If you have considered having your teeth straightened by an Invisalign dentist instead of getting old-fashioned metal braces from an orthodontist, you may be interested to know that the benefits of the Invisalign method go beyond cosmetic dentistry - although that's certainly a big part of it (not to mention that fact that they are invisible and removable!) The Physiological Benefits of Invisalign People don't always realize it, but crooked, misaligned teeth are not just unsightly and unattractive - they can cause some serious physical ailments as well.
One serious problem is that crooked teeth can result in one biting the inside of the mouth or the tongue while eating or chewing.
This can be extremely painful, and the resultant swelling can make it more likely that a person will injure his/herself again in the same place.
Another issue that occurs with misaligned teeth and an uncorrected bite is TMJ (temporomandibular jaw) pain.
In addition to pain and discomfort, this misalignment of the teeth can cause unusual and uneven tooth wear over time.
Other symptoms are head, neck and even shoulder pain.
Invisalign is more than cosmetic dentistry; it's about overall quality of life.
Other Cosmetic Dentistry Issues To Think About It may have been years since you saw anyone with metal braces on the teeth, and there's a good reason for that.
Braces may correct the bite and tooth alignment, but they can cause a fair number of problems as well.
For example, metal braces make it impossible to use dental floss and make simple brushing difficult to do completely or well.
The implications of this are enough to make anyone shudder.
Furthermore, tooth decay may go undetected, since metal in the mouth means that dental x-rays cannot be taken.
On the other hand, Invisalign retainers can easily be removed for eating and for dental hygiene.
Of course, what everyone who has benefited from the Invisalign treatment likes best is the fact that nobody else knows you're wearing them - no more unsightly metal mouth! It Costs a Bit More, But Is Invisalign Worth It? Currently, there are approximately 50,000 Invisalign dentists practicing around the world, helping nearly one million patients to achieve a more attractive smile and less pain.
The cost of the Invisalign regimen is slightly more than traditional metal braces, but patients agree that the extra monetary cost is well worth the comfort, convenience and relatively fast results - a course of this orthodontic treatment lasts about half as long as treatment with metal braces.
The only other thing to keep in mind is that success of Invisalign treatment depends on your wearing them as much as possible and making sure you return to the dentist every two to three weeks for adjustments (meaning that you'll get a new retainer).
Some people who have been disappointed with Invisalign are those who forget to wear them - so be certain you follow your Invisalign dentist's instruction carefully and remove them only for eating and cleaning your teeth.
That said, there's no time like the present to get started.
Call for an appointment today and see what Invisalign can do for you!