How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Your Health
At the Centre For Invisible Orthodontics, Dr. Grussmark features Invisalign® clear aligners to straighten your smile. While some patients think that orthodontic treatment only provides cosmetic benefits, straight teeth can actually improve your health in a variety of ways.
Explore our guide to learn how you can benefit from straightening your smile.
5 Ways Straight Teeth Affect Your Health
Reduced Bacteria
If your upper and lower jaw are misaligned, it can be hard to keep your molars clean. Crooked teeth also trap food crumbs and bacteria, creating a buildup of plaque in areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean with daily brushing and flossing. You’re also less likely to get food stuck in your teeth, helping you eat more comfortably and avoid costly dental issues.
Improved Digestion
Teeth play a vital role in breaking down your food so it can be properly digested. One disadvantage of crooked teeth is that they make it more difficult to chew your food, potentially causing stomach problems.
In particular, acid reflux is directly linked to improperly chewed food. In addition to causing discomfort, the stomach acids can coat your teeth and wear down their enamel, putting you at risk for cavities. Straight teeth will allow you to chew your food correctly, helping the natural digestion process.
Clear Speech
Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can lead to speech problems, including lisps and whistling sounds. This can be very detrimental in professional and social situations, preventing you from speaking clearly.
Aligning your teeth with braces or Invisalign will allow you to speak with total confidence.
Enhanced Strength
Straight teeth allow your bite to close the way it’s supposed to, making them less likely to chip or crack. With an uneven bite, your teeth are more vulnerable to damage and can break from something as simple as biting too hard.
To protect your teeth from damage, we recommend correcting your bite alignment.
Fewer Headaches
One of the most common side effects of crooked teeth is frequent headaches. This results from uneven wear on your teeth, which puts a lot of stress on your jaw. In many cases, an overly-stressed jaw will lead to TMJ problems and further symptoms.
If you can’t seem to find a solution for your headaches, try straightening your smile and see how it helps.
Visit Dr. Grussmark For Orthodontic Treatment
If you have crooked teeth, Dr. Grussmark can correct your bite alignment and provide relief for any pain or other symptoms you’re experiencing. Whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign, he’ll develop a customized treatment plan that produces the results you expect.
To learn more about your treatment options, call our office at 786-563-4973 and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Grussmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign address issues with my bite?
Yes! In addition to straightening your teeth, Invisalign can help resolve an overbite or underbite. By shifting the arch of your upper and lower teeth into position, Invisalign clear aligners can close the gap in your bite to create beautiful, functional results. Aligning your bite with Invisalign can help you eat and chew more easily, promote clear speech, and reduce strain on your muscles and jaw.
Will I need to wear a retainer after straightening my smile with Invisalign?
In most cases, wearing a retainer at night is recommended to keep your teeth from moving out of alignment. This is especially important in the time directly after orthodontic treatment while your teeth are less secure in their proper place. Regular use of a retainer is often the best way to prevent orthodontic relapse. After you’ve achieved beautiful straight teeth with Invisalign, you’ll want to preserve them so you can enjoy many years of confident smiles.
I still have my wisdom teeth. Can Invisalign still be used to align my teeth?
Retaining your wisdom teeth won’t necessarily disqualify you from straightening your teeth with Invisalign. Depending on the condition of your teeth, Dr. Grussmark may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed to benefit your oral health.
Wisdom teeth can crowd your surrounding teeth and make it difficult to achieve a straight smile that lasts. However, the decision is always up to you and Dr. Grussmark will make sure you get the best results with the treatment you’re comfortable with.