How Orthodontic Treatment Improves Your Health
A straight smile can help you make lasting impressions. But did you also know straight teeth are beneficial for your oral health? If you’re suffering from crooked or misaligned teeth, you may find that your confidence and oral health could use a boost.
At the Centre For Invisible Orthodontics, our expert dentist Dr. Grussmark features Invisalign® clear aligners to straighten your smile. These discreet aligners offer effective orthodontic treatment without the hassle of metal wires or brackets. Invisalign can help you enjoy the benefits of a straight smile in half the time as metal braces!
While some patients think that orthodontic treatment only provides cosmetic benefits, straight teeth can improve your oral health in various ways. A straight smile can do wonders for your overall wellness from easier maintenance to improved digestion. We’re proud to provide expert orthodontic care to patients in Miami, Brickell, and Coral Gables, FL. Read on to learn how you can benefit from straightening your smile with Invisalign!
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 I undergo the Invisalign treatment after having worn braces?
If you find that your teeth aren’t straight after braces, you may have experienced an orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse happens when teeth straightened by braces revert to their original positions. Patients who didn’t wear their retainers enough after treatment are more likely to experience orthodontic relapse.
Fortunately, Invisalign can help patients get straight teeth without braces. Clear aligners are a much more comfortable solution to misaligned or crooked teeth and offer permanent results. If you’re interested in undergoing the Invisalign treatment, contact our Brickell office at (786) 563-4973 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Grussmark.
Can Invisalign address issues with my bite?
In addition to being one of the quickest ways to get straight teeth, Invisalign can help resolve all types of bite issues, including:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Open bites
- Crossbites
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 easily, promote clear speech, and reduce strain on your muscles and jaw. There are also many health benefits of straight teeth, as aligned smiles are easier to clean.
Will I need to wear a retainer after straightening my smile with Invisalign?
In most cases, wearing a nightly retainer after your Invisalign treatment is recommended to keep your teeth from moving out of alignment. Wearing a retainer is especially important directly after 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 to enjoy many years of confident smiles.
How long does it take to get straight teeth with Invisalign?
While it depends on a patient’s unique orthodontic needs, the typical treatment time of Invisalign is about nine to 12 months. Traditional braces typically require double the time to straighten your teeth.
A patient’s oral health, diet, genetics, and other factors may influence how long they must wear aligners. Dr. Grussmark will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Can I straighten my smile with Invisalign if I still have my wisdom teeth?
Retaining your wisdom teeth won’t automatically disqualify you from straightening your teeth with Invisalign. However, depending on the condition of your teeth, Dr. Grussmark may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed to benefit your oral health or ensure a successful Invisalign treatment.
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 a comfortable treatment.
Does Invisalign help straighten teeth in any condition?
Invisalign can correct the same orthodontic issues as traditional metal braces. No matter the severity of your orthodontic problems, you can achieve a straighter smile with Invisalign.
Dr. Grussmark will work with you to ensure your orthodontic treatment comfortably and effectively addresses your individual needs. We recommend that you schedule an appointment at our Brickell office today to learn how Invisalign can help correct your teeth’s alignment problems.