign aligners is if you do develop a cavity during treatment, your dentist can fill the cavity much easier as there aren’t metal braces to work around.  

3. Lower Risks of Illness

An unbalanced oral microbiome doesn’t just make your smile vulnerable to decay and gum disease. It also exposes your body to heightened risks of systemic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and some forms of cancer. 

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene after Invisalign is just as much about your smile as it is about your general well-being. As you prioritize your oral health, you’ll also protect your physical health. 

4. Fresher Breath

Bad bacteria is most often the cause of stubborn and lingering bad breath or halitosis. While most halitosis-causing bacteria live on the tongue, trapped food debris and untreated tooth decay or gum disease can certainly leave your breath smelling less than fresh, despite frequent brushing and flossing.

Invisalign makes it easier to maintain fresh breath during, and after, treatment. Since you remove the aligners before meals and brushing, you won’t need to worry about trapped food like you might with bracket and wire braces. After your teeth are straight, you’ll also find that keeping your breath smelling fresh is easier since you can easily remove any stuck food and plaque with a toothbrush and floss.

5. Improved Mental Health

Living with crooked teeth or constant jaw pain from a misaligned bite can take a massive toll on mental health. When you don’t feel like you can smile openly, you simply don’t smile as often, which has a substantial impact on happiness, confidence, and general wellness. 

Invisalign treatment is empowering and boosts your mental health and well-being in an immeasurable way, especially if your crooked smile was a severe pain point in your life. You’ll feel the freedom to laugh and smile openly and often.

6. Simplified Oral Hygiene

An effective oral hygiene routine isn’t necessarily complicated. You need to brush twice daily, floss daily, limit sugary and acidic food and drink, and see your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. But these simple tasks are more difficult when your bite alignment is working against you. 

Invisalign makes essential oral hygiene habits more effective and easier to complete. During treatment, you’ll remove your aligners so you can brush and floss without any obstructions. After treatment, you’ll find that caring for your newly straightened smile is easier than it was with crooked and misaligned teeth.

7. TMJ Disorder Relief

Living with a misaligned bite can often lead to jaw pain and limited mobility due to abnormal pressure and movement of the TMJ or temporomandibular joint. By realigning your teeth with Invisalign, you can get permanent relief from TMJ disorders and general TMJ-related discomfort when you chew and speak.

A related benefit is your teeth will experience less wear and tear when your bite is in proper alignment. Not only will the pressure on your TMJ be relieved, but your teeth always won’t grind and rub on each other. In some cases, bruxism associated with TMJ can be solved entirely with Invisalign.

8. Sleep Apnea Relief

A misaligned bite can make normal breathing difficult, especially at night. A common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is open-mouth breathing. OSA is most often caused by soft tissues in the throat collapsing when inhaling, but it’s less commonly known that a bad bite alignment can be a major contributing factor.

Invisalign shifts the teeth into a better alignment, making breathing easier during the day and night. It may not solve your OSA entirely, but it can reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Looking for an Invisalign dentist in the DC area?

All but the most severe forms of malocclusion can be effectively treated with Invisalign, and Invisalign often shows results in less time than traditional braces. If you have a slight overbite or crooked, overlapped teeth, chances are you may be a candidate. All you need to do to find out is schedule a consultation with Dr. Enjati to get started on your Invisalign journey.